Health Benefits of Herb/ Herbal Oils – Types, Nutritional Value

Herb/ herbal oils are among the most wonderful and beneficial herbal products. They are used for a variety of purposes, from massage to insect repellents, and they are remarkably easy to make. There are two distinct types of herbal oils available and there is much confusion between the two. Essential oils are the distilled, highly concentrated volatile oils of the plant. They are extremely concentrated and should be used with caution. It is virtually impossible to make high-quality essential oils in sufficient quantities at home unless you invest in a sophisticated distiller. On the other hand, infused herbal oils (fixed oils) are wonderfully easy and inexpensive to make. Though not as pure or as concentrated, they are completely safe to use. Generally recommended for external purposes, they can also be used safely internally. Once made, you can use them as is or make them into salves and ointments.

Types

This 21 herb and herbal oils can be bought from a grocery shop or an ayurvedic store.

• Almond oil – Prunus amygdalus – Sweet almond oil is an excellent emollient that softens and soothes the skin; helps restore moisture to your dry and cracked skin. It also relieves irritation, inflammation, and itching due to dryness.
• Cocoa butter – Theobroma cacao – The velvety texture, pleasant fragrance, and emollient properties of cocoa butter have made it a popular ingredient in products for the skin. It promotes healing and prevents the skin from drying and cracking. Cocoa Butter also contains antioxidants that can help repair your damaged skin.
• Olive oil – Olea Europea – Olive oil is loaded with essential nutrients and is a natural humectant that actually helps attract moisture to your dry skin. Enriched with vitamin E, it nourishes, protects, and softens skin, and prevents chafing. It has soothing and antimicrobial properties, which ensure that your skin is healthy.
• Grapeseed oil – Vitis vinifera – possesses astringent property, and its application helps to tighten and tone the skin. Grape seed has a high content of linoleic acid, a fatty acid essential for the skin. This oil also aids in tissue regeneration, and so is helpful in the healing of scars. Its ability to lock in moisture and repair tissue makes grapeseed oil extremely useful and effective as a skin moisturizer.
• Sunflower oil – Helianthus annus – the oil from the sunflower seed is extremely rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E. It is excellent in helping the skin retain moisture, and it can provide the skin with a natural barrier of protection against bacteria and other irritants which cause most blemishes
• Coconut oil – Cocos nucifera – Coconut oil is an emollient and can help create a thin imperceptible layer that recreates the soothing benefits that our own skin produces and prevent moisture evaporation. It effectively delays the onset of wrinkles and skin sagging which typically become prominent with age. It also helps in treating various skin diseases like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema.
• Kokum butter – Garcinia indica – Kokum Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, which are needed for the effective processing of nutrients. Kokum Butter is rich in antioxidant vitamin E, which is excellent for your skin. Regenerating skin cells also supports skin elasticity and maintains flexibility. It effectively softens dry, cracked, and calloused skin.
• Mango butter – Mangifera indica – a gentle butter obtained from the fruit kernels of the Mango is rich in essential fatty acids necessary to restore skin tone, elasticity, and flexibility. It is a great moisturizer, especially for mature, dry, or sun-damaged skin. It provides relief from the dryness of the skin especially in conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Safflower oil – Carthamus tinctorius- Safflower oil functions as an emollient when applied topically, thus keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. It is a rich source of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that prevents damage to your skin cells that may be wrecked by the sun or dry air. It may be used as an alternative to synthetic emollients and helps prevent dry skin by providing barriers to moisture loss.
• Wheat germ oil – Triticum sativum- is a nutrient-rich oil and particularly high in vitamin E which is a powerful natural antioxidant. This oil helps to improve the conditions of dry skin because of its high content of protein, minerals, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. It is often used in facial massage oils to soften and rejuvenate the skin. Great for reducing stretch marks, the delicate skin around the eyes, and as a facial oil for dry skin. Wheat germ oil helps soothe the irritation and redness from eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to relieve itching and promotes new cell growth.
• Apricot oil- Prunus armeniaca- is excellent for skin protection, since it is both emollient and nourishing. It is known for its revitalizing and hydrating properties, which makes it an excellent addition to your skincare routine. It is beneficial in relieving the itchiness caused by eczema and is most suitable for sensitive, dry and aging skin.
• Neem Oil and Neem leave – Azadirachta indica- are excellent skincare ingredients. Neem oil helps to prevent wrinkles and repair dry skin by functioning as a natural skin protectant and moisturizer. The oil relieves dry skin and soothes itching, redness, and irritation. It also improves general skin health, combating bacterial infections such as acne, boils, and ulcers.
• Aloe Vera – A natural UV inhibitor, its hydrating, softening, and intense moisturizing properties nourish the skin. Aloe Vera helps your skin retain its natural moisture owing to its humectant property.
• Cucumber- Cucumis sativus – cools, invigorates refreshes and helps maintain skin moisture. It keeps skin soft, has healing and soothing effects on damaged skin. It is also a natural sunscreen. The abundance of antioxidants and silica in Cucumber rejuvenates the skin and leaves a soft and smooth feel.
• Pongamia Oil – Pongamia pinata- is highly recommended for inclusion in skin and hair care products where emolliency is desired. In skincare, it is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers, dandruff and to promote wound healing. It is a natural moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated.
• Papaya – Carica papaya – is a key ingredient in skin whitening products because it contains papain, a natural enzyme that promotes skin renewal and cell turnover. It helps in exfoliating the skin to reveal newer cells and has restorative properties that soften the skin. Papaya is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and other antioxidants that help give skin the moisture and protection it needs. In addition, the nutrients contained in the papaya fruit help heal the skin
• Tamarind seed – Tamarindus indica – Polysaccharides obtained from the seed of tamarind have been shown to improve the expression of filaggrin, a protein associated with moisture maintenance. It has shown strong hydrating, elasticizing, anti-wrinkle, and re-densifying properties and is beneficial in dry skin conditions.
• Mowrah Butter – Madhuca indica- is high in oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. It is known to combat the degeneration of skin cells, prevent wrinkles and restore skin flexibility. It is regenerative and emollient making it ideal for preventing skin dryness and improving skin texture.
• Pumpkin Seed Oil – Cucurbita pepo- is great for your skin as it contains essential fatty acids, zinc, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Its oil is very conditioning and has been historically used in lotions, soaps, and massage oils as it helps to retain moisture to the skin and effectively hydrates dry skin.
• Olive butter – Olea europaea – Olive Butter is also a rich emollient that can be used on dry and sensitive skin. It exhibits excellent spreadability on the skin, making it very ideal as a massage butter or a carrier for skin care products. It is also a natural moisturizer that promotes skin elasticity and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.
• Shea butter – Butyrospermum parkii- The protective and conditioning qualities of Shea butter make it an excellent choice for dry skincare. Dry skin responds quickly to the nutrient-rich moisture of shea butter, with increased elasticity and more efficient moisture retention. The texture and elasticity of dry skin improve with regular use of shea butter, making it a superb natural dry skincare treatment. It is an excellent moisturizer for sensitive skin and for use with babies and children.

The Ingredients for Herbal Oils

Oil

The oil one uses must be high-quality seed, nut, or vegetable oil. For medicinal purposes, olive oil is the oil of choice and is preferred by most herbalists. Use the finest quality olive oil one can get for medicinal herbal products. Olive oil is graded from “extra virgin,” the first pressing of the olives and the finest and purest grade, to just plain “olive oil,” the last pressing and, basically, an inferior quality. Olive oil makes a wonderful base for medicinal oils and seldom goes rancid. When making other than medicinal oils, lighter, less aromatic oils such as apricot, almond, canella, or grapeseed oil are recommended. These are considered cosmetic-grade oils and are excellent for massage, creams, and lotions.

People were disappointed because their finished herbal oils do not have the strong concentration of scent that essential oils have. The essential oils of the plant are extremely volatile and difficult to capture. A fixed oil, such as vegetable oil, does not capture the scent well. If one wants herbal oils to be aromatic, you will need to add a drop or two of essential oil to the finished product.

Herbs

There are many herbs suitable for making medicinal oils. Either fresh or dried herbs can be used. If one has never made an herbal oil before, it is recommended to begin with dried herbs because one will not have to be concerned with the growth of mold and bacteria. Should one decide to use fresh herbs, it is imperative to make sure they are completely free of any extra moisture. One method that was used quite successfully to eliminate extra moisture in fresh herbs is to wilt the herbs before using them. Pick the herbs in the morning and allow them to wilt in a dry, shaded, warm place for several hours or overnight. This ensures that the excess moisture that causes bacteria to grow has evaporated.

The proportion of Herb(s) to Oil

The method recommended for determining the proportion of herb to oil is the simplers’ method. Place the herbs in a container and pour enough oil over them to cover the herbs. Then add one to two inches more oil so that the herbs are completely submerged. Exposed herbs can introduce bacteria and spoil oil, so be certain the herbs are completely covered.

How to Make Medicinal Oils

There are four common methods used for making oils. Each of these methods is highly effective and is used professionally as well as for home use. The methods that employ a long, slow healing process, such as the solar, oven-extraction, or Crockpot, or roaster-oven techniques, over the double-boiler method are preferred. But there are times when one is thankful to be able to make medicinal oil in the short time made possible by the stovetop method.

Using the simplers measure, place the desired amount of herbs and oil in a glass jar. Cover tightly. Place the jar in a warm, sunny spot. In Europe and the Mediterranean, the jars are placed in sandboxes to attract greater amounts of heat.

Let the oil/herb mixture infuse for two weeks. People always ask why the oil doesn’t go rancid sitting out in the hot sun. According to natural laws, it should. But for some magical reason, it seldom does. It is believed that because of the alchemical fusion of the sun, the herbs, and the oil. But once strained, the oil will definitely go rancid very quickly if left in the hot sun.

At the end of two weeks, strain the herbs, rebottle beautiful herbal oil, and store it in a cool dark area. For stronger oil, add a fresh batch of herbs to the oil, and infuse for two more weeks. These will double the potency of your medicinal oil.

Using the solar method for making medicinal oils is my favorite method. Though a bit more time-consuming than the other methods, it has the added benefits of the sun, the wisdom of the elders, and a delightful array of bottles sitting in a sunny spot in the garden or windowsill of home.

Oven Extraction Method

Place the oil/herb mixture in a pan with a tight-fitting lid or in glass canning jars. Put the pan and/or jars in a larger pan with sufficient water to cover the bottom half of the container. Turn the oven on at the lowest temperature possible and allow the herbs and oil to infuse for several hours. Check frequently to prevent the herbs and oil from overheating and burning.

Double Boiler Method

Place the herbs and oil in a double boiler, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and bring to a low simmer. Slowly heat for one-half to one hour, checking frequently to be sure the oil is not overheating. The lower the heat and the longer the infusion, the better the oil. This is a quick and simple method that appeals to many modern-day herbalists. One word of caution, however: oil heats up very quickly. Be mindful of the temperature. The preparation can quickly go from a nice herbal oil infusion to deep-fried comfrey leaves.

Crockpot and Electric Oven Roaster Method

Both Crockpots and electric oven roasters allow for a long, slow cooking process. The roaster is most often used by small professional companies making quality herbal products. The herbs can macerate in the oil for a long period of time (two to four weeks) and the resulting oil is of superior quality. Electric roasters can often be found quite inexpensively at bargain shops and second-hand stores. They are in hot demand by herbalists!

Place the herbs and oil in the Crockpot or roaster and turn to the lowest heat. Place the lid on and let the mixture steep for the desired length of time. The heat is generally higher in the Crockpot and usually, two to four hours is sufficient to prepare good-quality herbal oils. Check frequently to protect against overheating and burning. In the roaster, the herb/oil mixture can steep for two to four weeks. It gives a superior, dark-green herbal oil.

Straining and Storage

Strain the herbal mixture thoroughly. Line a large stainless-steel strainer or potato ricer with cheesecloth or muslin. Pour the mixture through. Reserve this oil. In a separate container, press the remaining oil from the herbs. Do not mix the oils from the two pressings. The oil from the second pressing will have a higher percentage of water and sediment in it and will not be of as good quality as the first. It is still usable, however.

Rebottle the oil and store in a cool, dark area. It does not have to be refrigerated, but the heat will deteriorate the quality quickly, so keep it in a cool place.

What to Watch Out For

Though herbal oils are extremely easy to prepare and will last for several months or longer, there are some possible “trouble spots” to watch for when preparing and storing them:

If herbal oil grows mold, there is either too much water content in the herb itself or there was moisture in the jar. Use dry herbs or wilt the herbs before using. Be absolutely certain the container is completely dry. Check the inner lid; if it has a circle of cardboard in it, discard it.

If there is a large air space in the jar, this may encourage the growth of mold. Use jars that are the correct size for the amount of oil you wish to make and fill to the top with oil to discourage bacterial growth.

Sometimes when the jar is left in the sun or other heat source, condensation from the heat forms inside the jar, providing the moisture needed for mold to grow. This rarely happens but if it does, try placing the container in a different heat source or temperature. It is told that if one takes off the lid and wipes it and any “headroom” inside the jar with a clean cloth every day or so, it decreases the risk of mold.

One could notice small bubbles forming in the oils as they infuse. This is from the gas that some herbs naturally release during preparation. This does not indicate spoilage.

Do not overheat your oils. You do not want deep-fried herbs. Oil goes from warm to burning very quickly. When macerating, keep the oil warm, the heat low, and use a double boiler or another system that doesn’t apply direct heat.

Sample Recipes for Medicinal Herb Oils

MULLEIN FLOWER OIL

Mullein flower oil is the remedy par excellence for ear infections. Warmed to body temperature and dropped down both ears, it quickly relieves the pain of earaches. Because of its antiviral and antibiotic properties, it helps eliminate the infection as well. (Be sure to use wild mullein flowers, Verbascum thapsus, not one of the ornamental cultivated varieties which do not have the same medicinal properties.)

• 1/4 cup dry (or fresh wilted) mullein flowers
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

To Make:

Though any of the methods listed above can be used to make mullein flower oil, the solar method is the one most often employed. Place the mullein flowers in a glass jar and cover with olive oil. Place the jar in a hot, sunny window or outside in the direct sunlight and let sit for at least two weeks or longer—the longer the better. To make the mullein flower oil extra potent, do a double or triple preparation; remove the flowers, add fresh flowers (dried or wilted), and repeat the process.

Please note:

Mullein Flowers are often difficult to purchase, so gather some in the summer and fall. Mullein, a stately plant, grows wild throughout the United States and is found in many other parts of the world. The long, fragrant flowering stalk is a virtual insect condominium; insects love to live in it. So when picking mullein blossoms, put them in a basket or on a newspaper laid on the porch or lawn and allow time for the insects to depart.

INSECT REPELLENT OIL

• 1 part bay leaves
• 4 parts pennyroyal
• 2 parts rosemary
• 1 part eucalyptus leaves

Enough olive oil or other high-quality vegetable oil to completely submerse herbs. Top off with another inch or two of oil.

To Make:

Wilt the fresh leaves or used dried herbs. Cover with enough oil to completely submerse herbs, plus one to two inches more. Follow any of the methods listed above for making medicinal oils. Strain. Add a drop or two of essential oil of pennyroyal and/or eucalyptus essential oil to strengthen the scent. This is an excellent insect-repellent oil. It is quite safe for human and animal use and as effective as anything can be for keeping those pesky insects away.

SPORTS MASSAGE OIL

• 2 parts St. Johns wort
• 1 part hops
• 1 part arnica
• 1 part mullein leaves
• 2 parts camphor oil or camphor crystals (available in some herb stores and some pharmacies)
• Essential oil of wintergreen

Enough olive oil or other high-quality vegetable oil to completely submerse herbs. Top off with another inch or two of oil.

To Make:

Wilt the fresh leaves or use dried herbs. Cover with enough oil to completely submerse the herbs, plus one to two inches more. Follow any of the instructions listed above for making medicinal oils. Strain. Add the camphor oil and enough wintergreen oil to give it a strong pungent odor.

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa butter
• 1 cup almond oil
• 1/4 ounce roses
• 1/4 ounce lavender
• 1/4 ounce chamomile
• Essential oil of lavender

To Make:

Warm the oils together until thoroughly melted. Let herbs macerate in the oil over very low heat for about one hour. Strain the herbs from the oil while still warm. Add enough essential oil of lavender to scent. 10,000 I.U. of vitamin E oil may also be added. Vitamin E may be purchased in capsules of 1,000 I.U. each. Prick with a pin and squeeze out the oil. You can also purchase liquid vitamin E with the percentage of the vitamin it contains.

How to Infuse Oil with Herbs (3 Methods)

FOLK (SIMPLERS) METHOD FOR SOLAR-INFUSED OILS

Use the sun to naturally infuse oil with the goodness of your organic herbs! Herbal oils made using this method can be used for both culinary and body care recipes. For example, rosemary-infused olive oil makes for an excellent hydrating hair mask—or a flavorful salad dressing base! For food purposes, just be sure that the oil and the herb(s) you choose are both tasty and safe to eat.

Directions

1. Place herbs in a clean, dry quart jar. Leave at least 1 to 3 inches of open space above your herbs to cover with oil.
2. Fill remaining space in jar with oil of choice, making sure to cover herbs by at least 1 inch or more. If the herbs emerge above the surface of the oil at any point while infusing, pour more oil on top to ensure the herbs remain covered.
3. Cap the jar tightly and shake well.
4. Place jar in a sunny, warm windowsill and shake once or more per day.
5. After 2 to 3 weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil using a cheesecloth or a mesh strainer. Make sure to squeeze out as much of the precious oil as possible!
6. Pour into clean glass bottles.
7. Label your jars with the date, type of oil, and herbs used.
8. Store in a cool, dark place. The oil may keep for up to a year. Vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may also be added to prolong shelf life for oils to be used topically.

Pro Tips

• While infusing with the slow folk method, you can cover the jar with a brown paper bag if you prefer to keep it away from direct sunlight. According to Rosemary Gladstar, using the sun to infuse herbs in oil is a very old folk practice that has worked for our ancestors for centuries!
• The number of herbs used will depend on the size of the jar, as you want to leave at least a couple of inches of space for oil coverage or any swelling that may occur as the herbs soak up oil.
• It is fairly common to have some pieces of your herbs that will float in the oil after saturation. If these float to the top and start to mold or decay, simply skim them off and discard them.

QUICK METHOD FOR HEAT-INFUSED OILS

The quick method of utilizing heat is sometimes necessary when herbal oils need to be created in a pinch. Much care needs to be taken when crafting herbal oils this way because you don’t want to deep-fry your herbs! As with the folk method above, heat-infused oils can be used in both culinary and apothecary preparations, as long as both the oil and the herb(s) you choose are suitable to ingest.

Directions

1. Place herbs in crock-pot, double boiler, or electric yogurt maker, and cover with organic extra virgin olive oil (or other carrier oil of choice), leaving at least an inch or two of oil above the herbs.
2. Gently heat the herbs over very low heat (preferably between 100° and 140° F for 1 to 5 hours, until the oil takes on the color and scent of the herb. Some texts recommend heating the oil for 48 to 72 hours at a controlled temperature of 100° F. Turn off heat and allow it to cool.
3. Once the oil is cooled, strain using cheesecloth.
4. Bottle in dry, sterilized glass bottles. Be sure to label your bottles with the date and contents before storing them.
5. Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to six months. Vitamin E oil at a concentration of up to 1% may also be added to prolong shelf life for oils to be used topically.

Pro Tips:

• As with the folk method, the number of herbs used will depend on the size of the jar, as you want to leave at least a couple of inches of space for oil coverage or any swelling that may occur as the herbs soak up oil.

ALCOHOL INTERMEDIARY METHOD FOR TOPICAL HERBAL OILS

The alcohol intermediary method requires 24 hours to complete and should only be used for dried herbs, but it makes for herbal oils that are much less prone to contamination than those infused using the other two methods described above. Plus, the chemical and physical release processes facilitated by the alcohol and the grinding help to extract the maximum amount of goodness from your botanicals, yielding oils of exceptional color and potency.

Note that these oils are NOT suitable for eating—even though most of the alcohol will evaporate off during the process, a detectable and unpleasant taste will remain.

Watch clinical herbalist Maria Noël Groves of Wintergreen Botanicals demonstrates how to make plantain-infused olive oil using the alcohol intermediary method!

Directions

1. Weigh out approximately 1 oz. dried organic herb(s).
2. Using a blender, coffee grinder, or bullet grinder, grind into a coarse powder (don’t grind too fine, or it will be difficult to strain later).
3. Transfer ground herbs into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Measure out 1/2 oz. whole-grain alcohol (like Everclear) or vodka.
5. Pour alcohol into a jar with ground herbs.
6. Use a fork to work together, or put the lid on and shake to disperse the alcohol through herb material—it should be the consistency of nice soil or damp beach sand.
7. Set aside for at least 24 hours to allow the herbs to macerate in alcohol.
8. Put damp herb material into a standing blender.
9. Add approximately 8 oz. of carrier oil, measured by volume or weight. Add more as necessary to cover well and ensure herbs are moving around in a blender.
10. Blend until blender jar is warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
11. Place a good-sized mesh strainer over a heat-safe glass bowl. Line strainer with cheesecloth or fine muslin.
12. Pour herb-infused oil through a lined strainer and use the cheesecloth or muslin to squeeze out as much of the oil as possible from herbs.
13. Oil should keep a year or more when stored in a cool, dark, dry place.

Pro Tips

• A measuring shot glass works great for getting accurate measurements of small quantities of alcohol.
• If you don’t need to use your standing blender for other things in the next 24 hours, and if it has an airtight lid, you can skip the step of putting the ground herbs and alcohol into a separate jar. Instead, grind the herbs in the blender, then add the alcohol to the blender container, mix as directed above, put the lid on tightly, and let sit for 24 hours right in the container.
• Some “fluffy” herbs like calendula won’t grind well in one fell swoop, so grind these in smaller quantities to get a good consistency.

HERBS TO INFUSE IN OIL

There are countless herbs (and even resins!) that can be infused into oil, depending on your needs. We always suggest using organic herbs whenever possible to ensure you are not adding synthetic chemicals to your creations. We also generally recommend using dried herbs. If you want to use fresh herbs, wilt them first for 12 hours to remove the moisture (too much water will cause your oil to go rancid), cut them into small pieces, and crush them with a mortar and pestle before adding to your infusion container.

Health Benefits of herb/ herbal oils

May Reduce Arthritis

Herb/ herbal oils are an anti-inflammatory substance, which may help to ease pain and symptoms of arthritis. Frankincense does not just ease the pain but can target inflammation itself

Studies show that the acids from the Boswelia sap can prevent the release of leukotrienes which are inflammatories. Animal studies found that boswellic acids inhibited the synthesis of inflammatory enzymes.

Research has shown that herb/ herbal oils have been more effective than placebos when it came to managing swelling, pain, and joint movement associated with arthritis. While other studies concluded that oil of frankincense can be beneficial for easing morning stiffness, and can even help reduce reliance on NSAIDs. It can be used topically on inflamed muscles and joints, as well as orally.

May Improve Gut Function

Herb/ herbal oils oil may help to improve gut health, digestion, and ease digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. One small study found that frankincense was just as effective as mesalazine, which is a drug medically prescribed to treat Crohn’s symptoms.

Another study in which participants with ulcerative colitis were given a daily dose of frankincense for six weeks found that it was as effective as pharmaceutical drugs when it came to managing the condition.

Herb/ herbal oils can even help treat chronic diarrhea. After six weeks of a daily dose of Boswellia or a placebo, participants who took Boswellia had almost cured their diarrhea.

May Improve Asthma

Herb/ herbal oils oil may also help to improve symptoms of and manage asthma and bronchitis.

In a 6 week study, 70% of participants with bronchi asthma who were given Boswellia over a placebo experienced fewer asthma attacks, as well as fewer instances of wheezing and shortness of breath.

A supplement made up of both herb/ herbal oils and the bael fruit was found to be more effective than the placebo at easing symptoms of asthma. Those who took it had an easier time breathing.

Maintains Oral Health

Herb/ herbal oils can even help maintain good oral health, due to their antibacterial nature. The Boswellic acids can help to prevent cavity formation by killing bacteria. It can even help ward off gum disease and toothaches. One test-tube study found that frankincense extract was effective against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, which is a bacteria that causes gum disease.

Another study on participants with plaque-induced gingivitis revealed that it was more effective than the placebo at managing the condition. As it is naturally astringent, it can help to heal mouth sores associated with poor oral health.

May Fight Certain Cancers

Herb/ herbal oils may even fight against certain types of cancer. According to test-tube studies, frankincense may help fight against and repress:

• brain tumors
• breast cancer
• prostate cancer
• pancreatic cancer
• colo cancer
• melanoma

Can Herb/ Herbal oils Shrink Tumors?

Herb/ herbal oils can distinguish cancer cells from normal cells and can suppress the viability of cancer cells. This is based on experiences from a study about bladder transitional carcinoma. The frankincense oil activates genes that play a role in cell growth suppression and cell cycle arrest without inducing DNA fragmentation. In another study on breast cancer, researchers discovered that herb/ herbal oils suppressed tumor progression.

Anti-aging Properties

Herb/ herbal oils is powerful anti-oxidant which is why it has anti-aging properties. Anti-oxidants help to combat free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. As the free radicals move around the body, looking for an electron to pair with, it can damage DNA, which accelerates the aging process. Also, anti-oxidants help to slow down and halt the damage caused by free radicals. This helps with the rejuvenation of the skin.

Balancing and Moisturizing

Herb/ herbal oils have become a popular ingredient in skincare, in products such as lotion or moisturizer. Frankincense oil has moisturizing properties, which keeps the skin from drying out. However, for DIY facial treatments, all essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil. Herb/ herbal oils can also help to tackle discoloration and redness which helps the skin tone look balanced and even.

Anti-inflammatory

One of the reasons herb/ herbal oils can help treat asthma and arthritis is due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which also benefit skincare. Herb/ herbal oils essential oil can help to manage acne, as it soothes inflammation.

Antibacterial

The Boswellic acids can kill acne-causing bacteria to prevent further breakouts. A combination of herb/ herbal oils and myrrh essential oils have been promising skincare ingredients, and for general health, due to their antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

Antiseptic

Herb/ herbal oils are also antiseptic. The oil has been used for centuries for cleaning, disinfectant, aromatherapy, and general health. This can help prevent infections from setting in.

Astringent

Herb/ herbal oils is a natural astringent. This means that it’s good for skincare as it can help heal skin imperfections and conditions like acne and wounds. It has been known for rejuvenating damaged skin as a healing oil. This is useful for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars. In addition to being antibacterial, it helps prevent clogged pores, and spots, by reducing sebum production in individuals with oily skin.

Protects The Skin

Together with its antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant qualities, herb/ herbal oils protect the skin by helping it heal from damage, reducing inflammation, and negating the effects of free radicals.

Oils are popular in skincare as deep moisturizers which help protect the skin from damage caused by dryness. It keeps skin cells strong, plump and maintains elasticity.

Here are some of the most commonly used herbs oil

• Arnica flowers (external use only)
• Calendula flowers
• Chili flakes
• Chamomile flowers
• Comfrey root and/or leaf
• Lavender or lavandin flowers
• Lemon balm
• Mullein leaf
• Myrrh gum resin
• Oregon grape root
• Peppermint leaf
• Plantain leaf
• Poke root
• Rosemary leaf
• Thyme leaf
• Yarrow leaf and flower

Many different organic carrier oils may be used, however, fractionated (MCT) coconut oil and olive oil are popular and wise choices because they have long shelf lives and are suitable for many applications. Herbal oils can be used to create marinades, massage oils, salves, lip balms, facial serums, hair treatments, body creams, soaps, and more!

OIL INFUSING BASICS

• While most herbs can be infused either dried or fresh (with proper preparation), some lend themselves better to one form than the other. A famous example is St. John’s wort, which is widely believed to require fresh material to create an effective herbal oil.
• Herbal oils can turn rancid or grow mold, especially if the carrier oil used is not very shelf-stable (such as rosehip seed oil) or if fresh herbs are used. Infused oils that exhibit any change in color, scent, clarity, or taste should be discarded for safety. Using the alcohol intermediary infusion method or adding a preservative like a vitamin E can help keep oils stable longer, but it will also make them unsuitable for eating.
• Herbs with natural dyes may be infused in oil for use in adding color to soaps and other body care formulations.
• You may want to wear gloves when it comes time to strain a finished herbal oil through a cheesecloth-lined strainer and to squeeze out any oil remaining in the herbs. While you can use your bare hands, working with oils is a messy process, and certain herbs, like turmeric, may temporarily stain your hands and jewelry.
• Often, the oil will not wash out of cheesecloth or muslin, so make sure you strain with something you’re not going to reuse.
• Even after straining, fine herb sediment can make oil a bit gritty—if this bothers you, strain again through a coffee filter. This is a slow-drip process and may require more than one coffee filter to strain all the oil.
• You can blend herbs together for synergistic infusions. For example, hops flowers, lavender flowers, and chamomile flowers infused together in jojoba oil make a wonderful relaxing blend for use with a massage. Mix and match to suit your needs!

References

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