Find Out Friday; Ingredients: Carrier Oils!

Happy Friday and Welcome to another discussion on ingredients! Today I want to delve into the meaning of carrier oils and what that has to do with herbal remedies. I would like to begin first by defining what a carrier oil is; now I know this may seem simple, but there are always beginner herbalists out there and if you are anything like I was starting out (clueless!) then I want to start from the basics when teaching you about herbs. Yes, we can grow herbs, we can buy them elsewhere, and we can learn how to identify them; which is super important obviously, but what then? You have an abundance of plants and scientific knowledge, but how to put that into practical use? I will outline the basic steps and you take them one by one, and you too can make your own herbal remedies.

CARRIER OILS:

What is a carrier oil? This is a term often used in the business of aromatherapy, cosmetics, and body care recipes. The carrier oils, also sometimes called the "base" or "fixed oils" are neutral oils (they have little to no scent) that are used to dilute essential oils and carry them into the skin. Carrier oils can be infused with fresh or dried herbs and plants either individually or after they have been blended. Herbal-infused oils contain the healing characteristics of both the carrier oils and the herbs.

What is an Infusion? Oxford Language Dictionary defines infusion as a drink, remedy, or extract prepared by soaking the leaves of a plant or herb in liquid. With an herbal infusion, you are simply taking an herb (I prefer dry herbs) and infusing it with a carrier oil to infuse the medicinal qualities from the herb itself.

• There are a plethora of choices when it comes to herbal infusions and what your choice may be depends on several factors such as; skin type, budget, and what your end result is going to be. They include the following:

• Olive oil and avocado oil are great options for edible creations

• Coconut oil and sweet almond oil make fantastic body care products

• Argan oil and jojoba oil are more delicate for your facial products

There is no rule of law when choosing a carrier oil, I personally prefer organic olive oil and coconut oil when making my body care products. I do recommend using certified organic ingredients to make infusions. The goal is to create the best, most helpful healing products ever! Yes, you CAN mix oils as well! A lot of oils offer a great balance to one another! Check out the Oregano-infused oil recipe I have listed at the end of the blog!

My hope is that you have learned something from this Find out Friday; Carrier Oil post and that you will try to make your very first herbal infusion! Please be sure to subscribe so you won't miss out on anything A Snail's Pace related! Also be sure to like and follow our FB page and check out or shop. I am always available to answer questions, just send me a message!

As always, keep foraging on!

Love and Mushrooms,

Ginger

Oregano Oil Infusion Recipe:

The best way to make your DIY oregano oil infusion at home is to add dried oregano to a carrier oil like olive oil. Let infuse for 4-6 weeks in a cool dark place. Strain using a cheesecloth. Once you've made your oregano oil, store it in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in a cool, dark, dry place, and it will last for months.

Some fun ways to use it include adding it to homemade salad dressings, rubbing it on your chest to help with respiratory issues, and even using it as a natural insect repellent.