Infused oils are
another type of oil used in aromatherapy. Infusion is an extraction
process that does not involve boiling. Rather, an ingredient, usually
an herb, is steeped or soaked for a period of time in some type of
liquid so that its active ingredients or soluble elements can be
removed. A gentle heat source is needed, such as the sun. When steeped
or soaked in oil, the end result is infused oils.
Infused
oils can be used several different ways. They can be added into
ointments, creams, lotions, shampoos and other personal care products
that are applied topically. In aromatherapy, infused oils are commonly
mixed into essential
oils or carrier
oils. Some people prefer to use
infused oils without first mixing them into other ingredients. Unlike
essential oils, infused oils are not nearly as concentrated, making
them safe to use alone.
Many who practice
aromatherapy prefer to use infused oils instead of essential oils.
Depending on the plant, it sometimes is just not possible to extract a
sufficient quantity of essential oils to make the process
cost-effective or worthwhile. Many infused oils provide the user with
multiple benefits, which is another reason why they are preferred.
Probably the biggest reason why people prefer infused oils is because
they can create their own easily and inexpensively.
Creating
your own infused oils is easy, you need just a few items: a glass
container with tight-fitting lid, a slightly crumbled, completely dried
herb or plant, and cold-pressed carrier oil. Using dried herbs is
better than using fresh as the moisture contained in fresh can cause
mold to develop. After you've gathered your ingredients, simply place
the herb/flower/plant into the glass container, fill the container
half-full with your preferred cold-pressed oil (olive or sunflower work
well), cover tightly and place in the sun or next to a heat source for
a minimum of 24-hours. A windowsill works just fine.
When
the steeping process is finished, hold a sieve over another container
and filter the oil. Next, pass the sieved oil through a piece of
cheesecloth. Be sure to squeeze the cheesecloth so you get every drop!
And make sure you have removed every piece of plant matter to avoid
spoilage.
If you would rather not make your own
infused oils, don't worry. You'll find plenty of outlets that sell
infused oils, especially on the Internet. Check out Kalyx for a great
of selection of aromatherapy products including infused oils.
Examples
of
infused oils
St.
John's Wort
This
infused oil is great for soothing and moisturizing any type of skin. It
is also effective when applied after exposure to the sun.
Calendula
Oil infused with calendula is used by
many for its
healing qualities. It helps soothe skin and it can also help to balance
out skin that is oily.
Arnica
Arnica
infused oils are great to use when massaging. In liquid form, it's an
excellent alternative to arnica cream. Just be sure to keep arnica
infused oils away from open wounds.
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