Infused oils are easy to make and can be used to make many things including salves, lotions, and lip balms. Follow along with me to make rose infused oil. In six weeks, when the oil is ready, we will use it to make the best body butter ever.

Ingredients

Dried rose petals – You can dry them yourself from flowers not sprayed with pesticides or purchase the petals from a herbal store.

Oil – You can use almond oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and there are many others to choose from. I like jojoba oil the best. Olive oil is the easiest to use because so many folks have it already.

Vitamin E – This ingredient can enhance the lifespan of the oil and whatever product you make from it. I only add it when making lip balm.

Fill a clean, sterilized mason jar 1/2 full with dried petals. Pour the oil of your choice over the petals until the oil is 1 inch above the herbs. I like to tap the jar to make sure that the oil seeps down into the jar and covers everything! If you are using the metal lid that comes with the mason jar, then place a piece of waxed paper over the jar before screwing on the cap. If you’re using those nifty plastic covers, no worries. Try rolling the jar around in your hands to make sure that all of the plant material is covered with the oil.

Now store in a warm dark space and let the jar sit for 4 to 6 weeks. Check on the jar every few days to make sure the oil is covering the petals. Roll it around in your hands to be sure. If you forget sometimes, it is okay.

After the 4 to 6 weeks, it’s time to strain the oil. Use both a strainer and some cheesecloth for this part. Pour the liquid with the plant material through the cheesecloth lined strainer and into another clean, sterilized jar. Gather up the cheesecloth and squeeze as much fluid as you can into the new jar. Put a lid on the new jar and let it settle for a day. if you see some sediment in the jar after a day, it’s best to strain one more time – I would recommend straining through a coffee filter this time. And this is when you add a few drops of vitamin E, if you’d like.

If you plan to store your infused oil for another time, then store in a dark jar and in a cool, dark location. But the plan for this rose infused oil is to make some luscious body butter.

See you in a 4 to 6 weeks for the next part.

Aquene, Cher