Oil and Butter Infusions

Oil and Butter Infusions: Skin-Nourishing Herbal Remedies

Oil and butter infusions are perfect for the skin! Unlike other extracts that may be abrasive, oils and butters nourish as they deliver beneficial compounds through the skin into the body. Topicals are excellent for treating muscles or bones, providing instant relief when properly formulated. Adding mint or cedar wood can create cooling or warming effects—just handle cedar wood oil carefully to avoid irritation.

Menstruum Properties of Plant Oils and Butters

Oils and butters only extract oil-soluble compounds. They dissolve large organic compounds and volatile oils but may not extract many vitamins and minerals. Choose herbs like calendula and comfrey, which extract well in oils. Be cautious with herbs like ginger and horseradish; they are great when ingested but may be abrasive when applied to the skin.

Selecting the right carrier oils is crucial. Avoid mineral oils and petroleum-derived oils, which can clog pores. Instead opt for natural oils that absorb well.

Oils and butters do require heat, to assist extraction. Heat and agitation are essential, especially for butters, which are solid at room temperature.

Plant Parts Suitable for Infusions

Softer materials like leaves, flowers, and aerial parts work well. Roots need to be finely chopped or ground, and heat is recommended for the efficient extraction of both. However when creating an oil infusion of aromatic plants like flowers sometimes heat can degrade the scent. In that case extract at room temp for several months to preserve these delicate compounds.

How to Prepare Oil Infusions (Room Temperature)

  1. Prepare Plant Material: Finely chop and fully dry your herbs.

  2. Combine with Oil: Place herbs in a glass jar and fill with oil to the desired ratio.

  3. Seal and Shake: Seal the jar and shake daily for at least 10 days, preferably 4-6 weeks.

  4. Strain and Store: Once fully extracted, strain and press into a clean jar.

How to Prepare Heat-Assisted Oil and Butter Infusions

  1. Prepare Plant Material: Finely chop herbs and place them in a jar.

  2. Add Oil/Butter: Weigh desired amount of oil or butter and add to the jar.

  3. Heat to Extract: Apply heat to the unsealed jar using a water bath. Heat on medium to low until the water steams, then reduce to low to avoid stressing the glass. Monitor the extraction until it reaches the desired concentration (30 minutes to 6 hours). An indication the extraction is working is the solution taking on color. If leaves are being extracted the solution may turn green! Just keep monitoring the oil/butter until the color/concentration you want is achieved!

  4. Strain Quickly: Strain quickly if using butter before it solidifies. Use a metal strainer and gently warm any hardened butter to continue straining.

  5. Freeze Butters for Future Use: Freeze butter if using in formulations. Pour liquid butter into a mold and freeze completely to prevent wax crystals.

  6. Store Oil at Room Temp: For oils, simply strain and pour into a clean, sealed jar. Avoid direct sunlight.