Infused Herbal Oils

Today I used the last of my facial oil and when I went to replenish my bottle, I discovered I was out of my favorite infused herbal flower oil. It was definitely time to make some more!

I use the old simpler’s method for making my herbal preparations. I prefer this method because it’s easy and the way it’s been done by folk herbalists for hundreds of years.

The whole process of growing my own herbs or collecting what I need from a local herb store is very enjoyable for me. I like making my own tincture preparations instead of going to the store and buying them off the shelf, never mind the fact that I save a lot of money by doing this. I also make my own facial oils, creams, skin toners, facial cleansers and herbal masks for the same reason.

How to make my herbal flower infused oil

• Fill a clean, dry jar half way with dried organic calendula flowers, rose petals, and lavender flowers.
• Pour the menstrum (olive oil) over the flowers. Fill the jar to the top, making sure the olive oil completely covers the dried flowers. Seal with a tight fitting lid.
• Place the container in a dry, warm dark place. Let the oil & flowers macerate for six weeks.
• Place your jar in a bowl to collect any seepage.
• When it’s ready,  strain the oil into a clean dry jar. Squeeze the saturated herbal flowers, extracting as much of the remaining oil as you can.
• Store the oil in a cool dark place.

I use this infused oil to clean and moisturize my face daily. I apply a teaspoon or so of the oil to my face and massage it gently into my forehead, cheeks, chin, then wipe it off with a warm damp wash cloth. I follow this with a herbal infused witch hazel toner, and repeat this process daily in the morning and before bedtime.

Olive oil has been used for centuries to nourish and moisturize the skin and it’s been one of my favorite for years.