Folk Method for Solar-Infused Oils

Use the SUN to naturally infuse oil with the goodness of herbs! 


1. Place herbs in a clean, dry quart jar. It is recommended to use DRY herbs but if you desire fresh herbs, wilt them first for 12 hours to remove the moisture (too much water will cause your oil to go rancid), cut into small pieces, and crush with a mortal and pestle before adding to the jar. You can skip this step if your herbs are dried.

2. Fill remaining space in jar with oil, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1”. If your herbs soak up all of the oil, then pour more on top to ensure that the herbs are well covered.

3. Stir well and cap the jar tightly.

4. Place the jar in a sunny and warm windowsill. Shake once or more per day. You can also cover the jar with a brown paper bag if you prefer that to direct sunlight. 

5. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using a cheesecloth or an herb strainer. Make sure and squeeze out every precious drop of oil!

6. Pour into glass bottles and store in a cool dark place. The oil should keep for at least a year. Vitamin E oil may be added and used as a preservative.

 

Skin-Healing Salve Recipe

(Prep:  Infuse dried or fresh Calendula and Chamomile in Olive Oil)



3 ounces of Calendula and Chamomile infused oil (see above instructions).
1/2 ounce pure beeswax
15 drops lavender essential oil
3 (1-ounce) salve jars

1. Slowly heat infused oil in a saucepan to about 100 degrees.
2. Chop or grate the beeswax and gradually stir it into hot oil.
3. Once beeswax is melted, remove from heat and stir in essential oil.
4. Pour hot salve into 1-ounce jars and let cool. Cap jars and store at room temperature.