How To Prepare An Infused Oil

You will need a clean quart glass jar that is completely dry inside.

Place 1/2 cup of dried herb of choice inside the jar and add 2 cups of good quality extra virgin olive oil. Cut out a circle of waxed paper a little larger than the top of the jar. Place the waxed paper over the top of the jar and secure with a rubber band. Don’t use the jar lid as the oil needs to expand and infuse with the herb.

Place the jar in a sunny window for ten days. Strain out the used herb material and discard it. The jar can be sealed or capped at this time.

The oil is now ready to use for making creams, balms, ointment and salves.

Some herbs that can be used for infused oils:

Calendula – soothing for itching and rashes

St. John’s wort – skin infections

Basil – plumping up fine lines and wrinkles

Sage – for ringworm and infections

Thyme – antibiotic and skin restoration

Lavender – blemishes and spots

Lemon balm – dry heels and elbows

Mint – hard or brittle nails.

****Recipe For Hand Cream****

Warm, but do not boil, 1/4 cup of the infused oil of choice, add 3 tablespoons of cocoa butter and 1 ounce of melted beeswax. Blend the ingredients with a spoon and scoop into small plastic containers. Press either a sage leaf, mint leaf, basil or lavender stem in the center of the cream. Seal with a circle of waxed paper and place the lids firmly on the containers. Store at room temperature for up to one year.

This hand cream can also be used on brittle nails, cracked heels, dry or scaly elbows.

~ Meadow Walker