Essential oils versus infused oils.
Last week I went over the basics of what essential oils are. This week I will go over the battle of essential oils versus infused oils. Specifically, I’ll go over the properties that can be used in salves. I will also go over the cost needed for each.
Infused Oils
I’ve gone over how to infuse oils, both hot and cold methods, but what does it really mean to infuse oils? When an herb is infused into something, whether it’s oil, vinegar, alcohol, or water there are certain properties that are being extracted into that substance. Each substance will extract slightly different properties. For instance, making a water infusion (read: tea, or pouring boiling water over the herb) out of something will extract different properties than making a water decoction (read: boiling the herb in water versus a tea). Making a tea or decoction of an herb will create a different medicinal effect than making a tincture. So one herb can be used multiple different ways using different infusion methods. I’ll write a more in depth post on the different infusion methods soon.
When using oil for an infusion, usually it’s to extract properties that need to be absorbed through the skin. An oil used for extraction has lipids, or fats, which is one of the main differentiators from essential oils. That was covered in last week’s post.
It’s also easier to make infused oils versus essential oils. This is due the process being much simpler: a little heat and time in the oil, or just a long time in the cold oil. It also does not require quite as much of the plant itself, making it cheaper in the long run. The process is cheaper in the long run because not as much time is needed to collect the amount of the herb you need (if you’re harvesting it yourself) and the process of infusing the oil is much cheaper.
Essential Oils versus Infused Oils for Salves
The nice thing about using essential oils is you don’t have to use a lot due to its potency. However, with that potency comes a lot of possibility of skin irritation. Finding the correct amount to put in a salve can be difficult as a lot of people have different skin sensitivities. The other thing that is nice about essential oils is, sometimes, they’re a lot easier to get your hands on. Especially if you don’t have the time to infuse your own oils with herbs. You can just go to the store and buy it. Unfortunately, because the amount of plant material needed, some essential oils can be cost prohibitive to purchase.
If you, or someone you are making a salve for has a sensitivity to strong scents or a skin sensitivity, infused oils are the way to go. What I like about the infused oils is their subtle scent. Infusing oils does take more time, even if you use the heated/faster method. However, as I mentioned above, there are some properties that you can’t get from methods other than oil infusion. Oils also lend itself to making balms more readily available to absorb into the skin. You can read more about different carrier oils and their absorbability in this article.
If you want a more thorough discussion all in one place of essential oils versus infused oils, check out this article here.
My personal preferences
Basically, each of them have their own use. Sometimes I use essential oils, but I prefer infusing oils with plant matter. My preference is based on cost, the fact I know exactly what is in it, it’s less likely to cause problems, and it’s still effective while using less of the plant. When I do use it for fragrance. I use the plant as well since the properties of essential oils are only added after the fact and I want the properties to be in the infused oil as well.
It’s even more rare for me to use essential oils, however, because a lot of them don’t grow up in Alaska. I believe that Alaska provides everything that we need to live a healthy life. That is why all of my products are made with things that grow in Alaska.
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps you live a natural life. What is your favorite essential oil to use a fragrance?
I’m enjoying your articles!
The kids and I went out yesterday and collected nettle, and was stung just a little😉 I will be infusing some now, I just have to decide in what.
Thank you so much!
Olive oil is always a favorite! It easily absorbs into the skin and has antimicrobrial properties. I have a couple of articles detailing different carrier oils here, and secondary oils here.
For the stinging, you are supposed to be able to rub some MORE nettle on the affected area and it will stop. You can also use plantain if you have some popping up, or the crusty part of fiddleheads to combat the sting. Cold water also helps.