I realized the other day that I tend to use oils for literally everything… a nourishing facial moisturizer, body lotion, muscle soreness, fragrance, and as a hair conditioner. I guess I’m not into creams and lotions as much as I thought. I seldom use them.
After becoming aware of that, I figured it’s time to take it to the next level. Infusing my already wonderful carrier oils with herbs will do just that. The first oil that I ever infused was a hair oil to promote healthy hair, strength and growth. It turned out amazing! Here are some awesome herbal infused oil recipes I know you’ll love for all things health and beauty.
FOR HAIR
Strengthening/Softening Hair
Almond or Olive Oil with Amla, Hibiscus Flowers, and Cassia
Note… Amla is known for darkening hair.
Hair Growth
Almond, Jojoba, or Olive Oil with Rosemary Leaf, Lemongrass, and Horsetail
FOR SKIN
Calming
Sweet Almond Oil with Lavender Flowers, Chamomile Flowers, and Passionflower
Note… Use high linoleic Safflower Oil or another high linoleic oil of your choice if you are acne prone. Read more on oils specifically for acne prone skin here.
Aches, Pains, Bruises and Sprains
Almond Oil with Arnica Flowers and Comfrey Root
Eczema
Avocado Oil or Shea Nut Oil with Chickweed*, Calendula Flowers*, or Blackberry Leaf*
Psoriasis/Diaper Rash
Pomegranate Seed Oil with Chamomile Flowers
Acne
Safflower Oil (only high in linoleic acid) with Neem Leaf, Comfrey Root*, Lavender Flowers**, Red Clover**, Sage Leaf**, Lemon Balm**, Tansy**, Clary Sage**, or Strawberry Leaf**
Read more on oils specifically for acne prone skin here.
Cellulite
Almond Oil with Juniper Berry*
Mature Aging Skin
Kukui Nut or Rosehip Seed Oil with Rose**, Red Clover**, Lady’s Mantle** and Fennel Seed**
Scars
Macadamia Nut or Sea Buckthorn Oil with Basil Leaf***
FRAGRANT HERBAL OIL COMBINATIONS
Lemongrass and Rosemary
Honeysuckle and Jasmine
Learning how to infuse oils is actually much simpler than you can actually imagine. The most challenging thing about it is having patience for a potent infusion. Simply add the herbs that you desire to infuse into a jar, fill the remainder of the jar with oil, and leave by a window which gets lots of sunlight. This is called solar infusion. I find it best to solar infuse your oil for at least four weeks. The longer you leave it, the more potent the infusion. You can speed up this process by using heat, but then it is very important to use a high-heat oil which will not oxidize which can limit your options.
Oh and one more thing! A herbal infused oil would also make nice gift for any occasion. Once you prepare it, you will have to wait a good amount of time for it to be ready. It is 100% worth the wait!
Important Note… Please research new herbs to ensure there is no conflict with pregnancy or medical conditions before using.
Sources…
*The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD
**Herbs for Healthy Skin by Cindy L. A. Jones PhD
***www.herbsncures.com
You can find more DIY recipes and tutorials here. Which herbal infused oil do you want to try?
(Revised Updated Article + Image by Mountain Rose Herbs)
Roberta says
Hi, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I really want to thank you for your graceful posts. Also, you are a great source of inspiration: I’ve become a vegan since one month and a half and I’m beginning to produce my own beauty product. I learnt a lot from you!
Keep up the great work,
have a nice day!
Dawn Michelle says
Wow… Thank you so much Roberta! It means a lot to hear this from you. Also congrats on becoming vegan 😉 That is major! Keep researching as much as you can about vegetarianism as well as superfoods and supplements. A few I’ll mention that have truly supported my vegetarian diet are flaxseed, hemp protein, spirulina, blackstrap molasses (which I put in smoothies for the calcium and iron), B12, acidophilus, and of course a mulit-vitamin and mineral. I am also glad you are beginning to make your own beauty products. It’s so much fun and you can tweak it over time to suit all of your needs and preferences.
Have a beautiful day and best wishes!
Elizabeth says
Hello there! Thank you for your wonderful site!
I have a question about the infused oils…do you have tips on how to use them? For example, with the one you use on your hair…do you massage directly into your scalp? Or add to shampoo? Etc… I’m especially interested in infusions for the hair & face.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide! Elizabeth
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Elizabeth,
How you use infused oils just depends on what your hair and skin likes. For example you may want to use an herbal infused oil as a leave-in treatment for your hair. Or if your hair isn’t fond of oils as a leave-in, you could use the oil for a pre-wash scalp massage and hair treatment. As for your face you could use the oil for oil cleansing or a few drops as a moisturizer. Check out this article for more on the types of oils to consider especially if you have acne prone skin.
Hope this helps!
Shawna says
Could you use camellia seed oil to infuse herbs/flowers for scent? I have fine hair and most leave in serums/oils will leave my hair weighed down or greasy, but I am very intrigued by camellia! Your site is amazing and very informative. 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Shawna,
You can use any carrier oil of your choice to infuses with herbs. You can get more info and ideas here. Thanks for the compliment too! <3
serah says
Hi,
When you infuse vanilla beans into coconut oil,
do you slice the beans and put them into the oven before infusing?
or
do you slice the beans and infuse them raw?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Serah,
I love to use the solar infusing method. And yes you can cut the vanilla beans into smaller pieces. You don’t need to heat the beans, yet you can warm the carrier oil prior to infusing. Solar infusing can take weeks, but if you are patient you will have a beautiful and strong infusion. Best wishes!
Bree says
Hi! I’m wondering if it’s OK to oil infuse with two or more herbs at once? Thank you so much for all the insight you provide in this blog! Your lifestyle is my goal. 🙂
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Bree,
You can infuse more than one herb into an oil at a time. Thank you so much for your comment and kind words too. Have a wonderful holiday season! <3
Fatou says
Since you have a lot of experience infusing oils, I was wondering if you could answer this question. I was trying to infuse some olive oil with rosemary & thyme using the cold method. A couple days later, this white powder (not sure if it’s powdery mildew) started appearing on the top leaves that were not submerged in the oil. Can I still use this oil on my scalp & hair? What if I heated it up to make sure any bacteria has been killed? Thanks for your feedback.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Fatou,
Did you use dried herbs in the oil infusion or fresh? Also did any water get into the oil? In general when using dried herbs I have never experienced mold during the infusion process. I also make sure to use a clean and dry jar and seal it tight.
Sandy says
My favorite scents: patchouli, lavender and vanilla.
Just stopped by to wish you , the baby and family wellness and joy.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much for sharing and the kind wishes. Sandalwood, lavender, and vanilla are some of my favorite scents. I hope all is well with you too!
R. Morris says
Hi I have been natural for about 4 years. I wore sow in weave for several years. This past year I wore my hair but have suffered with lots of breakage and very dry. I have thick, type 4 c hair. I have never heard about henna before, I am searching for a new way to take care of my beautiful type 4 c hair. What works best on type 4c hair? Thanks
Dawn Michelle says
Hi R. Morris,
Discovering what works best for your individual hair type takes some trial and error. When you go from wearing your hair in sew-ins to then loose, you are just beginning to learn more on your hair type. I would suggest keeping a journal to keep note of what works and what doesn’t. Also protective styles which allow access to your hair and scalp weekly usually helps the most. You can find more about the basics of how I’ve used henna in the past here. I hope this helps some.
Vickie Cassel says
Where do I find all the different oils mentioned. Many I haven’t heard of. I am very interested to know more about these remedies. I have very delicate skin, I am pushing age 70 and my hair has become frizzy. I see you respond to questions, I find that so very courteous. I think you sound wonderful. Vickie
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Vickie,
Mountain Rose Herbs is the best for purchasing organic oils and more. Each oil listed above is also linked to them. The quality of their ingredients is much higher than any I’ve come across. I’ve also created an organic skin care elixir which you may be interested in as well. You can read more about it here. I hope this helps!