Herbal-Infused Oils by Sasha Botanica

Herbal-infused oils are a cornerstone of plant-based body care—simple to make, deeply nourishing, and endlessly versatile. By soaking herbs in oil, you gently extract their medicinal properties in a form that’s easy for the skin to receive. These oils form the base for salves and balms, yes, but they’re more than just functional ingredients. Used on their own, they become healing massage oils, hair and scalp nourishments, and sensory medicine for the skin. Infused oils carry the spirit of the plant into the body.

What Oils Work Best?

Before you start infusing, it’s important to choose a carrier oil that can handle heat without going rancid and that matches the purpose of your final product. Here are a few commonly used options:

• Olive Oil: A go-to for many herbalists. It’s shelf-stable, affordable, and rich in skin-nourishing compounds. Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil.
• Castor Oil: Deeply penetrating and heat-generating, this oil excels in moving stagnation. It pairs well with warming herbs like ginger or cayenne.
• Sesame Oil: Common in Ayurvedic practice, sesame oil holds up well to heat and works well in massage oils.
• Jojoba Oil: A more expensive option, but a good one for facial care or sensitive skin. Jojoba closely resembles our skin’s natural oils and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel.

Infusion Methods: Measured vs. Folk

In general, there are two main ways to make infused oils: the measured method, which uses specific ratios, and the folk method, which is more intuitive and less exact.

Measured Method (for dried herbs)

This method is great for consistency, especially if you plan to sell your products or need to repeat a recipe.

Steps:

1. Weigh your dried herb (for example, 1 oz of calendula).
2. Add 1.5 teaspoons of high-proof alcohol per ounce of herb to lightly moisten it—this helps extract more plant compounds and prevents spoilage.
3. Choose a ratio (commonly 1:5, 1:8, or 1:10). For example, for a 1:5 infusion with 1 oz of herb, you’d add 5 fluid oz of oil.
4. Combine in a clean jar and stir well.
5. Infuse using heat or sunlight (see below).
6. Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place.

Folk Method (for dried herbs)

This method doesn’t require weighing or measuring. It’s based on visual and tactile cues—useful for small batches or personal use.

Steps:

1. Fill a jar halfway to three-quarters full with coarsely ground dried herbs.
2. Lightly dampen the herbs with alcohol until they feel slightly moist but not wet.
3. Pour oil over the herbs until fully covered and stir thoroughly to remove air pockets.
4. Cap the jar and infuse it with heat or sunlight (see below).
5. Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place.

Infusion Styles

Sun Infusion – A slow, simple method ideal for summer.

• Place the sealed jar of oil and herbs inside a paper bag or cardboard box to protect it from direct light.
• Set it in a sunny, warm location for 2–3 weeks, shaking daily.
• Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place.

Double Boiler Infusion – Faster and great for colder months.

• Place your oil jar in a pot of warm water (make sure no water gets inside the jar!).
• Heat gently—keep the water at a low simmer, not boiling.
• Infuse for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Larger batches (like half-gallons) can go up to 8 hours.
• Strain through cheesecloth and store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place.

Fresh Plant Infusions

Fresh herbs can also be used, though they require more care due to their water content.

Steps:

1. Harvest and wilt the plant for 8–24 hours to reduce moisture.
2. Blend with oil into a loose paste (like a green smoothie).
3. Pour into a jar and cover with cheesecloth (do not seal—it needs to breathe!).
4. Place the jar in a double boiler and heat gently (around 150°F) for about 8 hours.
5. Let cool and strain through cheesecloth—try not to press the herbs too much, as this can squeeze unwanted water into your oil.
6. Store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place

Making Herbal Salves

Salves are solid versions of your infused oils—easy to carry and long-lasting.

Basic Salve Recipe:

• Gently heat your infused oil in a double boiler.
• Add 1 oz of beeswax per cup of oil (adjust to preference).
• Stir until the beeswax fully melts.
• Optional: add essential oils, vitamin E, or kinds of butter like shea or cocoa at this stage.
• Pour into clean jars and let cool before sealing.

Once your infused oil is complete, you hold in your hands a base for countless herbal creations—each one an expression of your plants, your process, and your purpose. These oils can be gently melted with beeswax to form salves and balms (wonderful for soothing dry skin, tending to cuts and scrapes) or massaging into sore muscles and stiff joints. If you’re a soapmaker, consider using your infused oils in cold or hot process soap – not only do they carry the herbal properties into your bars, but they can also naturally tint your soap with subtle earth tones, depending on the plant. For daily rituals, infused oils can be used directly as massage oils or moisturizers—warm a little in your hands and rub it into your skin, letting the herbs do their quiet, steady work. For hair and scalp, choose strengthening herbs like nettle, rosemary, or horsetail, and apply the oil as a nourishing treatment. Those who enjoy crafting lotions, creams, or lip balms can blend infused oils into the oil phase of emulsions or with butters and waxes for rich, healing balms. However, you choose to use them, infused oils offer a flexible, tactile way to bring the healing language of plants into everyday life.

+ + +

Sasha Botanica inspires others through hands-on workshops and collaborations with local artists and herbalists in the Hudson Valley, encouraging a deeper connection to nature and community. Her mission is to empower people to explore the healing power of plants, creating unique products that reflect the beauty and gifts of the natural world. Want to know more? Check out our Exclusive Interview.

Want to take a class, order her products or book Sasha for your private event?

Follow/Connect with Sasha Botanica Here > Website | Instagram

All photos by Sasha Botanica.