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