Tutorial - How To Make an Herbal Oil Infusion on the Fast Track

New Tutorial

Herbal Oil Infusion - The Fast Track

Normally when making Herbal Oil Infusions I would leave the herbs or flowers in the oil on a sunny windowsill for a couple of weeks, even a month, stirring occasionally, pressing the old herbs and adding new. That's the best way to do it.

BUT, I needed a fast-track way to have some lovely herbal infused oil..well, actually, floral-infused oil by Sunday morning. It's Thursday! Uh Oh! 

 The cure?  I have mixed my flower tops in the oil just as I would for a long-term infusion, but have decided to slowly and gently heat them in a heat-proof glass container atop a double boiler.  The glass container is not touching the water, so that only the steam reaches the herbal mix.  I am keeping the water at the lowest simmer that will make a small amount of steam. 

I will let this infuse all day today.  I'll cool, press the floral mix, add new flower heads, cover again with the strained and pressed oil, and steam all day tomorrow. On Saturday I'll strain and press the oils. 

 

On Sunday I will use my newly created Infused Oil to make a lovely sugar scrub for a party that afternoon.  

I will let you all know how I like the results, or better yet, how the ladies like the results when they use their scrubs at home after the party. 

 This is a 2-Day Project, so allow yourself enough time to enjoy the process. 

 

  

 

 HOW TO MAKE an HERBAL OIL INFUSION

on the

THE FAST TRACK

 In this Recipe I am making a Lavender, Red Rose and Chamomile Infusion. You may substitute the flowers and/or herbs of your choice.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups dried herbs or flower heads

2 cups organic extra virgin coconut oil (76 or 96 degree)

(substitute almond, grapeseed or olive oil if coconut oil is not available, do not use blended vegetable oils such as cooking oil)

Water

 

SUPPLIES

Heat-Proof Glass Container (I am using a large 3 qt measuring cup)

Medium to Large Pot 

(should be large enough to hold glass container high enough to avoid the water and snug enough so that the container will not slip during the process)

Wooden Mixing Utensil

Funnel or Large Bowl

Sieve

Cheesecloth or Unbleached Muslin (unbleached cotton if that's what you have)

Clean DRY Glass Container with Lid (mason jar, clean dry mayo jar, etc.)

Large Rubber Band

RECIPE 

DAY 1

Fill your pot half way with cool water, turn on high heat and bring to boil. 

Turn heat to medium low, and adjust to just a low simmer. 

In your large heat-proof glass container, add 1 CUP ONLY of your herbs/flowers and pour all of the coconut oil over top

(coconut oil may not all come out of container, if that's the case, invert the container atop the mixture while its steaming. very shortly the oil will melt and you'll be able to get it out)

Stir to blend. 

Carefully place glass container in the top of the pot full of simmering water, being sure that the top of the water does not touch the bottom of the glass container. 

Allow the mixture to steam over SLOWLY simmering water for 6 hours, replacing water as it evaporates.

Allow to cool off enough to work with by hand. 

Place a single layer of unbleached cheesecloth, muslin or cotton over the container

Secure with a rubber band

Carefully turn the glass container upside down over the large bowl

Use a funnel to work with a smaller bowl

Allow the container to remain upside down, covered with the cloth, until all the oil drains into the second bowl

When all the oil has seeped into the second bowl, its time to Press

To Press the herbs, wrap the strained mixture of herbs/flowers in a large piece of muslin, cheesecloth or unbleached cotton, OR use a large unbleached reusable tea bag or cloth sack and fill with the flower mixture.  Tie securely with cotton string or hemp cord.

Place the wrapped mixture in your sieve over the bowl or use another clean DRY bowl if you like.

Press the wrapped mixture down against the sieve with your wooden utensil, a mallet, or (and this is what I do)  place a heavy object such as a stone mortar/pestle or a second smaller but heavy bowl atop the wrapping and weight it with crystals or other heavy objects. 

BE SURE that the object or utensil that you use is CLEAN and BONE DRY! You don't want to get any water into your infusion, this can end up causing you mold problems and ruining all your work. 

Allow all the remaining oils that you can squeeze from the herbs/flowers to drain into the bowl. 

Now start all over again.....

 If you are going to wait until tomorrow, then cover your container and place in a cool dry place, but NOT the refrigerator. 

DAY 2

In your makeshift double boiler bottom pot, again, heat 1/2 pot water to boiling. Reduce heat to a slow simmer.

Place your saved, strained and pressed oil, in your heat-proof glass container, over the water, but not touching. 

Add 1 CUP of the herb/flower mixture

Stir to blend.

Allow to steam another 6 hours, replacing water in the pot when needed. 

Stir occasionally. 

After 6 hours:

Remove from heat,

Cool to touch

Strain and Press same as on Day 1

Transfer to a CLEAN and BONE DRY glass container

Cover with a clean and BONE DRY lid, secure. 

Now you are ready to use your New Herbal Oil Infusion in your soaps, homemade skin care creams, or even in cooking!

Pat yourself on the back...you've done a great job!

AND you've made an all natural, good for you, good for the Earth, product that you can be truly proud of!

Please...let me know how your Infusion turned out. 

Experiment with different oils, herbs, flowers, etc.

Hope You Had Fun!

IMPORTANT TIPS

Never use a metal container. 

Never boil or overheat your mixture. 

Make sure to keep checking your pot to be sure there's enough water to produce steam.

KEEP WATER OUT OF YOUR MIXTURE AT ALL TIMES

Shelf Stable for Approximately 6 Months.

 

 

How to Make Lavender Syrup

Lavender Simple Syrup

3 SIMPLE INGREDIENTS

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
3 tablespoons dried or fresh lavender flowers

EASY DIRECTIONS
 1.  In a deep pot bring the water, sugar and lavender to a simmer.
 2.  Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off heat and let cool.
 3.  Strain to use.

NOTE!
For a stronger flavor refrigerate after cooling, at least over night. The longer the lavender sits in the sugar syrup, the more flavorful it will be.

 USES

Sweetening and Adding Flavors to Teas
Drizzle Over Cakes
Pancake Topping
Ice Cream Topping
Flavor Cakes and Desserts
Flavor Lemonade
Cocktails
Sorbets
Adding Exotic Flavors to Fruit Salads

EXPERIMENT
 Experiment with other flavors, added to, or instead of, lavender.  Suggestions:  star anise, peppermint, vanilla pods and beans, cinnamon bark, red rose buds, and even culinary herbs. 

Keeps in refrigerator for about 4 weeks. 

How To Make Your Own Toothpaste

Making your own Toothpaste is Easy ~ Sugar-free, Tasty, and it Works Great!

Homemade Mint Toothpaste

This is all that you need:

2 tablespoons 76 degree coconut oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 small packet of stevia powder (or ground natural stevia leaf)
20-25 drops of peppermint oil ***(use spearmint oil if you don't like a spicy taste)

1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, using a fork.

*** Start out with about half of the amount of peppermint oil and see how you like it. Too much peppermint oil for your taste and you'll end up with something that you will consider too spicy to use.

Variations

This is all you need:

Cinnamon ~ Omit the mint oil and substitute a few drops each of cinnamon and clove oil. You can use powdered cinnamon and clove, but expect the paste to be a little bit gritty. I find it best to use less at the beginning and add little bits at a time as cinnamon and clove tend to be strong and spicy, depending upon the brand you have at home.

Lavender Vanilla ~ Omit the mint from the original recipe and substitute ground lavender flower heads. A drop or two of pure vanilla extract adds body to this recipe.

Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. Have fun and brush, brush, brush!

HINTS and TIPS

If you don't have 76 degree Coconut Oil you can use a higher degree, but just be sure that you use the kind that is solid at room temperature. If you try to use denatured or fractionated Coconut Oil it will be too liquid and will not thicken at all. Coconut Oil is an excellent base for homemade pastes...i think you'll love it. Coconut Oil will melt at 76 degrees so the toothpaste becomes liquid when you brush, and coats well. The nature of coconut oil is not the same as with most vegetable oils and it will not leave any oily or greasy feeling in your mouth. It will feel fresh and clean.

Tummy Tea

Kids have an upset tummy?  Maybe you do? This will soothe and calm your tummy, and it tastes good too!

Perfect for children, this will not only soothe an upset tummy, but will calm them as well.

Loaded with nutrients, you can even use this to help with the symptoms of allergies and colds.

How To Make Tummy Tea

In a tea ball or an Organic Cotton Tea Bag combine:

1 Tbsp. Catnip
1 Tbsp. Chamomile
1 Tbsp. Red Clover
1 tsp. Stevia (optional)

Boil 6 - 8 cups of water
After water boils, turn burner off
Add prepared tea bag or tea ball
Allow to steep 5 minutes or until desired strength is reached

Makes 4 very large or 8 small cups of tea. 

 ENJOY!

If Stevia was not used, add clover or wildflower honey to taste.

I like a bit of cream in mine, but its a matter of taste. 


Helpful Hint ~ Rinse the tea bag inside and out, dry and re-use :)

See our Etsy Shop for Herbs, Teas and Organic Reusable Tea Bags

Chamomile soothes and relaxes
Catnip eases stomach upset
Red Clover soothes mucous membranes
Stevia sweetens without calories or carbohydrates

Due to the possibility of uterine stimulation, this blend of tea is NOT recommended for pregnant or lactating women. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Suggestions given herein are for informational purposes only. Please consult a Master Herbologist or your Healthcare Professional before using any Herbal Preparation. We do not recommend the ingestion or consumption of any herbal solution or preparation for pregnant or lactating women, or for children. Your health is your most precious asset...always take the utmost care.

How To Cleanse & Charge Your Crystals

Cleansing and Charging Your Crystals

 

Crystal energy  can be used for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing by balancing and stimulating positive energy in the mind/body.  Crystals  pull positive energies to you, and the more you use them, the more of a bond you form.  Oddly, this same frequent use of your crystals can weaken their energy and effectiveness. To prevent this from happening,  charge your crystals regularly.  The process is an easy one, but I suggest you wait for the Full Moon and for a time when you can be  calm and relaxed to more easily direct your most positive energies. 

All of the Crystals you receive from Simple Earth Creations will be cleansed and charged before they begin their journey to you.   When you receive your crystals, you will do your part.  First, make sure the crystals remain clean and free of earth and dirt.  Should they be soiled, simply rub them down with a soft organic cloth.  As a last resort you may use a soft bristle brush, as you want to disturb them as little as possible.   Once this is done, you are ready to cleanse your crystals.  Cleansing is the first step in readying  your crystals to accept your best energies and intentions.  

Choose the crystals that you want to work with based on the outcome that you are looking for.   Clear Quartz Crystal absorbs negativity and allows you to instill a most positive and energetic atmosphere in yourself and your sacred space.  Clear Quartz Crystals can take the place of other crystals that are unavailable to you at any given time.  Clear Quartz and Rose Quartz Crystal are among the easiest to start out with.  Rose Quartz is excellent for enhancing your intentions and filling your space with love and positivity. Amethyst also easily accepts positive energy and will ease stress and instill calmness in yourself and all around you.  

On the evening of the Full Moon, cleanse each crystal by running cool water over it as you hold it in your hand.  Place them in an earthen or glass bowl and cover with well water or purified water.  Gently mix in a small amount of natural sea salt.  Now place the bowl of water and crystals on the ground under the moonlight, preferably a Full Moon.  Let it remain there for at least 24 hours, and even better, from one Full Moon to the next .   Take care to either end the cleansing at this Full Moon or in the Waxing-to-Full Moon phase of the next.  I do not advise ending cleansing in any other moon phase other than the Waxing or Full Moon.  When your crystals have absorbed the Full Moon energy,  rinse them under cool running water, being sure to gently handle them as you do.  When a connection is made, you will “feel” that  the cleansing process has been completed.   When you have reached that stage, allow your crystals to air dry.

After cleansing, you may want to charge your crystal with a specific power.  Charging crystals is an essential part of working with them as tools.   Again, crystals are charged with your personal energy during the Full Moon.  Before charging your crystal, carry it around in your pocket or wear it around your neck for a few days, being sure not to carry it with metallic or magnetic objects, such as your keys or phone.  Keeping the crystal close to you helps strengthen the bond between your crystal and your own personal energy. 

Charging your crystals during the Waxing or Full Moon will ready them to aid you in a fresh start and in seeking out your desires .  Charging your crystal under the waxing moon aids in positivity and in the intention of gaining something that you want or need.  

Working in the waning or new moon is a bit more tricky,  as some may use this in a negative manner.  But as you gain more experience, charging under a waning or new moon could help you to achieve a lessening effect on something, such as debts or illness.   Until you gain more knowledge, it is best to work in the Waxing to Full Moon with all of your crystals.

 

As important as cleansing is imparting them with your intent for their work, using the elements of air, fire, water, and earth.   Charging your crystals with a specific energy is a moving and  powerful experience.  Find a  place of peace and quiet within your home and space.  Sit still and relax,  concentrating on your intent and focusing your energies.   Decide what you wish to impart to your crystals. 

Unwanted feelings may surface when working with crystals.  That's OK.  You may choose to protect yourself with meditation or a prayer of your choosing.  Ask for guidance, allowing all your  feelings to flow, acknowledging them and creating an aura of pure love.

Picking up a single stone in your dominant or projective hand, visualize your intent and what you would like to gain from your crystals.  Relax.  Direct these energies into the stone that you are holding.   Try to actually visualize  the energy going out from your body and into the stone.  You might try seeing it as a line of light flowing from you  to the stone.  As you charge the crystal, visualize it glowing with the light of your energy.   When the stone has received your energy and intent, you will feel it within the crystal, and as with the cleansing, and you will then know that the process has been completed.   When you have finished charging the stones, wrap them individually in a soft, unbleached organic cloth such as a natural cotton or silk.  Thank the spirits for the guidance they have provided you. 

Some may choose to perform a more elaborate charging ritual.  The basics are the same, the feelings are the same, only the tools are different.  To do this you will need an incense stick,  natural essential oil such as sandalwood, amber, lavender or frankinsence,  a red candle,  well-or-purified water, a small earthen bowl or other natural receptacle,  and a small plot of soil such as in a flower pot.   Light a stick of incense and  the red candle to represent the elements, air and fire.  Pass the crystal through the smoke to charge with the energies of  air.  Pass the crystal through the candle flame to charge with fire energy.  Sprinkle purified water from the bowl onto the stone, charging it with the energy of water.  Place the crystal in the soil and visualize the earth's energy charging your crystal.  Finally, rub the essential oil over the stone to charge it with your very own energy.  Give thanks to the elements and to Mother Earth for aiding you in  your endeavor.  Again, wrap your crystal in a small piece of organic silk or cotton. 

Always keep your crystals clean by polishing gently with a soft cloth,  and keep the energy pure by wrapping them or keeping them in a soft organic cotton or silk bag.  This will keep impurities from changing or weakening the energy and  intentions you have placed within your crystal.  Keep it with you, in your pocket, wear it around your neck, or simply hold it in your hand to guide you clearly and purely in all your endeavors.  You may choose to gently rub essential oil of lavender onto your crystal to aid in calming and soothing.  Have fun and experiment with essential oils for their metaphysical and healing properties.

Find Crystals, Herbs, Oils, Handmade Jewelry and Lots More at our Etsy Shop or check us out on Facebook, and don't forget to Enter Our Contest to Win Cool Stuff!