Making an Oil Based Infusion

This is a basic process for creating an oil based infusion. Use any base oil, though the easiest to get would be olive oil.

The standard proportion suggested is that for every cup of oil, one ounce of fresh herb or one-half ounce of dried herb is required. Unless otherwise advised, do not exceed these proportions.

1. Place the botanical material in a stainless steel bowl
2. Cover with the oil
3. Gently heat over simmering water, either in a true double boiler or in an improvised water bath—a saucepan one-quarter filled with water. The bowl with the herbs must not sit on the bottom of the pan but float in the water. As it is very easy for oil to scorch and burn, this process needs constant supervision for safety. Keep the oil covered
4. Stir once in a while. Simmer gently for thirty minutes. The oil should not be allowed to get too hot because if it smokes, bubbles, or burns, an acrid fragrance will develop, spoiling the infusion.
5. Allow the oil to cool. Then all the botanical material must be strained out through multiple layers of cheesecloth or a fine non-metal strainer, Strain twice, if necessary, or more. If the plant material is not removed, the oil may turn rancid
6. If an infusion recipe includes essential oils or flower remedies for enhancement, add them now, once the oil is strained and cooled
7. Store the infused oil in an airtight container.

If you are making large quanities of oil, you'll need a presverer. The easiest to find is vitamin E. Buy vitamin E capsules from the pharmany, and peirce them, mixing it into the mixture.

You can use a crock-pot for the water bath. Maintain the same proportions. Leave the pot on a low heat for approximately two hours, then strain as above.