A hot extraction is another way to infuse your oil, but this process is much faster that a cold infusion.
Hot infusions are generally used for dry herbs, but can also be used for fresh plant material. If you use fresh herbs, you’ll need to keep it in the oven or crockpot until the liquid is evaporated out and the herbs appear crispy (like they get in a fresh plant tincture).
Important to remember: Do not cook the herb! It’s ideal to keep the temperature between 120 degrees and 140 degrees F.
- Fill jar half full with dried herb (if using fresh herbs, fill to the top)
- Fill jar to the top with oil
- Turn on the heat (using whatever method you chose)
- If using fresh herbs, make sure to cover with cheese cloth or paper towel (use jar lid ring to keep it on) to allow moisture to evaporate out
- Steep 8-12 hours
- Allow oil to cool
- Strain
- Store in a jar leaving as little headspace as possible and in the dark (cupboard or dark container)
- Label
Here are a few ideas for herb-infused oils (these can be made into salves or lotions):
- Skin Healing – calendula, plantain, comfrey, chickweed
- Bite & Sting Combo – plantain, chickweed, lavender
- Calming Massage Oil – lavender, chamomile
- Healing Oil for Lip Balm – chamomile, marshmallow, comfrey
Click here for a refresher on how to make a cold-infused herbal oil.
Learn all these preparations and more with our Herbal Preparations Bundle!
