< previous page | page_19 | next page >
Page 19
| ing, a chest rub or ear infection. For medicinal purposes, olive oil is the best solvent. |
| To make an infused herbal oil, place 8 ounces of dried herbs in a clean, dry pint jar. Add olive oil to one inch above the level of the herbs in the jar. Cover with a well-fitting lid, but don't tighten it completely. Place the jar in a warm place (on top of a refrigerator or water heater) for two to four weeks or place in a saucepan of water on low heat for three days, or in the sun for ten days. The ideal temperature during infusion is 75 to 100 degrees F. After the appropriate length of time, strain the oil through cheesecloth and compost the marc (spent herbs). Store the herbal oil in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in a cool, dark place. Label it as described in the directions for making tinctures. You can also add a few drops of essential oil, such as chamomile, lemon, tea tree or a combination of patchouli and sandalwood to the infused oil to help preserve it. It will keep about a year. |
| Fresh herbs can also be used to make infused oils, but they tend to mold because of the water content. If you are using fresh herbs, wilt them overnight first to eliminate some of the water and then chop them finely. Pack the jar with fresh herbs, leaving an inch of headroom at the top. Add olive oil, to one inch above the level of the herbs. Use a wooden chopstick or a knife to poke down into the jar, releasing any air, so that the herbs are completely submerged and surrounded by oil. This helps to insure that the oil will not spoil. Follow the rest of the directions above. |
| When straining the oil, don't wring or squeeze the herbs, as this will introduce water into the oil. After straining, let the oil sit undisturbed for a day. Since oil floats on water, the water will settle to the bottom of the jar. Carefully siphon off the water with a turkey baster and discard it. Removing this water will prevent the oil from |
< previous page | page_19 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!