Infusing herbs is an inexpensive way of gaining the therapeutic properties of herbs.
Herbs you may want to infuse:
- Calendula (AKA Pot Marigold - Baby safe, anti inflammatory, healing)
- Lavender (Baby safe, healing, improved circulation)
- Peppermint (Digestive issues, stimulant)
- Dandelion (Eczema)
- Chamomile (Baby safe, anti inflammatory, irritated skin, healing)
- Rosemary (Dandruff, circulation)
- Plantain (anti inflammatory, great for soothing bug bites - found wild in grass and gardens)
Plantain
- Pick your herbs and hang upside down in a bunch to dry. Choose a dark location with good air circulation.
- When your herbs are dry, fill a mason jar full to the top of your selected herb or mixture of herbs.
- Fill the herb filled mason jar with an oil. Olive oil is widely used.
- Put on the lid, then let your mixture sit in a sunny window for about a month. Shake the jar every few days.
- Strain the oil and use in lotions, salves, soap, or apply directly to skin.
- You can also infuse your herbs in hot water (tea), but this must be used in a couple of days, or it will go bad.
Note: it is important to dry out your herbs when infusing in oil. Water from the plant will make your infusion grow bacteria.