This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend high quality products and services that I believe will be helpful to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Infusing your own body oil with herbs is one of my favorite things to do. It's more than just a craft—it’s a ritual of self-care rooted in nature. There’s something deeply magical about working with herbs and oils that nature provides for us. It’s a practice that connects us to centuries of tradition while allowing us to create something personalized and uniquely our own. By making your own herbal-infused oils, you’re not only caring for your skin with pure, natural ingredients—free from synthetic additives—but also cultivating a deeper connection with nature. It can also help you tap in to your intuition! By working with herbs and oils that call to you, you're listening to your inner wisdom and honoring what it tells you.
Equipment Needed
Mason jar (8 oz or 16 oz, depending on how much you want to make)
Herbs of choice
Oil of choice
Fine mesh strainer
Glass measuring cup with pour spout
Instructions
Prepare Your Jar
Fill your jar about halfway with your chosen herbs. If the herbs are finely cut, halfway is perfect. If they’re whole, like rose petals, fill the jar about ¾ full.
Add the Oil
Top the herbs with your chosen oil, making sure they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly with a lid and give it a good shake.
Infusion Process
Place the jar in a cool, dark spot for 6 to 8 weeks. Periodically check on your infusion, giving it a gentle shake each time. Patience is key! The longer you wait, the more potent the infusion.
Strain the Oil
Once the infusion period is complete, set a fine mesh strainer over a large glass measuring cup and line it with cheesecloth.
Carefully pour the infused oil and herbs into the cheesecloth-lined strainer. Gather the sides of the cheesecloth and gently squeeze to extract the oil.
For maximum yield, really squeeze the herbs to extract every last drop.
Store and Use
Transfer the strained oil into a clean jar or bottle. Apply liberally to your body after showering or bathing. While essential oils are optional, the natural scent of your infusion is often delightful on its own.
You can use the infused oil as it is or incorporate it into other skincare creations like body butters or balms. The infused oil becomes the perfect nourishing base for these products, enhancing their benefits with the herbs you’ve chosen.
Herb and Oil Combination Ideas
Base Oil & Herb Suggestions:
Sesame oil and/or jojoba oil can be infused with:
Pink rose buds/petals
Helichrysum
Lavender
Calendula
Rosemary
Elderflower
Other Wonderful Base Oils:
Grapeseed oil
Apricot kernel oil
Avocado oil
For a more cost-effective approach, infuse your herbs in a less expensive base oil and add finer oils later so none are wasted during the infusion process.
Featured Recipe: Pink Rose Infused Oil
Infusion:
Infuse pink rose buds in grapeseed oil for 8 weeks following the method above.
Blending:
Fill a jar a little over halfway with your completed rose infused oil.
Top with a mix of rosehip seed oil and hibiscus seed oil.
Optional Enhancements:
Add high-quality rose otto essential oil and frankincense essential oil for an extra luxurious touch.
Tips for Success
Always use organic herbs and oils. This prevents pesticides or chemicals from coming into contact with your skin.
Choose oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic whenever possible. Cold-pressed oils retain their nutrients, while refined oils often undergo processes involving chemical solvents like hexane, which strip the oil of its natural benefits.
Companies that I use for herbs and oils include Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-Op, Starwest Botanicals and From Nature With Love.
For essential oils, I use Original Swiss Aromatics.
Creating herbal-infused oils isn’t just about skincare—it’s about crafting a ritual of care and connection. With each step, you’re infusing your oil not only with the healing properties of herbs but also with your own energy and intention. Whether you’re making these oils for yourself or as a gift, the result is something deeply personal and nourishing. Dive into this rewarding practice and discover the joy of bringing nature’s bounty to your daily routine.