How to Infuse Herbs in Oil | Crockpot Method

Here is how to infuse herbs in oil for all sorts of home use. Today, I’m infusing calendula (calendula officinalis) in coconut oil. I love using my crockpot to create herbal oils when I don’t have time to wait a few weeks for it to steep. This process is quick, beginner-friendly, and yields a great result! 

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Why Use a Crockpot for Infusing Herbs in Oil?

This method is ideal for saving time above all else. I don’t like waiting for my herbs to infuse over the course of weeks. Not having to tend to it daily takes one task off of my lengthy to-do list! When you infuse herbs in oil using the crockpot method, you simply set it up and check on it periodically over the course of a few hours. It is incredibly simple! This is also great if you are new to herbs and/or making your own homemade products.

How Long Do You Let Herbs Infuse in Oil?

When using the slow cooker method, you only need to leave it for anywhere between 4-24 hours. The longer you allow your herbs to infuse in the oil, the stronger it will be. Be careful that you don't allow it to get too hot (or even to the point where it is boiling) though as it will cook it too much! 

To infuse herbs in oil with the crockpot method, you will be using the LOW setting. You just need to check on it periodically to be sure the water level doesn’t get too low. You want the water level to remain around the same height as it was when you begin the process.

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How to Choose a Carrier Oil

This part is really up to you! You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or any other carrier oil that comes to mind. Each carrier oil has different benefits and they each vary in price. 

Today, I am using coconut oil since I am using this herbal oil for a salve. Before I use it, I have to melt it down. It will remain a liquid throughout this process because we are choosing to use the crockpot method! Once I use this herb infused oil to make my salve, it will once again become solid and that helps in achieving my desired result. 

What Can I Make with Herb Infused Oil?

I infuse herbs in oil for all sorts of products. Salves, lip balm, lotion bars, body butter, diaper rash cream...you name it! This is a wonderful skill to have in order to make your own natural, non-toxic and healthy self-care products. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what is going on your skin! 

Look up the herb you are hoping to use and see what benefits it possesses so you can choose what product it will become wisely! I am using calendula (calendula officinalis) for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to help alleviate eczema. 

Check out my natural sugar scrub and cuticle oil for some SUPER EASY beauty diy product inspo! Your skin will thank you!

How Long Does Herb Infused Oil Last?

This really depends. It can last from a few months up to one year if stored properly. Be sure to fully strain off any stray herbs in the end and store it in a sterile glass jar with a tight lid. Place your final product in a cool dark place until you are ready to use it. It is crucial that you do NOT get any water in your herb oil at any time! 

Whenever you are ready to use this oil, be sure to check it out first. If it looks strange, smells funny, or even has signs of mold it is time to discard it and make a new batch!

How to Infuse Herbs in Oil | Crockpot Method

What You Need

• Crockpot.
• 2 Kitchen Towels.
• 2 Glass Jars.
• Spoon.
• Water.
• Mesh Strainer.
• Cheesecloth.
• Bowl.

Ingredients

• Herb of Choice (Calendula/Calendula Officinalis) 
• Carrier Oil of Choice (Coconut Oil)

Directions:

1. Place a kitchen towel in the bottom of your crockpot. Place the other on your workspace next to your crockpot for later.
2. Fill your glass jar ¾ full with the dried herb of your choosing.
3. Pour your liquid carrier oil over herbs being sure everything is covered completely. Be careful to leave about 1 inch of empty space at the top of your jar above the mixture. Use your spoon to help you get the oil in all the air pockets!
4. Lightly twist the lid back on your jar leaving it a bit loose. Place your jar of herbs and oil in the crockpot on top of the kitchen towel.
5. Pour water into your crockpot until it is about halfway up the side of your jar.
6. Turn your crockpot on the LOW setting.
7.  Leave your lid OFF and let the herbs infuse in the oil for a minimum of 4 hours up to 24 hours.
8. Periodically check to be sure your water level doesn’t become too low.
9. Remove your glass jar from the crockpot and dry it off with the other kitchen towel to ensure no water gets into your herb oil.
10. Line your metal strainer with cheesecloth and strain off your oil into a bowl. Squeeze the cheesecloth to get as much oil out as possible!
11.  Repeat step 10 as many times as needed to get your oil free of any stray herbs.
12.  Pour your herb infused oil into another sterilized glass jar. Wait until it completely cools then cover it with a lid.
13.  Store your herb infused oil in a cool dry place for up to one year.

Are you going to try to infuse herbs in oil using the crockpot method? Let me know in the comments below!

Be sure to tag me on Instagram @tulipsandtwill so I can see your herbal creations! Use the hashtag #tulipsandtwill as well so everyone else can check it out too!