Making a healing oil for topical use...anyone done this? What is the procedure?
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The active healing properties of plants can be extracted in oil by two methods: hot infusion and cold infusion. Infused oils will last about one year if kept in a cool, dark place.
Hot infusion method: 250g dried plant OR 750g fresh plant AND 500ml sunflower oil placed in a glass bowl over a pan of boiling water (or used enamel double boiler) for 3 hours. Pour into a jelly bag or into cheese cloth, strain or press into container.
Cold infusion method: Pack large jar tightly with plant material and cover completely with oil. Put lid on jar and let sit for 2-3 weeks. Pour into a jelly bag or into cheese cloth, strain or press into container.
As for which herbs/plants to use? That depends on what you want the oil to do? For example, Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil is a good antiseptic because of its antibacterial and antifungul properties.
If you can't make your own oil, you can buy single oils and then blend them to make a healing oil. For example, I combine cypress, clove and peppermint (or wintergreen) in a carrier oil and use it to ease the aches and pains of sore muscles and joints.
I recommend the book The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody. She explains how to make a variety of medicinals. Good luck.
Tea tree oil by itself is a good antibacterial & antifungal. Garlic is a good antibacterial. Colloidal silver is also a good antibacterial.
It all depends on the intended use of the oil, or what it's being directed at. There are different herbs for different healings. Let me know what it's for and I'll see what I can do.
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