Infused Oils
Herbal infused oils are oils that have been saturated with the natural properties of herbs, flowers, or other plant materials.
The process involves steeping the plant material in a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil, to extract their beneficial compounds. This infusion process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the desired strength and potency of the infused oil.
Herbal infused oils are often used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, skincare, and culinary applications. They can also be used medicinally as an external way to allow the constituents of the herb, flower, or plant to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.
They can be added to bathwater for a soothing soak or incorporated into homemade skincare products like lotions and balms.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flowers are beautiful and easy to grow, even for beginners. It's not at all picky and will adapt to various soils and light conditions like a trooper.
To make your own calendula oil, pluck the petals from the calendula flower and leave in a warm, sunny space to dry which could take a couple of days. Find a clean jar, pack it with dried petals and fill to the top with oil of your choice making sure all the petals are submerged.
Screw the lid on and leave to three to four weeks and watch the oil change to a brilliant golden colour. Strain the oil and use on patches of eczema to boost healing and relieve itchiness.
After the flowers start to wilt, you will notice the seeds which look like big, gnarly crescent-shaped pods just above the stem. If you don’t want calendula to spread all over your garden, trim off the spent blooms (called deadheading) before they drop off and replant themselves.
Another, herb known more as tablet than its flower, St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is readily available in supermarkets, across the counter at pharmacies and used by medical herbalists to treat anxiety, depression, mood swings as well as a potent herb to treat viral infections.
St John’s wort has a pretty yellow flower which loves the cold of the South Island of New Zealand and flourishes in the Otago region. When the petals are infused in oil, the yellow becomes, over time, a strong, claret-red colour due to the hypericin contained in the flower petals.
In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the compound hypericin found in St. John's Wort demonstrated the ability to inhibit the viral replication of the herpes simplex virus responsible for cold sores.
While the infused oil can be applied topically for cold sore relief, caution is advised due to hypericin's potential to induce photosensitivity in certain individuals.
Styes are small red bumps which can occur on the eyelid when the glands at the base of the eyelashes become infected. Although very painful, they usually do not usually cause lasting damage.
They are commonly caused by bacterial infection or a blockage of the gland which can cause redness, inflammation of the eyelid, a scratchy sensation on the eyeball and sensitivity to light.
Applying a cool compress of herbal infused oil can provide relief and promote healing for styes. If you have plantain (Plantago lanceolata), commonly known as ribwort, growing in your lawn, its bright, leafy green infused oil can be utilised to soothe the outer skin of the eyelids, making sure your eye is closed when applying.
Creating infused oils at home is a simple and rewarding process. Ensuring that the dried plant matter is completely submerged under the oil is crucial to prevent any mould formation. Additionally, giving the jar a gentle shake each day helps to facilitate the infusion process and allows you to witness the vibrant colors of your infusions flourishing.