Making Herbal Oils and Tinctures

Now that you have all those herbs harvested and dried, what can you do with them besides cooking? How about making some infused oils and tinctures?

Tinctures are similar to extracts. The herbs sit an an alcohol base for a few weeks, pulling the oils from the plant into the alcohol. I use mine the same as I would an extract. Vodka makes the best base because it is essentially flavorless and colorless.

Infused oils are just as they say - the oil is infused with the flavors and scents of the herbs. 

There are many options for the carrier oil, depending on what you are making. I like grapeseed oil. It's flavorless and perfect for using with food. If you are making body oil, almond oil or sunflower oil are great carrier oils. Other choices could be soybean oil (great for soaps) and jojoba oil (perfect choice for balms). Olive oil can also be used, but it does have a stronger fragrance and flavor of it's own. 

One thing to remember - an infused oil is not an essential oil. Making essential oils require distilling and special equipment. If you want a stronger scent to your finished product, a drop or two of essential oil will do the trick. If I ever learn how to distill, I'll share it with you!!

BASIC TINCTURE

1/2 pint vodka

10-12 sprigs of dried herbs

Place the herbs into the vodka and give it a shake. 

The more herbs you add, the stronger the flavor and scent will be. 

Put the lid on and place in a cool dark place for 2-3 months, checking it weekly and shaking it. 

You'll notice the color changing and, if you open it, a slight fragrance of the herbs. You can use fresh herbs but watch them carefully. If you see any cloudiness or mold, discard and start over. 

When the contents reach the intensity you want, strain out the herbs. Put it into an airtight container, label and store.

BASIC INFUSED OIL

1 cup carrier oil

10-12 sprigs of dried herbs

It's important to use dried herbs in the oil. If fresh herbs are added it MUST be refrigerated. Unlike the vodka, bacteria grows easily in oil. 

Pack a jar with herbs at least half way full. 

Fill the jar with the carrier oil and put the lid on tight. 

Place the jar in a sunny window and let it sit for a couple of months, checking and shaking often. 

After about a month, check how strong the scent is. If it's not strong enough, add some new herbs and go another month. 

Again, the more you pack into the jar, the stronger the fragrance will be. 

When it reaches the strength you like, strain out all the herbs and store in a labeled, air tight container. 

And now you're ready to start making some good things!