How to Make Herbal Oil

When it comes to working with herbs, there’s more than one way to soak up their benefits. You’ve got teas made with water, tinctures made with alcohol, syrups made with honey or glycerine, and then there’s oil. Herbal oils are one of our favorite ways to work with plants for the skin. They’re simple to make and super versatile for body care.

You can use herb-infused oil just as it is or blend it with beeswax to create a soothing salve. It also makes a great substitute for plain oil in homemade skin care recipes like body butter, sugar scrub, and lotion bars.

In this post, we’ll show you three easy ways to make your own herb-infused oil at home. We’ll go over the traditional room temperature method along with two options that use gentle heat.

We’ll be using dried lavender for this tutorial since it’s one of the most loved herbs for skin care. Lavender is known for its calming, soothing, and antimicrobial properties, but you can absolutely choose another herb that works for your needs. Calendula, rose, and plantain are also popular options.

Be sure to use dried herbs and clean, sanitized containers to avoid mold or spoilage. That step is key to making a safe and long-lasting oil!

Olive oil is a great choice and something most people already have in their pantry, but you can also explore other skin-loving oils like jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed.

Now, let’s make some herbal oil!

Method 1: Room Temperature Infusion

This is the slow and steady method, perfect if you’re not in a rush and want to let time do the work for you. It’s gentle on the herbs and gives you a beautifully infused oil in 4-6 weeks.

Start by filling a clean, dry glass jar about three-quarters full with dried lavender buds. You want to make sure your herbs are completely dry so that your oil doesn’t spoil. Once your jar is filled with herbs, pour in your carrier oil of choice until the herbs are fully covered and the jar is almost full. Leave a little space at the top so you can shake it easily.

Cap your jar, label it with the herb, oil, and date, and then give it a good shake. Place the jar on a sunny windowsill or warm spot in your home, but slip a paper bag over it first. The bag helps protect the oil from direct sunlight, while still allowing it to benefit from the warmth. That gentle heat speeds up the infusion just a little without damaging the delicate properties of the plant.

Shake your jar every few days to keep the plants fully submerged, and let it infuse for about four to six weeks. When it’s ready, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, squeezing out every last drop.

Store your finished oil in a clean, dry glass bottle, label it, and keep it in a cool, dark place.

Method 2: Heat Infusion

If you’re short on time or just want to speed things up, the heat method is a great option. It gently warms the oil and herbs, encouraging the plant properties to infuse much quicker. There are two easy ways to do this: using a crockpot or a double boiler.

Start the same way as before: fill a clean, dry jar about three-quarters full with dried lavender, then pour in your carrier oil until the herbs are fully submerged and the jar is nearly full. Now, you’re ready to add heat.

Crockpot Method:

Place the jar inside your crockpot, but first, set it on top of a small canning lid or metal ring to protect the bottom of the jar from direct heat. Add enough water to the crockpot to come about halfway up the side of the jar. Turn the crockpot to the lowest heat setting and let the oil infuse for 6 to 8 hours or overnight. Just check in now and then to make sure the water hasn’t evaporated. Top it off if needed.

Double-Boiler Method:

If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make a simple double boiler by placing a heat-proof bowl or smaller pot over a larger pot of simmering water. Add your jar of lavender and oil to the top part and heat gently for about 6 hours. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the water level in the bottom pot so it doesn’t dry out. You want the heat to stay low and consistent the entire time.

Once the oil is infused, let it cool slightly and then strain it through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Transfer it to a clean, dry bottle, label it, and store it in a cool, dark place.

Shelf Life of Your Herbal Oil

Properly strained and stored herb-infused oil can last anywhere from 6 months to a year. The exact shelf life depends on the type of oil you use and how well it’s protected from heat, light, and moisture. Adding a few drops of vitamin E oil can help extend its freshness.

How to Use Your Herbal Oil

This is just the beginning! Once you have your herb-infused oil, you can use it as a nourishing body oil, blend it into a whipped body butter, or turn it into a simple salve. It’s such a versatile ingredient for homemade skincare. Need ideas? Check out our blog for recipes. 

Not really in the mood to make your own? We’ve got something special for you.

Try our Lavender Body Oil, handcrafted with lavender and a blend of other skin-loving herbs like calendula, chamomile, and rose. It’s lightweight, deeply nourishing, and made with care from start to finish.

“This oil leaves my skin glowing. I like to use it in my bath or after a shower. I use this + the butter bar Tal sells, and my skin has never felt better! Seems to last longer than most body oils I’ve used in the past as well.” - Samantha G.

Whether you make it yourself or grab a ready-to-use bottle from the BodyLove shop, herbal oil is a beautiful way to bring nature into your daily skincare routine.

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This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.