DIY Herb Oil in a Crockpot

Learning how to make your own herb infused oils doesn't have to be hard or difficult. People have been infusing herbs into oils for thousands of years, we have just forgotten how to. Allow me to refresh your memory. 

There are several methods to choose from when deciding to infuse your oil with herbs. The traditional method is the cold infusion method and this includes simply covering your herbs with the desired choice of oil and allowing them to steep in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Or the sun infusion method where you allow herbs to steep in the window for 4-6 weeks. Both methods are great but who has the time for all of that? Let's discuss a much faster way using your crockpot to infuse herbs into oil. 

What You'll Need to make herb infused oil

dried herbs of your choosing

carrier oil of your choosing

clean, dry mason jar with lid

crockpot

dish rag

cheesecloth, coffee filter, or muslin bag

fine mesh strainer (if available, not necessary)

How to make her infused oil in a crockpot

1. Fill mason jar with 1/2 to 3/4 full of dried herbs.
2. Pour liquid carrier oil over herbs to completely cover, use stir stick to submerge all herbs in oil and then secure with lid.
3. Line the crockpot with a dish towel, set the jar(s) on top. Add water to the crockpot, fill up to the neck of jar(s). Leave crockpot lid OFF.
4. Turn crockpot temperature to warm setting (or lowest setting) approximately 100 degrees and allow herbs to infuse overnight (8-24 hours)
5. Remove jar(s) from warm bath and dry with towel to prevent water from dripping in oil.
6. Grab a muslin bag or cheesecloth or coffee filter and use it strain out the spent herbs. Use a clean jar/bowl, place mesh strainer (if available) on top, then lay out cheesecloth or coffee filter and pour herb mixture over top (or use muslin bag to pour herb mixture into) make sure to squeeze everything out of cheesecloth, coffee filter, or muslin bag!
7. Allow to cool and then pour herb infused oil into a clear glass jar or amber bottle, secure with lid. Label and date. Store in a dry, cool place.

 

How to use herb infused oil

Herb infused oil can be used a variety of different ways; soaps, lotions, balm/salves, and skincare products. Try using infused arnica oil in a salve for pain relief! And if you like using essential oils, you can add them too. 

Check out my DIY herbal apothecary kits!

I'd love to know what you make with your herb infused oil. Tag me on Instagram @herbalroseapothecary so I can check it out!