How to Make Herbal Oil Infusions for Soap Making and More
Tuesday August 5, 2008
Part of it was hearing Jeanne Rose speak about the healing qualities of herbs at the Texas Soapmakers convention. Part of it was testing out a new jojoba liquid soap recipe. Maybe it's just the warm herbal smells of oils and herbs heating slowly, but I really enjoyed making a herbal oil infusion especially to use in a new batch of liquid soap. Whether you infuse calendula petals or lavender...eucalyptus, patchouli, or sage, it's a lovely way to add some extra herbal goodness to your soaps (both liquid and bar), lotions, bath oils, massage bars and even bath bombs. It just takes some oil, some herbs and some heat.
Comments
So would this be the same as an essential oil?
No…essential oils are far more concentrated and pure. Think of this as extracting a bit of the “essence” of the plant into the oil. Like slicing some lemon slices and letting them sit in a cold pitcher of water. You’d be able to taste some lemon essence in the water after a bit. Just a little…not overwhelming.
An essential oil IS the essence of the plant - it would be like you took the peels of 100 lemons and extracted the oil from them. You’d get a tiny amount of oil…but boy is it strong!