Making Shelf-Stable Herb Infused Oils Using the Alcohol Intermediary Method (with Maria Noël Groves)
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Want your salves and other homemade topical creations to last longer? Mountain Rose Herbs joins herbalist and author Maria Noël Groves of Wintergreen Botanicals to make herbal oil using the alcohol intermediary method. Creating an herb infused oil with alcohol as an intermediary will help increase shelf life as well as extract more beneficial properties of the herbs, creating amazing oils for skin and hair care recipes!
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1oz finely ground herb, shake in half oz of alcohol (everclear), sit for 24th, put in blender, add 8 oz oil (can add more if nec). Blend for 5 mins, little bit warm to touch. Strain through muslin, strain through a coffee filter.
Herb into blender, mill, add alcohol, mix in blender. Let sit 24h. Add oil. Blend again for 5min. Strain.
Thank you for recap!
Thank you!!!
Does it have to be Ever clear? Why not 100 or 80 proof? Too much water maybe? Did I answer my own question 😂
@ElijahsMimi
I only use Everclear when I'm working with resin, bark or root plants. 80% proof works perfectly for this type of method. That's my preference. I find Everclear is to potent for dry botanical matter.
To get the oil out of the cloth use bicarbonate soda. It's a fantastic degreaser 😁
Good tip!
It does wash out. The colour stays, but it does wash out.
Thank you so much for teaching this method! When I make infused oils and get it on my hands I go through the house finding family members with rough elbows or heels. My husband will mumble and fuss, but when I say gimme your elbows, he knows what I'm doing 🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣 too funny!
Whoa nice!
I’m three weeks into making a Chamomile and Lavender herbal infused oil (grape-seed oil) using the slow method.
After I’m done extracting them I will try this process (minus the additional heat) and see how they compare.
I plan on using them in my massage practice.
Hi awesome! How long does your Salve last with using the Grapeseed oil?
lmt here. how did it work for you?
Thank you. To measure one ounce, someone could also use measuring spoons... 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce
it would depend upon the herb... not all weigh the same.
In liquids, yes. Not necessarily in dry ingredients.
I knew right away you were talking about the part where she's measuring the alcohol, lol!
Thats really not true. In herbalism, we aren't measuring the volume of the herb, but the weight. An ounce of a very dense root is going to be a much smaller physical amount than say an ounce of fluffy mugwort. Ounce = weight, not volume. :)
@@ladyrae2091 It all depends on whether you're measuring by weight (oz) or volume (fl oz). She used weight when she measured the herb, but I've no idea what the oil bottle label said. Bottle labels of liquids in Europe refer to volume, so I'm kind of confused as well. Volume-wise and ounce is indeed 2 tbsp (30 ml), but in terms of weight, an ounce is 28.3495 g. Oh well... When it comes to infused oil, I prefer the 'eyeballing-it' method, making sure that the oil used covers the plant material completely, at least two fingers over. 😁😁
1 oz dried herbs only. Blend. Pour glass jar. 1/2 oz vodka. Close lid. Damp not soaking. Wait 24 hours to extract properties. Put herb in blender. Add 8 oz oil in blender. Blend 5 mins. Should only be warm to touch. Strain. Keeps for one year. (I use a preservative.)
Thanks! I was wondering if I could use vodka as grain Everclear not available where I am
@@fzc1508 It's worth ordering 190 proof alcohol for this method because the vodka will add a lot of water to the oil and that can cause spoilage.
Excellent video! I use a nylon nut milk bag for all of my oils, tinctures, etc, and it really does wash up well even from the oils. (Probably because it's nylon and doesn't really absorb it.) Nylon is not ideal, of course, but it does seem pretty darned reusable.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent presentation! Thank you for your knowledge and insight. I will be incorporating this method into my practice.
I’ve heard that the high proof alcohol can also destroy some of the beneficial properties of herbs. Is that not a problem in this process because it’s only sitting for 24 hours before adding the oil?
This is not a concern that we are familiar with, high proof alcohol is often used to extract herbal properties when crafting tinctures and extracts. I would guess that the short maceration time would lessen any risk, however, if you are concerned you may wish to try another method of infusing your oil. I hope that helps! 🌿
Your microphone is great. Your diction is clear and pleasant. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thankyou!
What kind and what proof alcohol are you using?
@Elena Domnina
She used a 190 Proof Grain Alcohol (similar to Everclear)
You can use Vodka. High Grain Alcohol is only used when extracting from thick roots and bark☀️
Awesome. I'm going to do it this way from now on instead of waiting for what seems like forever. Thank you.
You mention at the end of the video that with Calendula and St. John's Wort, you will also add the low heat method in combination to the alcohol intermediary method. Are you referring to dried St. John's Wort or fresh St. John's Wort as you also mention that the alcohol intermediary method should not be used on fresh and I was understanding that this herb is mostly used fresh for oil infusions? TIA for clarifying.
I would also like to know I was wondering how she does the heat method
Nice process and I'd like to try it - but I'd never use heat when making any tinctures. It breaks down and destroys vitamins and nutrients that are important and the reason we make and use tinctures.
Thanks for this great video! I’ve been making essential oils through a distill method but once I add the oils to a product the smell vanishes. Does the alcohol intermediary method keep the smell of the oils?
Can you still - or do you need to - use vitamin E and/or Rosemary extract with this type of extraction? As well, do you need to worry about the water in the alcohol?
I would love to see a video series where you make useful salves etc. That everyone should have in their home medicine shelf.
We have lots more videos in the works! Check out this one in the meantime :)
mrh.life/DIYsalves
@@mountainroseherbs Can I use stearyl alcohol?
Hi there! I have no experience using stearyl alcohol in this way so I'm not sure how that would work for you in your recipe. Stearyl alcohol is a lower proof alcohol so I don't think it would work as well as using a high proof alcohol like Everclear to extract the herbal constituents and for shelf-stability. Sorry I can't be more helpful here! - Gracie
Maria, truly happy i found your clear, detailed, no-nonsense video . Appreciate the time taken in making these wonderful videos.
I will definitely do this method. Thanks for sharing. 😁❤️🙏🏾
Thank you SO much for this video!
I am DEFINITELY going to try this, but I would like to make it a multiherbal oil. Can this same process be used for a hair oil too? Also, was that grain alcohol (Everclear or the like) that you used?
You can certainly blend your herbs before infusing into oil. Sometimes, it's a little easier to make separate herbal oils, and then blend the finished oils together, rather than trying to infuse blended herbs. This technique can definitely be used to make hair oils as well. This is a 190 proof alcohol, Everclear is a perfect ingredient for this method.
@@mountainroseherbs I thought about that too! This way I can use them stand-alone, or as a combination as you mentioned. I've received my shipment from Mountain Rose Herbs and I am going to do single oils. I have created 2 combination oils: one for hair and one for skin. They are working great so far! May I ask what blender are you using? Thanks again!
OH! And I do have the Everclear 190 proof alcohol.
I'm not a fan of shortcuts with herbalism, and I wonder if this method could be done with the more traditional long extract time?
What do you see as a shortcut in this process?
This is way mor potent than traditional methods.
I would like to use some infused oils in soap making, but I'm wondering how much of the alcohol remains in the final oil. Alcoholic liquids used in soap making need to be boiled to cook off the alcohol before combining with lye, so would there be enough alcohol left in the oil to require cooking off?
Instead of a blender might one use a magnetic stirrer for an hour or so? Plus many have a heat element. It might be quieter than a blender. An idea if people make many oils and tinctures...
So cool... Can I use this method for hair oils as well? Like (Include the alcohol)?
My final product have a very strong alcohol scent, maybe i add a lot of them, there are anyways to reduce the smell of alcohol?
Ps.I use dried rose petal
Thank you in advance..
Hello dear...thank you for the video. Can the herb infused oil work in Candle-making. Your assistance is highly appreciated I have been doing the ugly cry
That's an amazing question! We don't see why putting herb infused oils in a candle wouldn't work! Thanks for the inspiration!
HI was wondering if we have to name the alcohol in the ingredients list for a final project...for instance a balm...thank you
I was wondering this too! I am curious since alcohol is in such a small % no?
How can I get the alcohol smell out of my infusions when I use this method. I agree that it makes a much stronger oil but I can’t stand the smell of the ever clear in my oil extraction. I use my oils for skin care and I can smell the alcohol everytime I open the jar. Any advice?
i have the same issue the second time i made this. very overpowering and worry about the alchol drying my skin! stinks so bad!
Hi! Can I use this oil for culinary purposes? or wouldn't it be a good idea? Tks
I would like to know this as well!
@@jenniferbarrera8877 I have no answer here, but I made mint chocolate and used the oil with this method. I liked my results.
Was this vodka? What type of alcohol did you use? I really want to learn to make oils and salves.
It looks like another brand of something like Everclear.
Can I use more than one herb like rosemary and horsetail?
Hi Maria thank you so much for doing this video I really appreciate it. I have a question,
I've watch the exact same process, but after they were done and sealed the jars they put it in a yogurt maker because of the low setting, for a couple days, shaking the Mason jar every now and then. Does this make a stronger tincture, or is it not Necessary, to take them extra steps???Thank you!!!!
Hi Carrie! I've never used a yogurt maker (but that is an interesting technique!) but I do shake my jars by hand every day to make sure all the plant matter is completely submerged! I think both methods would end with a very similar result. I hope that helps!
Excellent presentation. I've really enjoyed this series with Maria. I can't wait to try this method!
Thank you for making this great video! Is sweet almond oil appropriate to use or maybe half avocado oil and half sweet almond oil?
Sweet almond oil is excellent and would definitely recommend trying! You may have to experiment with small batches to see how your beeswax:oil ratio settles after you're done, as some oils may require more or less wax to get the right consistency you're looking for.
Thank you!
@@mountainroseherbs I didn’t see were she uses bees wax
Do you have to grind up the herb because of the alcohol? It seems a lot messier than infusing alone in a jar for a few weeks. Any other options for increasing shelf life? Adding Vit E or something else to the infusion?
I use vit e. My oil stays good for over a year
What's a good substitute alcohol for the grain alcohol of I don't have it? Does it have to be grain alcohol 190 proof?
Does this method work for both topical and edible oils?
Just topical oils.
Excellent presentation Maria. I look forward to learning more. I'm popping over to your blog now. Thank you so much!
I make thc infused body butters. I’m gonna use this method to infuse Castor oil. I’ll let you know how it turned out. And I’m gonna use this method for my olive oil Mullein leaf tincture.
Hello! I just found mullein in my garden and would love to make something with it - what do you use the olive oil infusion for?
Would you get the same amount of extraction using whole dried herb and flowers? I don't want to keep straining the infusion. Thanks.
Hi there Jane! I've never tried this method with whole herbs and flowers, but I don't see why it couldn't work for you. The more surface area (the finer you cut your herbs), the more herbal goodness you will extract from the plant. Dense, whole herbs will be harder to extract from. So you may need to adjust your times and amounts to get the desired effect. I hope that helps you make your decision! - Gracie
You need sustainable packaging and then I’ll buy from you.
Thanks for your eco-consciousness Tyler! We're constantly looking for the best ways to package and ship our products without drastically increasing the price of our products. This is a hard task, but we promise to be the first ones to offer innovative and more sustainable options once we are able to!
Just reuse the packaging for something else like eco-conscious rural folks do.
So.... there are no interactions when comes the time to do a Salve ? (as there is alcohol in the oil)
Salve videos are on the way! The alcohol content is small enough not to drastically interfere with making a salve.
No issues whatsoever for making a salve :)
I’m going to try this and then compare it to the method I use n see which one I like better. I do mine the way they used to do it. I take my girls and fill a jar. I add the oil I make sure there is no air. And I put it in a cool dark dry place. And every 2 weeks I strain it then refill the jar and that the strained oil and put it back in the jar with the new botanicals or Herbs and I do this every 2 weeks for 8-10 weeks. Then I drain it for the final drain. And I make sure it clear. And the oil is phenomenal!! So I wanna try this and see it it’s equal or as good at the very least. U never know when u need a quick infused oil.
Hello, any update on the comparison between the two methods?
I want to use extracts in oils for dry skin. However, I want to get rid of the alcohol, can I use something cheap like surgical alcohol?
You could make glycerites instead, by using vegetable glycerine. Learn about them here at our blog: blog.mountainroseherbs.com/make-glycerin-extracts-glycerites
Funny because for me it is lab science.. I just do it at home
Does the alcohol add a drying effect? Going to make a scalp oil but am worried the alcohol could be drying to my already dry scalp?
I was worried too, but she did state the alcohol brings the properties out more. Also so little is used I doubt it will.
I live in Canada and we are unable to get 100 proof alcohol, is there anything else that I can use? We can only get 40 proof is that okay to use!
I get Everclear at Sobeys Liquor, and I believe Metro Liquor (out west, not the grocery store down east) also carries it. You have to ask for it as they don't put it out on the shelf.
Thank you for sharing this method with us! I'll be trying this❤
So excited for this video!! Thank you.
I already soaked my herb in oil but after seeing this, am thinking, can one still add you alcohol to an already oil soaked herb
No. The alcohol step first is very important
Can I use this infused oils with alcohol for soap making? Thanks!
Can you take 3 different herbs of choice and mix together and follow your steps. Instead of just one herb?
Yes, you can include more than one herb in your infused oil! 🌿
Does the alcohol remain in the oil?
I wonder if this first step with alcohol can be used prior to making a witch hazel based liniment? Or is that redundant because the witch hazel already contains alcohol?
We have not tried making a witch hazel based liniment that incorporates an herbal infused oil before, so we cannot speak to the success of this method. Apologies we're unable to provide further guidance, we'd love to know how this works out for you if you give it a try!
Would this method and infused oil work in candles for scent?
A question regarding homemade ointments:
If I put a carrier oil together with a hydrosol for several days, and regularly shake up the mixture, then drain the hydrosol out completely, and finally make an ointment from the carrier oil only, how much would the shelf life of the ointment be impaired by the process? Thanks.
Any time you add water to an ointment, you're either going to need a preservative, or you will need to store it cold and use it quickly. Mold, bacteria, and other nasties can start growing in as little as 3 or 4 days otherwise.
Theres no way to get all of the water out once you've added it.
Can this be done with aloe vera powder?
Is there any concern of the alcohol drying out your skin? Its one of the ingredients inusually try to avoid on my skin. Curious on thoughts on this.
Hi there, great questions! Most of the alcohol will evaporate from the final herbal-infused oil, and the naturally moisturizing properties of the carrier oil should eliminate any concern of the small amount of residual alcohol drying out the skin. We hope this helps!
Why does she keep specifying that it needs to be done with dry herbs… infusing any oil needs to be done 99% of the time with dry herbs.
We specifiy this in the video because it is not common knowledge to every individual. This video is a demonstration intended for everyone from seasoned herbalists to those who are just beginning their herbal journey. We hope this helps! 🌿
If you use this infusion in your salves or creams etc, do you include the ethyl alcohol in the list of ingredients in the final label?
Hi there, great question! We do not currently utilize ethyl alcohol in our salves or other body care products, but we would clearly state this ingredient on the label if we did.
What kind of alcohol do you use? Newbie and wondering if I could use your regular shelf Smirnoff vodka?
No, it needs to be a higher-proof alcohol like Everclear.
Actually you can, but I'd double the amount.
Shelf life about a year? Question two I have never used alcohol for extract before. Besides besides herb mentioned. What other dried herbs should not be done. Thank you for you video !
Yes! In a cool dark area, this oil will be stable for that long! St. John's is happiest when fresh, so we certainly recommend not using dry. Almost all others are fine when dried, but natural oil contents will be greater when fresh. Try using fresh lemon balm versus dried, and see the difference!
Yes, I try to replace every year but this method is actually much more shelf stable than other styles of oil because of the dried herb (vs fresh) and the alcohol. I do all my herbal oils this way except St. John's wort (fresh maceration works best b/c it loses so much once dried). Calendula I start with this method then give it a few days or hours on low heat. My other herbal oils - plantain, comfrey, thuja, chaparral, got kola - I make this way. I'm still experimenting with my own arnica blossoms, but if you have them, fresh/wilted maceration would be more potent than dried.
Just what I wanted! Thanks!
great tip! thanks.
Is it recommended that the Alcohol Intermediary Method be used for resins/gums such as frankincense, myrrh, dragons blood, etc? How is it beneficial or not? Does it enhance or interfere with the properties of the resins?
Hi there! Using the alcohol intermediary method with resins and gums would likely not result in a very potent infused oil, and much of the resin/gum solids would be wasted in the process. If you're wanting to add resins/gums into body care formulations, an alcohol extraction would be more effective. We hope this helps!
@@mountainroseherbs Thank you for your response! I noticed that a few people were saying that you can use the alcohol intermediary method, but I had a feeling that wasn't right. I am making anointing oil and will be using a few dried herbs, frankincense and myrrh.
Can this method be used for the oil I burn in my essence lamp?
Due to the presence of alcohol, we would not recommend using this method for burning the infused oil in an essence lamp.
Could I use this method with fresh basil for cooking purposes? If so, what’s the shelf life since I would be using fresh? Dried basil just does not taste as good as fresh
Hi there! This method is for topical applications only and should not used for culinary purposes. If you're hoping to have the flavor of fresh basil in your culinary creations year round, you could try blending fresh basil leaves with a touch of water, and then freeze the mixture in ice cube trays! We hope this helps, happy cooking! 🌿
@@mountainroseherbs thank you! And PS I have been using this method for my salves and balms and it’s amazing! Saves so much time and it’s so obvious that the oil infusions are so much more potent :)
This video was good but to say, this is a Tincture. Herbs infused in alcohol are tinctures. Extractions are similar. For tinctures you can use Vodka. No need for High Grain proof alcohol unless you extracting from roots and bark. Alcohol will extend the shelf life but most tinctures as in this video should be used within 6 months. Another note: It is Safer’ to infuse herbs in Olive Oil for Salve making, without the correct Alcohol ratio formula, you could set your stove on fire if heated for salves! My family and I have a small Herbal business and I’d also be glad to help with any questions. We have been making, tinctures, salves and infused oils for 2 generations. 💖🌿💖
I literally just made some lavender oil using this method I was about the make the rose one. It’s been sitting in alcohol for 24 hours and it just REEKS of alcohol now I’m worried that when I use the oil for soaps, salves or lip balms that it will smell like alcohol 😭 will it ?
Hello Willow, what do I do if I use to much denatured alcohol, am. Making an oil to apply to the skin. And I have used to much alcohol
@@TheAlice801 If you do a low slow heat, the alcohol smell will evaporate.
Hi Willow, I’m wondering what are the advantages of adding beeswax to the infused oil? Does it help the skin to absorb the oil better or it used only for making the oil more solid?
@@KM-xq2xrdoing low on heat do u mean double broil or just put it in a pan and low heat ?
Can i also mix the alcohol extract w glycerine?
Hi there! Glycerine would not be a suitable addition to this recipe. If you're looking for ways to incorporate both glycerine and alcohol into an extract, you can mix glycerites (glycerin extracts) with a small amount of alcohol for more botanical extraction and a longer lifespan. Glycerites can also be mixed with alcohol-based tinctures to sweeten them and make them more palatable. Generally, you’ll want to use 75% tincture and 25% glycerite. We hope this helps!
I would like to use an infused oil like this in my hair. But a little concerned about the drying effects of the alcohol. Or because it’s such a small amount, it wouldn’t make a difference? 🤔
Could tea tree oil be used to sub the alcohol to extract the properties of the herb, or alcohol is the only way?
Alcohol is certainly not the only way to extract properties from an herb! You could simply do a hot water extraction (commonly referred to as "tea" lol) and that could be your water base. We also have several hair oil recipes on our blog that you might find informative as well! Try this one to start with: mrh.life/Argan4Hair
Mountain Rose Herbs This is so helpful, thank you so much! I can’t wait to try it out, especially the recipes from the blog 😊
I don't think the minor amount of alcohol in this recipe would dry your hair out at all. That said, you could certainly do another technique for making herb-infused oil that doesn't use alcohol or another recipe all together. Other oil methods are discussed at wintergreenbotanicals.com/2018/07/27/diy-herb-infused-oils/
@@MariaNoelGroves How about spreading the final oil in a shallow dish and let alcohol evaporate for a few hours?
can I substitute alcohol with apple cider, thank you
No. It won't mix with oil once the oil is added.
I will absolutely try this. Thank you!
What is the name of this herb used in this video. I could not understand what she said.
Also anyone recognizes the blender on this video
Maria is using Plantago lanceolata, or Plantain leaf (not the banana-like fruit you might be familiar with). Find it here: mrh.life/PlantainLeaf
Also she uses a bullet-style blender for grinding the herb, and a Ninja pulse blender
That would be plantain leaf!
When I used plantain, I followed up in a Bain Marie with the other infusions I did. The plantain ended up smelling very burnt and like I added extra alcohol. Should plantain not be heated? I will scrap that one.My other infusions all smelled nutty, compared to infusions made with the simpler's method. Are they still good?
I don’t understand why if she’s “teaching” she didn’t clarify WHAT KIND of Alcohol since there are tons of alcohols, fatty, etc… taking for granted that we already know WHICH alcohol is ridiculous.
Hi there Isa! If you click the link to the associated blog, we go into the alcohol intermediary method a bit more. People generally use a whole grain alcohol like Everclear. Vodka can also be used. It doesn't take a very high proof, so go with what you have. I hope that helps!
Thank yoooouuuu!!!
This will work great for my salves! One question..... the only blender I have is a Vitamin. How long should I blend with that since it does go much faster than a regular blender. It got REALLY HOT!
Why do we need to blend it? Does it denature the rosemary? How do we reduce the alcohol?
Hi there! Maria blended her plant material to increase the surface area for the alcohol to work its magic. The alcohol will evaporate off the herbs but a tiny bit will remain at the end. It will not be noticeable for topical use but will leave a slight taste so Maria does not recommend taking these oils internally.
@@mountainroseherbs thank you!
It's a very intresting method. But I have some concerns about it. For example wouldn't the heat from the blender destroy some properties of the herbs?
How does alcohol extract oil soluble properties, doesn't make sense to me.
And also has anyone done any proper research into comparing the long steeping technique to this one and if it does in fact make a stronger oil? Stronger colour doesn't mean you have a stronger oil as far as medicinal properties go.
The heat from the blender isn't high enough to destroy any properties. The alcohol extracts alcohol and water soluble constituents, and because the alcohol is so high proof, it is able to blend into the oil well. The oil extracts the fat soluble constituents.
This is stronger than oil alone because oil alone cannot extract alcohol and water soluble constituents.
This is such an excellent video, thank you! I’m just a bit confused though why mold would grow in oil if there is no water introduced. I’ve never seen that before, rancid yes, mold, it intrigues me on how that can happen. If there is no water, there is no life? Nevertheless this vid was awesome and I can’t wait to try this out! TY!
Great question! Using this method, the only ways you'd really be introducing water would be if your herb has not been dried properly or if your alcohol was not a high enough proof. Another way to avoid this is by using more shelf-stable oils like olive oil. Though mold growth is unlikely, it is always a small possibility. Always better to be safe than sorry 🤓 Happy crafting! - Gracie
Do you put a preservative into your salve?
Hi there! While you don't need to add a preservative, if you were wanting to add one we would suggest using either vitamin E oil or rosemary antioxidant. You can find more info about each of those on this page: mountainroseherbs.com/catalog/ingredients/bulk.
Storage is important for preservation! The dark color of a jar or tin helps to keep out strong light that can speed up deterioration. A good rule of thumb is to store creations out of direct light and where they will not be subject to temperature fluctuations. Salves and lip balms can melt easily in the summer heat, and when left in places like cars and backpacks, they are often subject to warmer temperatures than an ambient room.
Hope that helps!
Can I use other types of alcohol?
Hi there! We recommend using whole grain alcohols such as Everclear or vodka for this recipe.
What would happen if you used a little bit too much alcohol?
I like to let the oils set for a day or more and the material settles to the bottom so the oil is clearer and have less gunk to filter.
please explain this to me lol... is it an extract because you use alcohol? also, how would this interact with candles or salve bc of the alcohol..
Thank you so much! This has been very useful.
Please wash the gloves and reuse them, less trash, more nature, more health
What if I can’t find everclear or clear spring 190 proof in my local area ? What’s another option ?
This questions comes up a lot and I usually suggest using the highest proof grain alcohol you can find! You ideally want it to be high enough to properly extract the plant material. Lower proof alcohols wont usually work as well. I know there are some good 100 proof vodkas if you can find those! Good luck! - Gracie
thank you so much. But is this method also possible with dried ginger or dried garlic? Thank you for your reply please.
Sorry to reply so late! You can definitely do this with something like ginger or garlic. You would probably want to grind or powder them before using this method to get the most out of your infused oil.
Great video! When using this higher potency herbal oil to make creams, salves and balms, are you cutting it with another carrier oil or using it full strength?
Hi there! I'm thinking this would depend on your recipe and intended outcome for what you're crafting. Here is a recipe we made for a Calendula Salve where we only used an herbal infused oil and wax (blog.mountainroseherbs.com/simple-calendula-salve-and-lip-balm-recipe) as well as a recipe for a belly butter where we mixed several oil types (blog.mountainroseherbs.com/homemade-belly-butter). Adding in more oils to the belly butter is going to give it a much softer consistency than the calendula salve. You will also be adding in the benefits of other types of oils. It really comes down to preference and how much of your precious herbal oil you are wanting to use in your recipe.
So, no steeping of herbal materials in oil to draw out their properties?
Hi there! For this method, Maria uses the alcohol and the blending process to extract the properties from the herbs. Alcohol works much faster when extracting the herbs than plain oil. It also acts as a preservative for the finished product. If you would like to prepare your oil infusion another way, we have three easy methods you can follow: blog.mountainroseherbs.com/making-herbal-oils. I hope that helps! - Gracie
@@mountainroseherbs Thank you. I always learned that it took 6 weeks to steep plant material in alcohol to extract their properties in full, and have never heard of mixing alcohol and oil in any way, just to steep wilted or dry plant material in oil for 4-6 weeks in a cool dark place for making herbal oils.
Is this a safe method for facial oil or just body
This method is appropriate for creating infusions for most topical applications, including facial products. It's not appropriate for infusing oils to be used in food. Hope this helps!
@@mountainroseherbs can this be used in melt and pour soap
Loved this video...i have been making herbal oils for my hair for years and was wondering if i can use the alcohol method for my hair oils?? Is the alcohol to much to use on the hair and scalp?
Thank you for checking in! Most of the alcohol will evaporate out of this oil during this process. It should be suitable for most topical uses. However, if you have any concerns regarding the residual alcohol traces I would recommend using another method. I hope that helps! 🌿
Very interesting method. I have many rosemary and lavender plants, would this work with them as well?
New to this herb infused oil. Can I use any kind of alcohol?
Maria is using a 190 proof grain alcohol here, like Everclear. You want to have something that is odorless so as not to impede the herbs you choose. Vodka is also a great choice.
Hi would 80 proof vodka work. Or has to be 190 proof vodka also?
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dry? Can I use water? Can I use vodka? Glycerin? Add them to soap mixture
Hi there! Maria says that the alcohol intermediary method should only be used for dried herbs, but it makes for herbal oils that are much less prone to contamination than other methods. Vodka is totally fine to use as your alcohol!
Why dies it not need to set 6-8 weeks?
Hi there! The alcohol helps to extract the medicinal qualities from the dried plant material, which allows for a much faster infusion timeframe. We hope this helps!
What about internal herbs. Like oregano? What's the shelf life for that?
Can you do this with roses ?
Yes, rose petals can be used to make a wonderfully nourishing rose-infused oil! 🌹
When is Germall plus use. Does lip balm need germall .
Would rubbing alcohol work for this?
what is a herbal liniment?
Herbal liniments are topical herbal infusions typically made with rubbing alcohol or grain alcohol. They are similar to alcohol-based extracts, however, they are only for external use and cannot be ingested. Here is an article from our blog on herbal liniments that you may find useful: blog.mountainroseherbs.com/making-herbal-liniments
We hope this helps! ~Indi 🌿