Botanical infusions

As I was making my latest batch of Rose oil, I decided it would be nice to share it with you.
Since I discovered the art of botanical infusions I have been obsessed. I love how simple it is and how wonderfully light the aromas turn out. You would expect to smell the oils but the botanicals come through quite nicely.

I started making botanical infusions to incorporate them into my soap. I wanted a Rose scented soap but Rose Essential Oil is extremely expensive and rose fragrances are full of random chemicals. I like to stick to a more natural approach so I decided to try an infusion.

After some research I found that there are a couple of methods of infusion. There is the Solar Infused method and the Quick method which requires a little heat.

First the Solar Infused - start with your dried botanicals. This can be flowers or herbs. Some of my favorites are dried roses, chamomile and calendula. You want to make sure the botanicals are dry. If there is moisture in the botanicals this can cause rancidity in the oil.
Use a clean, dry mason jar and add enough botanicals to fill about half to three quarters of the jar. Add your favorite oil and make sure to cover the botanicals by at least 1”. Stir and cap the jar tightly.
Place the jar in a warm, sunny window and shake at least once a day. You will need to do this for at least 3 weeks.
After 3 weeks, strain the oil from the botanicals with a strainer or cheesecloth and place in a glass jar of your choice. Make sure to squeeze the very last bit of oil from the botanicals, you waited 3 weeks for it and you don’t want to waste a drop!  

​Now on to the Quick Method - this is what I like to use since patience is not one of my virtues.
This method requires a little bit of heat so I like to use the trusty crockpot (thanks to my good friend Athena).
Place the botanicals in the clean, dry crockpot.  Add enough oil to immerse the botanicals completely and turn on low heat.  Leave in the crockpot for about an hour and a half.  
You don't want to use too warm of heat or heat for too long as you can scorch the oil.
Once the time is done.  Turn off the crockpot and let cool completely.  I usually like to leave this overnight.
Strain as I mentioned in the Solar Infused method and place in glass jars.
Be sure to store your oil in a cool, dark place.  

Here are a few botanicals I like to infuse.

• Rose
• Lavender
• Chamomile
• Calendula
• Rosemary

And some oils that make great carriers.

• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Almond Oil
• Jojoba Oil

Leave me a comment if you have made your own infusions:)
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