Making Shelf-Stable Herb Infused Oils Using the Alcohol Intermediary Method (with Maria Noël Groves)

Want your salves and other homemade topical creations to last longer? Mountain Rose Herbs joins herbalist and author Maria Noël Groves of Wintergreen Botanicals to make herbal oil using the alcohol intermediary method. Creating an herb infused oil with alcohol as an intermediary will help increase shelf life as well as extract more beneficial properties of the herbs, creating amazing oils for skin and hair care recipes!
DIY LONG-LASTING OILS FOR BODY CARE: mrh.life/Infus...
📖 Purchase Maria's book Body Into Balance: An Herbal Guide To Holistic Self-Care here: mountainrosehe...
For more DIY instructions, check out:
🌿 Herb-Infused Honey • How to Make Herb-Infus...
🌿 Guasha Facial Massage Tutorial • Guasha Massage Tutoria...
🌿 East-Asian Herbal Liniment Recipe • East Asian Herbal Lini...
Join our community!
✅ Subscribe to the Mountain Rose Herbs newsletter: bit.ly/MRHnews...
✅ Subscribe to Mountain Rose Herbs on KZbin: mrh.life/KZbin
✅ Visit us online: www.mountainros...
✅ Read our blog: blog.mountainro...
✅ Listen to our Herbal Radio podcast: mrh.life/HerbR...
✅ Follow us on Instagram: mrh.life/insta...
✅ Like us on Facebook: / mountainroseherbs
✅ Follow us on Twitter: / mtnroseherbs
✅ Follow us on TikTok: / mountainroseherbs
✅ Follow us on Pinterest: bit.ly/MRHpint...
Strengthening the bonds between people and plants for a healthier world.
#oilinfusion #diyskincare

[@beatdizzy]

1oz finely ground herb, shake in half oz of alcohol (everclear), sit for 24th, put in blender, add 8 oz oil (can add more if nec). Blend for 5 mins, little bit warm to touch. Strain through muslin, strain through a coffee filter.

[@beatdizzy]

Herb into blender, mill, add alcohol, mix in blender. Let sit 24h. Add oil. Blend again for 5min. Strain.

[@lulu6618]

Thank you for recap!

[@ZionsTreasure]

Thank you!!!

[@ElijahsMimi]

Does it have to be Ever clear? Why not 100 or 80 proof? Too much water maybe? Did I answer my own question 😂

[@moonchildgarcia8999]

​@ElijahsMimi I only use Everclear when I'm working with resin, bark or root plants. 80% proof works perfectly for this type of method. That's my preference. I find Everclear is to potent for dry botanical matter.

[@BecDoesRandomStuff]

To get the oil out of the cloth use bicarbonate soda. It's a fantastic degreaser 😁

[@veronicadavanzo2064]

Good tip!

[@rebeccataravonschleinitz]

It does wash out. The colour stays, but it does wash out.

[@lindachandler2293]

Thank you so much for teaching this method! When I make infused oils and get it on my hands I go through the house finding family members with rough elbows or heels. My husband will mumble and fuss, but when I say gimme your elbows, he knows what I'm doing 🤣

[@cyanoxicrose]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 too funny!

[@blueandbanana]

1 oz dried herbs only. Blend. Pour glass jar. 1/2 oz vodka. Close lid. Damp not soaking. Wait 24 hours to extract properties. Put herb in blender. Add 8 oz oil in blender. Blend 5 mins. Should only be warm to touch. Strain. Keeps for one year. (I use a preservative.)

[@fzc1508]

Thanks! I was wondering if I could use vodka as grain Everclear not available where I am

[@Erenm]

@@fzc1508 It's worth ordering 190 proof alcohol for this method because the vodka will add a lot of water to the oil and that can cause spoilage.

[@SCBetaRS]

Whoa nice! I’m three weeks into making a Chamomile and Lavender herbal infused oil (grape-seed oil) using the slow method. After I’m done extracting them I will try this process (minus the additional heat) and see how they compare. I plan on using them in my massage practice.

[@kenycewescott1295]

Hi awesome! How long does your Salve last with using the Grapeseed oil?

[@ark194]

lmt here. how did it work for you?

[@lauraloewen4654]

Thank you. To measure one ounce, someone could also use measuring spoons... 2 tablespoons = 1 ounce

[@ladyrae2091]

it would depend upon the herb... not all weigh the same.

[@ponchovanillabean8074]

In liquids, yes. Not necessarily in dry ingredients.

[@VeganPrepper]

I knew right away you were talking about the part where she's measuring the alcohol, lol!

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

Thats really not true. In herbalism, we aren't measuring the volume of the herb, but the weight. An ounce of a very dense root is going to be a much smaller physical amount than say an ounce of fluffy mugwort. Ounce = weight, not volume. :)

[@Ebonyeyed]

@@ladyrae2091 It all depends on whether you're measuring by weight (oz) or volume (fl oz). She used weight when she measured the herb, but I've no idea what the oil bottle label said. Bottle labels of liquids in Europe refer to volume, so I'm kind of confused as well. Volume-wise and ounce is indeed 2 tbsp (30 ml), but in terms of weight, an ounce is 28.3495 g. Oh well... When it comes to infused oil, I prefer the 'eyeballing-it' method, making sure that the oil used covers the plant material completely, at least two fingers over. 😁😁

[@granmabern5283]

Your microphone is great. Your diction is clear and pleasant. Your explanations are clear and concise. Thankyou!

[@LaPetiteBoulin]

I would love to see a video series where you make useful salves etc. That everyone should have in their home medicine shelf.

[@mountainroseherbs]

We have lots more videos in the works! Check out this one in the meantime :) mrh.life/DIYsalves

[@sadraolaedo4733]

@@mountainroseherbs Can I use stearyl alcohol?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! I have no experience using stearyl alcohol in this way so I'm not sure how that would work for you in your recipe. Stearyl alcohol is a lower proof alcohol so I don't think it would work as well as using a high proof alcohol like Everclear to extract the herbal constituents and for shelf-stability. Sorry I can't be more helpful here! - Gracie

[@VeganPrepper]

Excellent video! I use a nylon nut milk bag for all of my oils, tinctures, etc, and it really does wash up well even from the oils. (Probably because it's nylon and doesn't really absorb it.) Nylon is not ideal, of course, but it does seem pretty darned reusable.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wendybond-mcaferty7932]

Maria Noel, is an Excellent Instructor!!!

[@mountainroseherbs]

We think so too, glad you enjoyed! 🥰

[@shusha50]

Maria, truly happy i found your clear, detailed, no-nonsense video . Appreciate the time taken in making these wonderful videos.

[@olgapalenzuela-king9172]

Awesome. I'm going to do it this way from now on instead of waiting for what seems like forever. Thank you.

[@headsup2010]

Excellent presentation! Thank you for your knowledge and insight. I will be incorporating this method into my practice.

[@riot.9]

Thank yoooouuuu!!!

[@harmonyway4883]

One of my favorite herbalists! I have both of her books and love them! 💖

[@mountainroseherbs]

She's an absolute joy!

[@MariaNoelGroves]

Awe, thank you!!

[@MC9337]

I will definitely do this method. Thanks for sharing. 😁❤️🙏🏾

[@denisegresio6355]

I make thc infused body butters. I’m gonna use this method to infuse Castor oil. I’ll let you know how it turned out. And I’m gonna use this method for my olive oil Mullein leaf tincture.

[@tarar6926]

Hello! I just found mullein in my garden and would love to make something with it - what do you use the olive oil infusion for?

[@ariellaares9100]

Can you still - or do you need to - use vitamin E and/or Rosemary extract with this type of extraction? As well, do you need to worry about the water in the alcohol?

[@jegtrio]

You mention at the end of the video that with Calendula and St. John's Wort, you will also add the low heat method in combination to the alcohol intermediary method. Are you referring to dried St. John's Wort or fresh St. John's Wort as you also mention that the alcohol intermediary method should not be used on fresh and I was understanding that this herb is mostly used fresh for oil infusions? TIA for clarifying.

[@kristinafinck2977]

I would also like to know I was wondering how she does the heat method

[@keeperofthememories]

Excellent presentation. I've really enjoyed this series with Maria. I can't wait to try this method!

[@lydiasaunders7994]

Excellent presentation Maria. I look forward to learning more. I'm popping over to your blog now. Thank you so much!

[@julitabv3637]

Thanks for this great video! I’ve been making essential oils through a distill method but once I add the oils to a product the smell vanishes. Does the alcohol intermediary method keep the smell of the oils?

[@eva0natural]

So excited for this video!! Thank you.

[@susanorban3059]

Thank you for sharing this method with us! I'll be trying this❤

[@carolhamilton5164]

Just what I wanted! Thanks!

[@dostrowskmail]

Nice process and I'd like to try it - but I'd never use heat when making any tinctures. It breaks down and destroys vitamins and nutrients that are important and the reason we make and use tinctures.

[@jeaniebergmail]

I will absolutely try this. Thank you!

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

I'm not a fan of shortcuts with herbalism, and I wonder if this method could be done with the more traditional long extract time?

[@r0se_777]

What do you see as a shortcut in this process?

[@taye7968]

This is way mor potent than traditional methods.

[@KniDonovan]

Instead of a blender might one use a magnetic stirrer for an hour or so? Plus many have a heat element. It might be quieter than a blender. An idea if people make many oils and tinctures...

[@maiamacintosh99]

I’ve heard that the high proof alcohol can also destroy some of the beneficial properties of herbs. Is that not a problem in this process because it’s only sitting for 24 hours before adding the oil?

[@mountainroseherbs]

This is not a concern that we are familiar with, high proof alcohol is often used to extract herbal properties when crafting tinctures and extracts. I would guess that the short maceration time would lessen any risk, however, if you are concerned you may wish to try another method of infusing your oil. I hope that helps! 🌿

[@naturallygigi3294]

So cool... Can I use this method for hair oils as well? Like (Include the alcohol)?

[@marie-evethibouthot5828]

HI was wondering if we have to name the alcohol in the ingredients list for a final project...for instance a balm...thank you

[@wellesleyful]

I was wondering this too! I am curious since alcohol is in such a small % no?

[@UnbreakableMahal]

Thank you

[@kristietorres5522]

I would like to use some infused oils in soap making, but I'm wondering how much of the alcohol remains in the final oil. Alcoholic liquids used in soap making need to be boiled to cook off the alcohol before combining with lye, so would there be enough alcohol left in the oil to require cooking off?

[@oceanluv88]

great tip! thanks.

[@chywaratnyanatuksa5322]

My final product have a very strong alcohol scent, maybe i add a lot of them, there are anyways to reduce the smell of alcohol? Ps.I use dried rose petal Thank you in advance..

[@gavgavvera]

What kind and what proof alcohol are you using?

[@khione8044]

@Elena Domnina She used a 190 Proof Grain Alcohol (similar to Everclear)

[@willowverbiski3592]

You can use Vodka. High Grain Alcohol is only used when extracting from thick roots and bark☀️

[@cyanoxicrose]

Thank you SO much for this video! I am DEFINITELY going to try this, but I would like to make it a multiherbal oil. Can this same process be used for a hair oil too? Also, was that grain alcohol (Everclear or the like) that you used?

[@mountainroseherbs]

You can certainly blend your herbs before infusing into oil. Sometimes, it's a little easier to make separate herbal oils, and then blend the finished oils together, rather than trying to infuse blended herbs. This technique can definitely be used to make hair oils as well. This is a 190 proof alcohol, Everclear is a perfect ingredient for this method.

[@cyanoxicrose]

@@mountainroseherbs I thought about that too! This way I can use them stand-alone, or as a combination as you mentioned. I've received my shipment from Mountain Rose Herbs and I am going to do single oils. I have created 2 combination oils: one for hair and one for skin. They are working great so far! May I ask what blender are you using? Thanks again! OH! And I do have the Everclear 190 proof alcohol.

[@rosecroix2467]

I like to let the oils set for a day or more and the material settles to the bottom so the oil is clearer and have less gunk to filter.

[@blueskyeranch6495]

This answers my question on the previous video.

[@CrystalQuartz]

Thank you for making this great video! Is sweet almond oil appropriate to use or maybe half avocado oil and half sweet almond oil?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Sweet almond oil is excellent and would definitely recommend trying! You may have to experiment with small batches to see how your beeswax:oil ratio settles after you're done, as some oils may require more or less wax to get the right consistency you're looking for.

[@CrystalQuartz]

Thank you!

[@kimkerley4218]

@@mountainroseherbs I didn’t see were she uses bees wax

[@PriscilaPiardi]

Hi! Can I use this oil for culinary purposes? or wouldn't it be a good idea? Tks

[@jenniferbarrera8877]

I would like to know this as well!

[@PriscilaPiardi]

@@jenniferbarrera8877 I have no answer here, but I made mint chocolate and used the oil with this method. I liked my results.

[@JaneThomas58]

Well done! Ty.

[@cinbob00]

Thank you😊

[@mountainroseherbs]

You're welcome! 😊

[@anachavez7936]

Thank you so much! This has been very useful. Please wash the gloves and reuse them, less trash, more nature, more health

[@sheriah2077]

What's a good substitute alcohol for the grain alcohol of I don't have it? Does it have to be grain alcohol 190 proof?

[@Kaileynorriscreates]

Can I use more than one herb like rosemary and horsetail?

[@pinokietwala8959]

Hello dear...thank you for the video. Can the herb infused oil work in Candle-making. Your assistance is highly appreciated I have been doing the ugly cry

[@mountainroseherbs]

That's an amazing question! We don't see why putting herb infused oils in a candle wouldn't work! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@rachelsweets]

Thank you 😍😍😍

[@sherryewy8522]

Thank you so much!

[@mountainroseherbs]

You're welcome!

[@FarmhouseTeas]

That was super helpful, thank you!

[@beccogiallo]

Very interesting method. I have many rosemary and lavender plants, would this work with them as well?

[@SWGreenDesert]

How can I get the alcohol smell out of my infusions when I use this method. I agree that it makes a much stronger oil but I can’t stand the smell of the ever clear in my oil extraction. I use my oils for skin care and I can smell the alcohol everytime I open the jar. Any advice?

[@brittney9467]

i have the same issue the second time i made this. very overpowering and worry about the alchol drying my skin! stinks so bad!

[@ThePineFarm]

Awesome video, very informative

[@happyramirez5542]

Thanks for sharing...

[@janececelia7448]

Would you get the same amount of extraction using whole dried herb and flowers? I don't want to keep straining the infusion. Thanks.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there Jane! I've never tried this method with whole herbs and flowers, but I don't see why it couldn't work for you. The more surface area (the finer you cut your herbs), the more herbal goodness you will extract from the plant. Dense, whole herbs will be harder to extract from. So you may need to adjust your times and amounts to get the desired effect. I hope that helps you make your decision! - Gracie

[@moonshadowessentialssoapsn5287]

I’m going to try this and then compare it to the method I use n see which one I like better. I do mine the way they used to do it. I take my girls and fill a jar. I add the oil I make sure there is no air. And I put it in a cool dark dry place. And every 2 weeks I strain it then refill the jar and that the strained oil and put it back in the jar with the new botanicals or Herbs and I do this every 2 weeks for 8-10 weeks. Then I drain it for the final drain. And I make sure it clear. And the oil is phenomenal!! So I wanna try this and see it it’s equal or as good at the very least. U never know when u need a quick infused oil.

[@walterzuccolotto6648]

Hello, any update on the comparison between the two methods?

[@carrielenski5335]

Hi Maria thank you so much for doing this video I really appreciate it. I have a question, I've watch the exact same process, but after they were done and sealed the jars they put it in a yogurt maker because of the low setting, for a couple days, shaking the Mason jar every now and then. Does this make a stronger tincture, or is it not Necessary, to take them extra steps???Thank you!!!!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi Carrie! I've never used a yogurt maker (but that is an interesting technique!) but I do shake my jars by hand every day to make sure all the plant matter is completely submerged! I think both methods would end with a very similar result. I hope that helps!

[@sleepymombie5407]

Was this vodka? What type of alcohol did you use? I really want to learn to make oils and salves.

[@Erenm]

It looks like another brand of something like Everclear.

[@greenlifechronicles]

This is such an excellent video, thank you! I’m just a bit confused though why mold would grow in oil if there is no water introduced. I’ve never seen that before, rancid yes, mold, it intrigues me on how that can happen. If there is no water, there is no life? Nevertheless this vid was awesome and I can’t wait to try this out! TY!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Great question! Using this method, the only ways you'd really be introducing water would be if your herb has not been dried properly or if your alcohol was not a high enough proof. Another way to avoid this is by using more shelf-stable oils like olive oil. Though mold growth is unlikely, it is always a small possibility. Always better to be safe than sorry 🤓 Happy crafting! - Gracie

[@lizrogers4127]

I wonder if this first step with alcohol can be used prior to making a witch hazel based liniment? Or is that redundant because the witch hazel already contains alcohol?

[@mountainroseherbs]

We have not tried making a witch hazel based liniment that incorporates an herbal infused oil before, so we cannot speak to the success of this method. Apologies we're unable to provide further guidance, we'd love to know how this works out for you if you give it a try!

[@ark6831]

Great video! When using this higher potency herbal oil to make creams, salves and balms, are you cutting it with another carrier oil or using it full strength?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! I'm thinking this would depend on your recipe and intended outcome for what you're crafting. Here is a recipe we made for a Calendula Salve where we only used an herbal infused oil and wax (blog.mountainroseherbs.com/simple-calendula-salve-and-lip-balm-recipe) as well as a recipe for a belly butter where we mixed several oil types (blog.mountainroseherbs.com/homemade-belly-butter). Adding in more oils to the belly butter is going to give it a much softer consistency than the calendula salve. You will also be adding in the benefits of other types of oils. It really comes down to preference and how much of your precious herbal oil you are wanting to use in your recipe.

[@RitaPanahi-BeEmpowered]

Do you have to grind up the herb because of the alcohol? It seems a lot messier than infusing alone in a jar for a few weeks. Any other options for increasing shelf life? Adding Vit E or something else to the infusion?

[@rhaven50]

I use vit e. My oil stays good for over a year

[@imanalien3509]

Is there any concern of the alcohol drying out your skin? Its one of the ingredients inusually try to avoid on my skin. Curious on thoughts on this.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there, great questions! Most of the alcohol will evaporate from the final herbal-infused oil, and the naturally moisturizing properties of the carrier oil should eliminate any concern of the small amount of residual alcohol drying out the skin. We hope this helps!

[@cindeesmith5139]

Shelf life about a year? Question two I have never used alcohol for extract before. Besides besides herb mentioned. What other dried herbs should not be done. Thank you for you video !

[@mountainroseherbs]

Yes! In a cool dark area, this oil will be stable for that long! St. John's is happiest when fresh, so we certainly recommend not using dry. Almost all others are fine when dried, but natural oil contents will be greater when fresh. Try using fresh lemon balm versus dried, and see the difference!

[@MariaNoelGroves]

Yes, I try to replace every year but this method is actually much more shelf stable than other styles of oil because of the dried herb (vs fresh) and the alcohol. I do all my herbal oils this way except St. John's wort (fresh maceration works best b/c it loses so much once dried). Calendula I start with this method then give it a few days or hours on low heat. My other herbal oils - plantain, comfrey, thuja, chaparral, got kola - I make this way. I'm still experimenting with my own arnica blossoms, but if you have them, fresh/wilted maceration would be more potent than dried.

[@paeon21]

A question regarding homemade ointments: If I put a carrier oil together with a hydrosol for several days, and regularly shake up the mixture, then drain the hydrosol out completely, and finally make an ointment from the carrier oil only, how much would the shelf life of the ointment be impaired by the process? Thanks.

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

Any time you add water to an ointment, you're either going to need a preservative, or you will need to store it cold and use it quickly. Mold, bacteria, and other nasties can start growing in as little as 3 or 4 days otherwise. Theres no way to get all of the water out once you've added it.

[@wellnessrushliving]

If you use this infusion in your salves or creams etc, do you include the ethyl alcohol in the list of ingredients in the final label?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there, great question! We do not currently utilize ethyl alcohol in our salves or other body care products, but we would clearly state this ingredient on the label if we did.

[@theresastrickland2937]

Can you take 3 different herbs of choice and mix together and follow your steps. Instead of just one herb?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Yes, you can include more than one herb in your infused oil! 🌿

[@jrobertgadams7766]

So.... there are no interactions when comes the time to do a Salve ? (as there is alcohol in the oil)

[@mountainroseherbs]

Salve videos are on the way! The alcohol content is small enough not to drastically interfere with making a salve.

[@MariaNoelGroves]

No issues whatsoever for making a salve :)

[@CharlieDosSantos]

Would this method and infused oil work in candles for scent?

[@lusicampostx]

Can I use this infused oils with alcohol for soap making? Thanks!

[@Skylightatdusk]

I want to use extracts in oils for dry skin. However, I want to get rid of the alcohol, can I use something cheap like surgical alcohol?

[@mountainroseherbs]

You could make glycerites instead, by using vegetable glycerine. Learn about them here at our blog: blog.mountainroseherbs.com/make-glycerin-extracts-glycerites

[@sewcydnee]

Does the alcohol add a drying effect? Going to make a scalp oil but am worried the alcohol could be drying to my already dry scalp?

[@GoddessInTraining444]

I was worried too, but she did state the alcohol brings the properties out more. Also so little is used I doubt it will.

[@lindagordon5770]

Does the alcohol remain in the oil?

[@zumbapatty4988]

This will work great for my salves! One question..... the only blender I have is a Vitamin. How long should I blend with that since it does go much faster than a regular blender. It got REALLY HOT!

[@CarlCiullaBenavides]

Could I use this method with fresh basil for cooking purposes? If so, what’s the shelf life since I would be using fresh? Dried basil just does not taste as good as fresh

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! This method is for topical applications only and should not used for culinary purposes. If you're hoping to have the flavor of fresh basil in your culinary creations year round, you could try blending fresh basil leaves with a touch of water, and then freeze the mixture in ice cube trays! We hope this helps, happy cooking! 🌿

[@CarlCiullaBenavides]

@@mountainroseherbs thank you! And PS I have been using this method for my salves and balms and it’s amazing! Saves so much time and it’s so obvious that the oil infusions are so much more potent :)

[@dailylivingwithgualbert8791]

thank you so much. But is this method also possible with dried ginger or dried garlic? Thank you for your reply please.

[@mountainroseherbs]

Sorry to reply so late! You can definitely do this with something like ginger or garlic. You would probably want to grind or powder them before using this method to get the most out of your infused oil.

[@angelareneelove]

Loved this video...i have been making herbal oils for my hair for years and was wondering if i can use the alcohol method for my hair oils?? Is the alcohol to much to use on the hair and scalp?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Thank you for checking in! Most of the alcohol will evaporate out of this oil during this process. It should be suitable for most topical uses. However, if you have any concerns regarding the residual alcohol traces I would recommend using another method. I hope that helps! 🌿

[@lisahudson7051]

Does this method work for both topical and edible oils?

[@shannonbachorick849]

Just topical oils.

[@Cindy-vg9ki]

Can this be done with aloe vera powder?

[@willowverbiski3592]

This video was good but to say, this is a Tincture. Herbs infused in alcohol are tinctures. Extractions are similar. For tinctures you can use Vodka. No need for High Grain proof alcohol unless you extracting from roots and bark. Alcohol will extend the shelf life but most tinctures as in this video should be used within 6 months. Another note: It is Safer’ to infuse herbs in Olive Oil for Salve making, without the correct Alcohol ratio formula, you could set your stove on fire if heated for salves! My family and I have a small Herbal business and I’d also be glad to help with any questions. We have been making, tinctures, salves and infused oils for 2 generations. 💖🌿💖

[@TheAlice801]

I literally just made some lavender oil using this method I was about the make the rose one. It’s been sitting in alcohol for 24 hours and it just REEKS of alcohol now I’m worried that when I use the oil for soaps, salves or lip balms that it will smell like alcohol 😭 will it ?

[@victorybenoliel4815]

Hello Willow, what do I do if I use to much denatured alcohol, am. Making an oil to apply to the skin. And I have used to much alcohol

[@KM-xq2xr]

@@TheAlice801 If you do a low slow heat, the alcohol smell will evaporate.

[@spudzee4736]

Hi Willow, I’m wondering what are the advantages of adding beeswax to the infused oil? Does it help the skin to absorb the oil better or it used only for making the oil more solid?

[@kristinafinck2977]

​@@KM-xq2xrdoing low on heat do u mean double broil or just put it in a pan and low heat ?

[@deborahroth3643]

I live in Canada and we are unable to get 100 proof alcohol, is there anything else that I can use? We can only get 40 proof is that okay to use!

[@shannonbachorick849]

I get Everclear at Sobeys Liquor, and I believe Metro Liquor (out west, not the grocery store down east) also carries it. You have to ask for it as they don't put it out on the shelf.

[@fejithegirlssdiary8413]

Which is a better extraction method . Alcohol or oil for getting the properties

[@TamiePryor]

Is it recommended that the Alcohol Intermediary Method be used for resins/gums such as frankincense, myrrh, dragons blood, etc? How is it beneficial or not? Does it enhance or interfere with the properties of the resins?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! Using the alcohol intermediary method with resins and gums would likely not result in a very potent infused oil, and much of the resin/gum solids would be wasted in the process. If you're wanting to add resins/gums into body care formulations, an alcohol extraction would be more effective. We hope this helps!

[@TamiePryor]

@@mountainroseherbs Thank you for your response! I noticed that a few people were saying that you can use the alcohol intermediary method, but I had a feeling that wasn't right. I am making anointing oil and will be using a few dried herbs, frankincense and myrrh.

[@blueandbanana]

Why do we need to blend it? Does it denature the rosemary? How do we reduce the alcohol?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! Maria blended her plant material to increase the surface area for the alcohol to work its magic. The alcohol will evaporate off the herbs but a tiny bit will remain at the end. It will not be noticeable for topical use but will leave a slight taste so Maria does not recommend taking these oils internally.

[@blueandbanana]

@@mountainroseherbs thank you!

[@selfhealherbs13ms]

When is Germall plus use. Does lip balm need germall .

[@rackashot]

Thank you so much for this video. Would this method work for a tincture made with glycerine? I don't like them made with alcohol.

[@mountainroseherbs]

This recipe is actually an herb infused oil, not a tincture. And depending on the herb, herbal oils can be used for internal or external use. If you want to learn more about glycerites, head over to this blog! mrh.life/GlycerineBliss

[@MariaNoelGroves]

Glycerine is a totally different animal. If you'd like a fast and excellent glycerine technique, try the simmered still technique (a la Steven Horne and Thomas Easley) shown at kzbin.info/www/bejne/roaag5etral0iLM

[@ark6831]

@mountainroaseherbs do you have an updated link for the glycerine, this no longer works. Looking for proper and best practice to infuse herbs into oil for making hemp isolate tintures. Haven't found a solid instruction yet. Ty

[@mountainroseherbs]

Sorry about that broken link, here you go! blog.mountainroseherbs.com/how-to-make-glycerin-extracts-glycerites Unfortunately, we have no experience making hemp isolates but I have seen a few other people comment on this video who are crafting something similar. Maybe try reaching out to them to see what their experience is! I hope that helps :)

[@dexmav_organics]

I already soaked my herb in oil but after seeing this, am thinking, can one still add you alcohol to an already oil soaked herb

[@KM-xq2xr]

No. The alcohol step first is very important

[@selfhealherbs13ms]

If I put my oils,or salve in the frig or freezer will they last long, because I had quite a bit left and didn't want it going ransic. Thanks so..much for your wonderful video.🥰

[@LoveoftheDarkFiberArts]

Keeping salves and oils in the fridge will extend their shelf life dramatically!

[@angelashabazz]

If I want to blend three different herbs at the same time do I add 8oz of oil per 1oz of herbs?

[@fzc1508]

Thanks! Does the aroma of the EV olive oil end up dominating the aroma of the herb?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! You will definitely be able to smell the olive oil but it depends on what herbs you are infusing as to what the final smell will be.

[@AshleyKidd-rq2kh]

Can this method be used for the oil I burn in my essence lamp?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Due to the presence of alcohol, we would not recommend using this method for burning the infused oil in an essence lamp.

[@iamnaturals9281]

can you use this method for glycerites and infused honey's

[@ammieadams2643]

What would happen if you used a little bit too much alcohol?

[@tonymckinney1355]

How would you evaporate the alcohol in the oil and is there a way to check the finish product for alcohol percentage ?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there, Tony! While the majority of the alcohol will evaporate out, there will be a small bit remaining in your final product. We have not tested for alcohol with the finished product but I would assume it will be very low. One of the reasons Maria suggests using this oil topically is because the alcohol does leave an unpleasant taste as well. I hope that helps to answer your question! - Gracie

[@christyanderson9243]

What about internal herbs. Like oregano? What's the shelf life for that?

[@keeleykobobel5507]

Can i also mix the alcohol extract w glycerine?

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! Glycerine would not be a suitable addition to this recipe. If you're looking for ways to incorporate both glycerine and alcohol into an extract, you can mix glycerites (glycerin extracts) with a small amount of alcohol for more botanical extraction and a longer lifespan. Glycerites can also be mixed with alcohol-based tinctures to sweeten them and make them more palatable. Generally, you’ll want to use 75% tincture and 25% glycerite. We hope this helps!

[@ihuomachiboka8714]

Quick question, can I use this same method for seeds? Dry them, grind and infuse? I'm thinking for bitter kola and akpi seeds.

[@alaskaglacialessentialsski4029]

Did you try it with seeds?

[@AM-2018]

In the case of using this method for calendula, is the final product ok to use on children? Just wondering because of the alcohol. Thank you!

[@mountainroseherbs]

Hi there! Yes, this final product would be okay to use on children. There may be a faint smell of alcohol in the final product, but all the alcohol content will evaporate off during the extraction process. Thanks so much for asking!

[@AM-2018]

Wonderful thanks so much! 🌿

[@marianast9477]

do you have to use only alcohol 190