The “alcohol intermediary method” can significantly enhance herb-infused oils. This technique yields more potent and shelf-stable oils by drawing out compounds that are not soluble in oil. This method works because different plant compounds are soluble in different solvents. Oil infusions alone only extract oil-soluble constituents, leaving behind other valuable properties of the herb. By first soaking dried herbs in a small amount of high-proof alcohol, you get a broader extraction of beneficial compounds.
Advantages of Alcohol Intermediary Method
Increased potency: Alcohol is a powerful solvent for many compounds that oil cannot extract, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, resins, and organic acids.
Longer shelf life: Adding alcohol helps to reduce the likelihood of mold or bacterial growth in the finished product, which can extend its shelf life to two years or more.
Vibrant colors: Alcohol is better at extracting certain pigments like chlorophyll, resulting in a more deeply colored infused oil.
Faster infusion: This method can be completed in about 24 hours, compared to traditional oil infusions that can take weeks.
Use of dried herbs: This process is specifically designed for dried herbs, which eliminates the moisture from fresh plants that can cause an oil to go rancid.
Step-by-step alcohol intermediary method
- Prepare your herbs:
- Use dried herbs for this process. For a stronger infusion, grind the herbs into a coarse powder using a blender or mortar and pestle.
- Add alcohol:
- Place the ground herbs in a clean, sterile glass jar. Add just enough high-proof, food-grade alcohol, such as vodka or Everclear, to moisten the herbs thoroughly until they have the consistency of wet sand.
- Initial extraction:
- Seal the jar and let the herb-and-alcohol mixture sit for 12 to 24 hours. The alcohol will begin to break down the plant material and extract its alcohol-soluble constituents.
- Add oil and blend:
- Add your chosen carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, sweet almond oil) to the jar with the herbal mixture. For best results, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend on medium to high speed for about five minutes, or until the blender pitcher feels warm.
- Strain and filter:
- Strain the oil through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a muslin cloth. You may need to strain multiple times to remove all the fine herbal particles. For the clearest product, a final pass through a coffee filter can be done.
- Store:
- Pour the finished, enhanced oil into a labeled, dark-colored glass bottle. Store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency.
Cuts & Scrapes Wound Oil
This blend of herbs is excellent thanks to its antimicrobial properties. Use this infused oil as-is on any minor burn or wound, or turn it into an ointment (consistency of ChapStick) with a touch of beeswax (1/2 oz of beeswax per 8oz of oil).
Ingredients:
40% calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower
20% chickweed (Stellaria media) leaf
20% plantain (Plantago spp.) leaf
10% yarrow (Achillea millefolium) flower
10% lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) flower