All About Crafting Medicinal Oils | Herbal Medicine Making Guide | How to

Today's video is all about crafting medicinal oils. It goes through two different methods and how and why you may want to make them. Oils are among my favorite herbal crafts so it feels really special to get to share this base recipe with you all! I hope you enjoy!
Timestamps:
00:00 intro
02:13 the different methods used
03:21 materials needed
06:11 the long infusion method
08:26 the hot infusion method
09:55 finishing the oil
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[@lizhadley3803]

My favorite semi-quick infusion method is what I call overnight oven light. I put the herbs and oil into a glass measuring cup or jar and then place the vessel into my oven with just the internal light on. I let it sit overnight and by the next morning, I have a pretty potent infused oil. Then I strain as described in the video. I recently had to make a bruise oil after my horse stepped on my foot (no broken bones, but a pretty bad bruise with some edema). I made the oil with dried comfrey and yarrow infused in coconut oil. Instead of making a salve, I made a cream by adding cocoa butter and shea butter to the strained oil. After combining and melting everything, I put the jar in the fridge to harden and then took it out to come to room temperature. It has a lovely soft texture that doesn't hurt when I apply it to the bruise. After 4 days, the bruise and swelling are just about gone.

[@mahdimahdi6120]

من احل الكدمات نستخدم في الجزائر زيت الزيتون ونضع القليل من الملح فوقه مع القليل من المساج لن تظهر الكدمة اصلا لكن احرصي على وضعه مباشرة بعد التعرض الضربة 😊

[@kelliabdo9020]

In love these videos. They are easy to follow and don’t make me feel overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful crafting with us. 🪴💚

[@AvallachEmrys]

This was the first video of yours that I've watched, and I'm blown away. Not only are you helping us all in our pursuit of knowledge and growth, but your energy is so calming and comforting. It's like sitting down with a good friend over tea. Thank you so much for what you do!

[@laraburley2579]

I made a willow bark salve a couple of months ago to help with localised joint pain (due to arthritis) and it works really well. I also made your anti anxiety salve you shared a while back and gifted some to my friend who struggles with really bad anxiety and she said she feels so much better when she puts it on and is a lot less likely to have a panic attack. Thank you so much for sharing all of this information its so so helpful 🙏 I always learn so much when watching your videos!!

[@jenniferbeverley]

I think the methods depend on whether you're using it for ingestion or topical use. With fresh herbs in oil you run the risk of botulism growth which isnt always visible, so I tend to go with dried herbs for cooking with.

[@dianapovero7319]

Gotta ask this because I've never seen this in a video - whenever I craft with herbs I've always dampened the cloth before straining, usually with the apropriate solvent ( water, alcohol or oil) before straing because I was taught that this kept the cloth from absorbing to much of the medicine. Does anyone else do this? Loved this as always, I truly apreciate learning from another crafter!

[@fightevilbymoon]

For clarification to those on this thread, a 1:1 ratio of herb to oil is an extremely strong infusion. Standard is 1:5 (herb to solvent).

[@Durzo1259]

One way to keep coconut oil from solidifying is by mixing it with glycerin, to a ratio of 10% glycerin to 90% coconut oil (although 10% is minimal and you can go higher if you want, otherwise there may be occasional solidification that requires re-stirring). Glycerin is a wonderful preservative and won't interfere with the properties of oil or its constituents.

[@maureenfernando4033]

Do we have to use Vitamin e as well?

[@gypsyjunklady]

The main concern with fresh herbs is botulism. I agree that this doesn't like, automatically happen every time, but botulinum toxin is something that is actually not something you want to touch your skin even if you aren't ingesting it because obviously it is also something people get injected into their faces, as the poison slays the nerves that attach to the smooth muscles that are responsible for the facial movements that create wrinkling as we express emotions. I don't recommend that anyone use fresh herbs for any herbal products that they plan to ingest if using the long method as this amount of time significantly increases your chances of any spores that may be there, to grow in a low acidity environment. Most of us really don't like to use things like pheno nip in our creams and such but it does make some preparations more shelf stable if needing it for more long term use. My personal favourite way to use the fresh herb method is really to make it in use appropriate small batches. You can freeze your herbs and take them out and make fresh oils as needed!

[@opheliawild]

Thank you for doing this! What a great entry point into understanding the extraction process of tinctures, salves, and other herbal applications.

[@forestgyrl]

Wonderful video. Thank you for the simplicity and explanations. Blessings

[@GramaSagefeather]

The canning lids undee the jar is such a great tip. Thank you so much. I love you and She is of the Woods best of all💚💙💜

[@alyseandrews1066]

Love the timing of this! I've just about finished my very first long infusion. I used grapeseed oil as a base, I have red clover, plantain, and selfheal. The goal is to target itching and inflammation from eczema 🤞 I hope it turns out!

[@ebonyalexis32]

please please lmk how it worked out ! my daughter has eczema and she can't use her prescription salve for longer than a week, looking for a natural solution xx

[@alyseandrews1066]

@@ebonyalexis32 so far so good! We're on day 3 of using it and it doesn't seem any less effective than what we had been using! Both of my young boys have eczema. I'm not sure it will entirely replace the need for their prescription cream, but I was hoping for something that might help us need it less. I wish I had access to calendula, but I used what I had around

[@ebonyalexis32]

@@alyseandrews1066 thank you ☺️💚

[@dariomartic6766]

​@@ebonyalexis32 try infusing horsetail, pine needles, myrrh, white willow bark and licorice root, calendula into tallow. then mix it 1/4 jojoba oil with herb infused tallow

[@dariomartic6766]

@@alyseandrews1066 try infusing horsetail, pine needles, myrrh, white willow bark and licorice root, calendula into tallow. then mix it 1/4 jojoba oil with herb infused tallow

[@PowerfulPlantAllies]

Your videos have taught me so much over the past couple of years. I just began making plant education videos on my own channel last year, and just began my Sonoran desert herbal Medicine series. Thanks for all the wonderful content!

[@codycunningham2663]

Thanks Annie, I've been watching lots of creators and its nice to see a familiar face!

[@meredithemmaneil6057]

Was adamantly waiting on this specific installation of the series 👀 thank you for always being the kindest teacher ❤️ with the most reliable information (I’ve done my own research and it’s nice to see things match up correctly )

[@vbressner]

Great video!! Thank you.

[@lowwastehighmelanin]

Coconut is a 5 and olive oil is a 2 on the comedogenic scale. Aka: don't place then leave them on the skin unless you want clogged pores and blackheads. Please try something like almond oil or shea butter which can both be purchased raw at drug stores or, assuming it's your only option, Amazon. It would also be beneficial to know your skin type because that affects how oily a product you ought to use. Your skin is your body's largest organ and needs more TLC than other parts because it's always taking a beating.

[@weirdguy7451]

Fellow witches down here, i did make a witching oil involving juniper and I’ve found if you want the scent or benefits of that it’s better to crush to chop it up a bit before hand

[@whimsykittykat]

groovy! i recently started exploring alcohol-mediated infusion, via John Slattery and Kami McBride. A third method. much love!

[@galelascala105]

Yes, I was recently watching kami's video on this method. Very interesting.

[@rebecca9949]

your channel is a treasure trove of information!

[@celticseahag]

So true!

[@reverendphillsschoolofmaji383]

Very nice video. I am learning more about medicinal oils. I am also kinda venturing into herbal crafting. I follow all your channels (not patreon). I love the ease of your voice. It is so peaceful and relaxing. Thanks for being out here

[@hazelmartin7911]

Was just pondering making an oil with some backyard Houttuynia cordata yesterday... this couldn't be more timely.

[@shellyahlschlager_Love]

Thank you for sharing ❤️ I’m just getting into making infused oils & tinctures. The way you present the subject is from a warm, have fun, enjoy the experience, and don’t take it so seriously place. Much appreciated 💞 Just like flowing with nature ❤️

[@aes5350]

Thanks. This was so helpful.

[@ShylieKay]

Thank you. And yes, I know fresh are better but as I live in a high altitude desert area, with a long winter- foraging isn't the greatest. It's only possible for me (and a lot of city witches right?) to craft with dried herbs in the mail. Unless it's dandelion season, which I did utilize this summer.

[@kabootar]

Knowledge shared is as beautiful as the witch 😊

[@eban95412]

hi, try almond oil. olive oil absorbs all of the smells, where as almond oil gives of the armma of the mixture better.

[@celticseahag]

Great tip, thank you!

[@itskyxoxo2406]

Thank you! I'll definitely try that next time.

[@rehabilitacionencasa]

I really loved it, thank you so much :)

[@ilariamartirani8230]

I love that wonderful shirt you wear and I love you talking about plants as precious stones ... which is what I think they are. 😍

[@brooklynlefevre]

I absolutely adore this series!

[@bonsaidanceflow]

Thank you for all the awesome new herbal videos, they're very helpful 💓

[@cookiebeaar5190]

It was great that you made such a video. thanks ✨

[@caveritt]

Thank you! Love your videos!

[@xxxreplikuntxxx]

I was just looking into making my own oils and tinctures. Great video!

[@rewilding_rose]

Thank you Annie, for another useful and lovely video. 🌻

[@bsawk]

Would you ever do a video on the burn salve you make or sharing the ingredients? I’m always burning myself in the kitchen and that would be incredibly useful!

[@izaaguilo]

I simply LOVE IT!❣ Thanks for sharing your technique. Blessings 🙌

[@sillems2263]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻!!!

[@xJadeWolfxx]

Happy to help hype the Juniper tier for Patreon. The workshops are very worth it. Even topics I thought a more experienced witch like myself wouldn't get much out of turned out to be quite useful.

[@Natalie-iz9cn]

Thanks so much for this video !!!

[@MariaStadell]

Thank you for the inspiration. Beautiful

[@RavenWolfDrum69]

I needed this

[@LadyOcon]

Found this channel, and now I need a magick protective dressing oil for my meals 🤣😅

[@dwynn57]

I really really really want to try this! I have been thinking about it for a long time and I was looking up oils or herbs for inflammation and came up with ginger, wintergreen and frankincense. I was wanting to do an infusion so I bought gingerroot, but was at a loss as to getting the other two except with essential oils! still wanting to do this but will definitely have to do some more research! you make it look so easy! thanks so much for sharing! xoxo

[@a.infinitygroupinfinity3215]

Very well on your videos

[@wendyharris1121]

Hmmmmmm… might need to try this one soon.

[@wednesdaysworld1471]

Can you make a video on working with calendula?

[@cassandrafisher2437]

I've been making infused oils for soap.

[@cheryl-lylbaldr4560]

Thank you for sharing I love making a huge variety of oils and salves its been a while but thinking of returning to it.

[@toniaagneessens224]

Thank you for this wonderful video, I was wondering if I could use these salves on young ones, can I use fraction coconut oil

[@ebonyalexis32]

I'm so excited to make my daughter her own oils and salves for her eczema ! thank you for sharing ♥️ anyone who knows good ingredients to help eczema please share ! xx

[@Angelica-ri7hx]

Love it! Have you tried the slow method and after that to infuse the oil again with the slow method? Would that be more aromatic?

[@dawnnesja2010]

I am a child witch begginer and trying elemental magic so thanks for the tips

[@sarahlinnell]

Hi! I know I'm late to this video, but I'm curious - what do you do, or what can you do, with the herbs after infusion? Compost them? Bury them outside? Or is that a bad idea because of the oil? I'm trying my hand at infusing some oils now, but wasn't sure if there was another way to dispose of the left over, oily herbs besides the trash, when finished.

[@jupiterrain5938]

Love your videos. 😊 I do have a question. The cloths you use for straining...do you wash them in any kind of special way to make sure you dont have chemicals or things left over from the wash in them? Thanks 😊

[@wholistiksoul]

Thank you for showing & sharing @the green witch 🙏 I'm going to try this method soon. I'm curious if the straining cloth is single use? Or how you manage to wash the oil out of the straining cloth to use again? I know oil is sometimes hard to get out of clothes/cloths in a washing machine, so I'm curious if the straining cloth can be machine washed at a specific temperature to get oil out? or do you soak the straining material it in boiled water and a specific oil cleaning solution? 🙏

[@hailstormk9417]

I love your videos and they have helped me grow my practice so so much! I am wondering what you might do with the left over herbs after?,So far I just leave them in or i trow them out but I’m wondering if you have any other ideas.

[@codycunningham2663]

I usually burry mine but when I don't have the space to I compost them.

[@lenanana8]

By any chance do you know how to make a herbal tincture, and if any can be made simply for regular use? If you have knowledge about that, I would really like to know more since there's a local naturopathy clinic downtown where I live and I'm always fascinated whenever they make a tincture. Thank-you for getting me interested in and continuing my growing interest in the medicinal and scientific properties of herbs, and how to use the properly for great health benefits. My favorite method of using medicinals is in a tea, but this video really helped me to start making my own oils.

[@Darkmoon67]

Do you do the solar method? I put mine in a sunny area with a paper bag over jar so the sun doesn't destroy the cells of the plant material. I have popped jars in my greenhouse too. Thanks for your videos. 😊

[@nativewildman9335]

Hi I'm new to your channel cool videos.

[@saraht6562]

I usually do a slow infusion but I needed to do a calendula oil. I don’t know what I was thinking having a glass jar in simmering water - the temp went up to 170F and is taking forever to come down. Now I’m just hoping my oil isn’t ruined.

[@sandyflores2656]

I really want to make a homemade paw salve for my sweet pup's rough paw pads. What do you think would be good herbs to use for this?

[@charletgarcia6385]

I could use some help! I tried to make a rose oil this summer and did the long infusion but it ended up fermenting. Then I went to try to make another rose oil but with the short infusion way with heat. I washed my rose petals with water but then I couldn't get them to dry. What are your recommendations?

[@racheldriscoll3397]

What do you do with the old and herbs when you are done with he spells? Can/should they be reused?

[@kaileymaccari8993]

Hello! I’m new to this, and I have a question. Does anyone know if this works with frankincense resin? Also, if I wanted to make a cinnamon oil, do I use the sticks?

[@fightevilbymoon]

Do you ever add vitamin E at the infusion stage or is it only something that can be added after the herbs infuse. I like the slow method so I've been thinking it would prevent spoilage from the day you mix herb and oil.

[@user-vf2bf1pw4q]

❤️

[@ella9641]

have you tried grinding fresh herbs in a mortar and pestal before putting thme in oil to increase the surface area? Im not sure if all of the released water would have a negative affect on the finished oil

[@OldManFerdiad]

This is great for cookery or for making poultices but does tend to add a lot of liquid to the oil and can make long infusions (macerations) more likely to spoil. It'll vary from plant material to plant material, so my advice would be to try a small quantity like 50ml as a test batch then scale it up if it's a success.

[@beazuzmcceasar22]

Some oils you can't add topically to skin. What herbs do you recommend? Also does this video also cover burning oils? Or is it just for skin?

[@Tianaosu]

When you say ‘jar rings’ are you setting the mason jar rings between the jar and the pot to boil? Or is this something different??

[@shyannlucero4374]

Would using a mortar and pestle be a good alternative to chopping the herbs? (I don’t have much access to fresh herbs so I would be grinding dried herbs) Or would chopping be more preferable?

[@nandinidevaskar2000]

❤❤❤

[@ClockworkCouture.]

Any recommendations for ingredients to make oils for chronic joint pain? I wrecked my leg some years ago and it didn't heal right, so my knee aches all the time. If there's something I can use that isn't an OTC painkiller, that would be quite helpful.

[@ashleycappelletty6659]

What do you do with the pulp from the infusion?

[@jenniferdeschepper1165]

You can use all herbes to make oil ? 😊

[@tinaallen3164]

I just found your videos today I like the video I like you you seem down to earth and real and I can't wait to watch more and learn more just getting started learning about herbs and casting spells with herbs as well if you know anything about that

[@mjgeorge8684]

Hello Anna.. do you know how long my Plaintain and oil fusion can sit? I made one in June for a salve and then my father in law moved in with us so now its way past the date I fused them. It was supposed to be made on July first. He just moved out but now I'm wondering if I need to dump it out and start over. Thank you! Many blessings

[@OldManFerdiad]

I don't really think it matters too much if you leave a herb macerating/infusing longer. The oil should preserve the herbs and after about 4-6 weeks there aren't really any more components to come out so it really is just sitting there. The only caveats are if it wasn't stored airtight it could go rancid, you'll tell by the bitter/sour smell a bit like household paint, or if the herbs weren't dried and have a high water component you can get spoilage/mould but I've literally had this happen.

[@guanguan6868]

Anna，can you take a video of using these oils to make soap？

[@plantbug5010]

What kind of cloth should I buy?

[@shannonkey1925]

I have tried the anti anxiety salve and absolutely love it but had to substitute coconut oil with more beeswax...I'm allergic to anything coconut....do you have any suggestions that I could use instead of the coconut oil?

[@sacredandsin3294]

I would go ahead and use Olive oil with beeswax. The proportion I have used is 1 part Beeswax and 3 parts olive oil. You can do some experimenting as well.

[@TheGreenWitch]

jojoba is a good alternative, you do have to add more beeswax with this as well because it is not a solid oil. You could also experiment with shea butter as well if you'd like. You can also just omit the coconut oil if you don't have any of these other ingredients and it will still be a great salve. I really just add the coconut oil to vary up the texture some

[@gabyfernandes6334]

Annie, I’m experimenting with making a tiny bit of chamomile oil to see how I like it, and was wondering if I have to fill the oil to the brim of the jar or if it’s enough to just have it be 1-2 inches above the dried herbs. In other words, is it okay if about 1/3 of the jar is just empty with air? Thanks!

[@vinlago]

Usually as long as the herbs are covered it should be fine.

[@Gewalt1984]

I am trying to learn how to extract oil from herbs so I can make candles and other things.

[@johnadamski4012]

🌲🍀🐾just watched your "Journey of Moments" video, again. 😲🐾🍀🌲.

[@D0J0Master]

Hey, for more potent essential oils do you recommend using alcohol instead of olive oil? I did this method before and had the alcohol evaporate after a few weeks but I didnt get much yield at all.

[@Durzo1259]

Alcohol seems like a problematic solution for essential oils since the oils are all volatile (just like ethanol), so if you evaporate one you're necessarily going to evaporate the other.

[@giupinkfairy]

Would you try distillation? I'm gathering information on experienced people's opinions and if it would be an option for me

[@laraloopz]

What can we do with the herbs used after making the oil? I feel weird just throwing them out!!

[@blaklena]

Might I suggest something? We do this for generations in my family and although fresh herbs are well fresh, they still render a lot of water because they are filled with it and the is what can spoil the oil. because the extract that come out of the flower are the watery ones as well as the oily ones. It would be good to let the oil "dry out" for a few days 2-4 at least with a cheese cloth. This will prevent that more water comes out with temperature change and spoils the oil, because bacteria and mold need water to develop and the separation between oil and water is one of their favorite places to grow.

[@blaklena]

Fresh oils though are very potent and good for vinegar, it dosent keep all the vitamins, because it is really acidic, but it has the capacity to hold oily AND watery extracts of the plant PLUS it is THE BEST way to keep the minerals (or even to take them).

[@NajafHerbal]

❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@0nLy.R0nY]

Does anyone know why my protection oil went bad after two days?I only used dried out herbs,cinnamon and salt/black salt and at first it smelled amazing and it seemed to work well.Two days later it smelled so so bad,i was afraid to use it so i threw out the oil and i washed and cleansed the bottle.

[@marabalonkita]

Does anyone know if I could do this with aloe vera? Just wondering!!:)

[@yourbeamofsunshine]

A dehydrator is an easy way to keep the oil heated to a low temp.

[@ashley-cz1sl]

I have been trying to infuse dill into oils. I have attempted to dried and fresh; for some reason, mine always goes wrong. I keep it in the dark cabinet and shake it daily. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong

[@galelascala105]

Is the dill completely covered by the oil? If not, chance of mold increases.

[@ashley-cz1sl]

@@galelascala105 Yes it is completely covered. I have tired Oliver Oil and Grape seed oil

[@shannonkey1925]

Can you use a preservative to.make.them last.longer?

[@TheGreenWitch]

Some people like to add vitamin E oil to help prolong the shelf life. I haven't personally tried this but I know a lot of people who have had good success using it

[@shannonkey1925]

@@TheGreenWitch thank you so much...I'm new at this part of my journey and came across your channel and watching your videos have helped me understand the herbal remedies way more than any others...

[@OldManFerdiad]

Vitamin E oil sold as tocopherol (as opposed to the supplement which is usually more expensive) is very effective and you only need to use it at about 0.5 to 1% concentration i.e. a teaspoonful in half a litre. There's some other ways of keeping them fresh. Dark glass keep oils/salves/creams from spoiling from sunlight and glass is naturally a tiny bit cooler than plastic (bad idea for oils unless you're extra sure it's food safe) or metal. Narrow neck bottles so you have a low surface exposed to air for oils or use several smaller jars you open as you need as opposed to one big jar.

[@infinitycovuk699]

Can anyone recommend any books to start making natural medicine?

[@seekingvision]

Do you ever do sun long infusions by placing the oil on a sunny windowsill? This is how I make St Johns Wort oil using the dried plant when the flower has finished so there is a reddish bud left rather than petals. The oil turns red this way.

[@TheGreenWitch]

I only ever do this with st johns wort - other times I have found that using sunlight can impact the potency of the oil or cause it to heat up and go rancid sooner

[@seekingvision]

@@TheGreenWitch hi yes me too, it only seems to work with St Johns Wort. And the oil doesn’t go rancid 🤷🏻‍♀️ I have no idea why though

[@kellyb1420]

Thanks for sharing, yeah olive 🫒 oil is good for body not for face because it can turn you a little yellow if you continue to use olive oil on your face for a long period of time…”lol 😀 I know from person experience

[@felipefuentes4449]

En español

[@lamachinee]

since i was a teen, i used to make my own "potions", but was never reallly allowed to buy books because my family didn't let me, and as an adult i became vegan, and wanted to try to go back and actually learn crafting, i dont't know what do you thing about vegans, or if there's like a wiccan vegan way....do they exist?, english its not my native language, but i understand most of your videos, and they have inspired into trying again, plz anyone comment lol, it's an open discussion :)

[@flaurosdantalion]

Can you do a video on books on witchcraft nd its applications in the modern world? I've been meaning to ask this for quite some time now, But do you watch anime? 👀