Essential Oils

By: Narda

August 12. 2021

NOTE: There are several methods to make essential oils: Using an oven, a clay pot, crock pot, pressure cooker, etc. We share here a method we consider safe and easy

What you will need:

Carrier Oil (jojoba, almond, olive, wheat germ)
Herbs, flowers, or fruit peels of your choice
Clean glass jars with lid – pickling or preserving jars will work well
Crock pot
Gauze or cheese cloth
A sterilized funnel
A sterilized jar to strain the ingredients
A sterilized colander
Sterilized dark Glass bottles with lid to keep the oil from direct light and preserve it for a longer time

What you will need to do:

Choose your carrier oil
Select the herb, flowers or fruit peels of your choice
You may use only one herb, peel or flower, or you can use a mixture of those. Feel free to experiment!
Fill the equivalent of one fifth of each jar with dry herbs, peels or flowers – always put in dry ingredients first. Do not pack the ingredients
Fill with the carrier oil the remaining four parts
You will need to fill each glass jar up to the base of the lid so calculate carefully
Close the jars properly making sure no air gets in and put them in the crock pot
Cook the jars on low (warm) heat for 6 to 8 hours. Monitor the water level. Add more water as needed

What you will need to do, cont.:

When finished, wait for the water to cool and then remove the jars; let them cool at room temperature.
Leave the herbs, flowers, and peels in the oil, so that the infusion continues to occur
Let the oil set for two weeks by placing the jar on a place where it gets plenty of sunlight. Turn the jars upside down twice a day
Placing the colander on the sterilized jar, put the cheesecloth on it and strain your oil
Using the funnel, fill your bottles and store away from the sunlight at room temperature

Extra tips

Avoid overheating
Home-made essential oils might take a few trials before you get to that desired concentration.
Making your own essential oils can be a very pleasant experience, enjoy the process, enjoy the oils

Essential oils can last up to two years if stored properly. Longer than that they will lose their effectiveness
Try adding few drops of essential oil to an unscented, commercial lotion to relieve stress, get energized or calm your mind

Share your results with us on Instagram

Photography by: Cristina Pop, Charles Duck, Fulvio Ciccolo, Kadarius Seegar @ Unsplash