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How to make herb-infused oils for natural hair growth
Making herb-infused oils at home is the best way to control the ingredients that go into your hair and skin care products. It is also the best way to get the wonderful benefits of medicinal herbs in your recipes.
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Whether you have a dry and itchy scalp, suffering from hair loss or hair thinning, herb-infused oils will provide a soothing relief and stimulate the follicles for hair growth.
There are different methods of creating herb-infused oils. You can choose a method based on the time and need to access the oil.
If you don’t have time, choose the hot infusion method but if you have time to spare and you want to enjoy the benefits of the herbs, then the cold infusion method is the best.
The cold infusion method is my first choice as it enables me to keep . You will need to observe a waiting time of 4 weeks and more while the oil is infused.
What herbs to use for infused oils?
I always go for dried herbs and flowers when infusing my oils as fresh herbs and flowers will cause bacteria growth due to the presence of water on them. However, if you decide to use fresh herbs, make sure that they are clean and dry before you start to infuse them. Normally, dried herbs tend to have a deeper, spicier flavor and are stronger than fresh herbs. It does not require a bigger quantity as compared to fresh herbs when creating oil infusions.
What are the best oils to create your infusion
Olive oil is my first choice when infusing my herbs because it is resistant to oxidation, has a better shelf life and is likely to go rancid as compared to other oils. But there are other oils that work well with herbs to create a good herbal infusion. Olive oil has moisturizing and penetrating properties because it absorbs easily into the skin and deeper into the hair shaft.
Coconut oil (where to buy)
Sweet almond oil (where to buy)
Avocado oil (where to buy)
Grapeseed oil (where to buy)
Jojoba oil (where to buy)
Sunflower oil (where to buy)
I also use fractionated coconut oil, a liquid version of coconut oil as it is easier to work with. But you can also use coconut oil after melting it on a water bath prior to using it.
Methods of infusion
There are different methods of infusing your oil with herbs. You can choose the method suitable for you based on your needs and accessibility/timeframe.
Hot infusion method
This method allows you to infuse your oils within 24 hours, reap the benefits of the herbs and proceed to create your favorite hair and body products and have them handy!
1. Oven method
You can infuse your oils using the oven method. Place herbs in a baking dish. Add the oils and stir well with a wooden spoon to combine. Try to cover the herbs with enough oil until they are submerged. Preheat the oven to 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit and place the baking dish with the herb/oil mixture in the oven. Turn off the oven and let the herbs to infuse in the oils for 3-4 hours. Once infused, remove the dish from the oven and strain out the herbs.
2. Stove top method
This method is Similar to the methods used to melt butters, oils and herbs can be warmed in the top of a double boiler, or placed in a jar that is then put in a pot with a few inches of water.
Warm over a low to medium heat so the oil gets warm, but not hot (never boiling).
Use a chopstick or spoon to gently stir the herbs every now and then.
Warm oil for about 20 minutes then remove from the stove. Cover and let sit for at least 3 hours. Once oil is sufficiently infused, strain out the herbs.
Cold infusion
Fill a glass jar or a mason jar with your chosen dried herbs and then add the oils. For a precise measurement in creating herb-infused oils use the ratio of one ounce (oz) dried herb to 10 ounces of oil. Close the jar and leave herbs to infuse for 4-6 weeks.
The jar should be placed in a warm area away from direct sunlight.
Make sure the lid is secured tightly and your herbs are totally submerged into the carrier oil. Shake the jar gently every now and then. After a few weeks the herbs will sink. You can then add more oil if you wish. Once infused, strain out the herbs with a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve.
I keep my herbs infused in oils for a minimum of 6 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks to get the most benefits out of them.
How to use herb-infused oils
To use your herb-infused oils, you will need to strain your herbs with a cheesecloth or a reusable nut milk bag and transfer the infused into a plastic bottle or a glass bottle with dropper lid. Then I go ahead and add some essentials oils such as Rosemary, peppermint and tea tree essential oil as well as vitamin E oil.
Body massage
You can use the herb-infused oil on your skin. Add a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint or lavender for a body massage.
Hair and scalp treatment
You can use your herb-infused oil as a scalp massage for about 5 minutes to stimulate the hair follicles and increase hair growth in bald spot areas. It can be used as a hot oil treatment or a base for your hair and body butter and balms.
Before you start
Make you sure to check the expiry date of your dried herbs before you use them
Remember to sterilize all your utensils and work on a clean surface
Keep your hands clean and sanitized to avoid bacteria growth
Close the container with a tight lid and place in a warm place, away from direct sunlight
Stir the glass jar at least once a week with a wooden spoon
Always remember to label your jar with the date you created the infusion
Benefits of herbs used in this recipe
Hibiscus flower is known as the “flower of hair care.” It is packed with antioxidants and is rich in vitamins A and C. It helps combat hair loss, dandruff, prevent split ends and premature graying.
Burdock is rich in iron, magnesium, manganese and thiamine. It helps in relieving skin and scalp conditions such as itching, psoriasis and eczema.
Fenugreek seeds help reduce dandruff, hair fall and promote hair growth. They are the secret to growing thick long and shiny hair.
Lavender has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The essential oil derived from lavender herbs is used in the treatment of lice in the hair.
Horsetail contains silica, vitamins and minerals that strengthens follicles and promotes healthy hair growth.
Nettle is rich in iron and vitamin C and in combination with horsetail it is used in the treatment of hair related issues such as alopecia, hair loss. These two herbs are very common in most marketed hair growth treatment products.
Peppermint leaves have antimicrobial properties as well as aromatic properties. I use dried peppermint leaves in my bath water for a relaxing evening.
Rosemary has been used for centuries to preserve, flavor foods and add scent to cosmetics, soaps, and shampoos. It has antiseptic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for improving scalp conditioning, and strengthening hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp, as well as for preventing premature balding.
Sage leaves are used in cooking, making tinctures. They are added to tea blends, and used to produce infusions . Hair rinses with sage help prevent dandruff control and restore color to graying hair.
Watch the video below to see how I make my herb-infused oils
DIY herbal infused oil at home (cold infusion)
Source
Online Herbal Encyclopedia of Knowledge: www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com
Disclaimer: All suggestions, tips, techniques and advice given in this post are for informational purposes only and should be used at your discretion and best judgment. It is highly recommend to conduct strand tests when trying or using new products,and product mixes. I am not responsible or liable for adverse or undesirable effects including hair loss, hair breakage as a direct or indirect result of the suggestions, tips, techniques and/or advice given.
Do you infuse your own herbs? what are your favorite herbs? Comment, like and share. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive tips, recipes, advice and more.
