The Soap Tub

How To Make an infused Oil

• Place 100g of dried herbs/botanicals in a pan and just cover with the desired vegetable oil (olive, corn, grapeseed, sweet almond and safflower all work well).
• Simmer the oil for 2 hours over steam or in a double boiler.
• Remove the oil from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Begin to strain the oil through muslin or a fine cheesecloth (a double layer of clean tights works well too).
• Place a further 100g of dried herb in the pan and cover with the finished strained oil adding more if required to cover the herbs.
• Simmer the oil for another 2 hours over steam.
• Strain the oil again and add .1% pure vitamin e (1g per 1000g finished oil).
• Store in an amber glass bottle to protect the oil.

You can use this infused oil in your soaps, bath fizzies/bombs, creams, lotions, balms, salves, massage blends, bath oils, lip balm, etc. Infused oils of calendula, chamomile, comfrey root, lavender, St. John's Wort and nettle are thought to be especially useful for skin care formulations for dry skin conditions.

Safety First! Always label your bottles and ensure that they are out of reach of children.

© The Soap Tub 2004