Infusing oils with natural ingredients has been a time-honoured practice, treasured for its ability to harness the therapeutic properties of herbs, flowers, and other botanicals. Not only can this create luxurious products but it can also unlock a myriad of benefits for our skin, hair and overall well-being. 

For  those wanting to delve into the world of oil infusion, we outline some of the benefits and also a few things you need to consider. 

Benefits of Infused Oils:

Nourishing and Moisturising:

Depending on the ingredients you choose, infused oils offer some great added benefits such as moisturising, soothing or revitalising dry or damaged skin. They can also improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it supple, radiant, and youthful.

Healing and Soothing Properties:

Certain herbs and botanicals possess remarkable healing and soothing properties. Infusing oils with these natural ingredients can create some potent remedies for various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, sunburns, and acne. Calendula, chamomile, lavender, and tea tree are just a few examples of botanicals renowned for their healing effects.

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects:

Infused oils often contain high concentrations of antioxidants, which combat free radicals and protect the skin from premature ageing. Antioxidant-rich oils, such as rosehip seed oil or green tea-infused oil, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots while promoting a youthful complexion.

Aromatherapeutic Benefits:

In addition to their topical benefits, infused oils can offer aromatherapeutic effects, enhancing relaxation, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of well-being. Essential oils, such as lavender or ylang-ylang, can be infused to create blends that could really elevate your self-care routine.

Considerations for Infusing Oils:

Choosing the Base Oil:

The choice of base oil is crucial for successful infusions. It’s always a good idea to opt for high-quality carrier oils, such as jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil, which have excellent stability and skin-nourishing properties. Consider the characteristics of the base oil, such as its viscosity and absorption rate, to ensure it suits your intended use.

Selecting the Right Ingredients:

When selecting ingredients for infusion, opt for organic and high-quality botanicals. Ensure the chosen herbs, flowers, or other natural materials are clean, dry, and free from pesticides or contaminants. Experiment with different combinations to create customised blends tailored to your specific needs.

So how do you go about infusing your oils?

There are various methods you can use to infuse oils. These include solar infusion, heat infusion and cold infusion. Each technique has its advantages and considerations. 

A solar infusion is exactly as the name suggests. Herbs are steeped in oil in a sunny location for several weeks. It’s a gentle process, but time consuming.

Heat infusions involve heating the oil and herbs together, while cold infusions require a longer steeping period without heat. 

Patience and Storage:

Infusing oils requires patience as it takes time for the botanicals to release their beneficial properties into the oil. Allow the infusion process to take its course, typically ranging from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the method you choose.

Make sure to store your infused oils in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their potency and extend their shelf life.

Some things to keep in mind: 

1. Make sure you choose herbs that are safe for topical use. Just because a herb is safe for internal use, it might not be so great on your skin. Make sure to do your research before choosing your herbs.
   
   
2. Consider the intended use of the infused oil. For example, if you are making an oil to help soothe sore muscles, you may want to choose herbs like arnica or comfrey that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
   
   
3. Storage is important! When making an infused oil for topical use, it’s important to choose a container that is safe for use for oils. Glass jars or bottles with airtight lids are a good choice.
   
   
4. Label your infused oils with the herbs and intended use. This will help you keep track of what you've made and make it easier to find the right oil when you need it.
   
   
5. Test the oil on a small patch of skin before using it all over your body. Even if the herbs you've chosen are considered safe for topical use, everyone's skin is different and some people may have an adverse reaction. Always do a patch test before using the oil more widely.

Calming lavender-infused oil:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of dried lavender flowers

- 1 cup of carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil)

- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer

- Glass jar with airtight lid

Instructions:

1. Place the dried lavender flowers in a glass jar.
2. Pour the carrier oil over the lavender flowers, making sure they are completely submerged in the oil.
3. Use a clean spoon to gently stir the mixture, making sure the flowers are evenly distributed in the oil.
4. Screw the lid onto the jar and place it in a sunny location for at least 2 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help extract the oils from the lavender flowers.
5. After 2 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass jar.
6. Store the lavender-infused oil in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

To use the lavender-infused oil, simply apply a small amount to your skin and massage gently. The calming scent of lavender can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, while the carrier oil nourishes and moisturises your skin. You can also use this oil as a base for homemade skincare products, such as lotions or balms.

Oil infusion for sore muscles and reducing inflammation:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup of dried arnica flowers

- 1/2 cup of dried comfrey leaves

- 1 cup of carrier oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil)

- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer

- Glass jar with airtight lid

Instructions:

1. Place the dried arnica and comfrey in a glass jar.
2. Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, making sure they are completely submerged in the oil.
3. Use a clean spoon to gently stir the mixture, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed in the oil.
4. Screw the lid onto the jar and place it in a sunny location for at least 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help extract the oils from the herbs.
5. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass jar.
6. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

To use the infused oil, simply apply a small amount to the affected area and massage gently. The arnica and comfrey are both known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making this oil great for reducing pain and swelling. You can also use this oil as a base for homemade balms or salves.

Energising topical infused oil to help uplift your mood and energise your body:

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup of dried rosemary leaves

- 1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves

- 1 cup of carrier oil (such as grape seed oil or sunflower oil)

- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer

- Glass jar with airtight lid

Instructions:

1. Place the dried rosemary and peppermint in a glass jar.
2. Pour the carrier oil over the herbs, making sure they are completely submerged in the oil.
3. Use a clean spoon to gently stir the mixture, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed in the oil.
4. Screw the lid onto the jar and place it in a sunny location for at least 4 weeks. Shake the jar daily to help extract the oils from the herbs.
5. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer into a clean glass jar.
6. Store the infused oil in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

To use the infused oil, simply apply a small amount to your skin and massage gently. The rosemary and peppermint are both known for their invigorating and stimulating properties, making this oil great for energising your body and improving your focus. You can also use this oil as a base for homemade body scrubs or bath oils.