Infused oils are a simple, natural way to add flavor, scent, or healing properties to your daily life. Whether you’re making a culinary herb oil for salad dressings or a calming body oil for self-care, learning how to make infused oil at home gives you full control over the ingredients and benefits.
From rosemary and garlic to lavender and citrus peel, you can use countless herbs and spices to create your own custom blends. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a good-quality carrier oil, some patience, and clean jars.
If you’re already experimenting with homemade creations like weed brownies, infused oil is another fun and practical project you’ll love.
Let’s walk through the process so you can start making infused oils safely and effectively today.
What Is Infused Oil and Why Make It at Home
Before diving into the process, let’s clarify what infused oil actually is. An infused oil is simply a carrier oil—like olive, sunflower, or almond—that has been slowly blended with the scent, flavor, or properties of herbs, spices, or flowers.
People make DIY infused oil for a variety of reasons:
- Culinary use – Adds flavor to dishes, marinades, or dressings
- Skincare & massage – Nourishes the skin naturally without additives
- Aromatherapy – Captures calming or energizing plant essences
- Gift ideas – A personalized and thoughtful handmade gift
Store-bought infused oils can be expensive or contain preservatives. Making your own ensures freshness, purity, and the exact ingredients you want. Whether you’re infusing chamomile into jojoba for a calming body oil or rosemary into olive oil for a delicious kitchen staple, making infused oils at home is practical, cost-effective, and rewarding
How to Make Infused Oil with Herbs
Learning how to make infused oil with herbs is easier than you might think. The basic method involves soaking herbs or spices in a carrier oil, allowing their flavor, scent, and beneficial compounds to transfer over time.
What You’ll Need:
- Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, basil, lavender)
- A high-quality oil (olive, sunflower, almond, or grapeseed)
- Clean, dry glass jar with a tight lid
- Fine strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- Optional: funnel and dark glass bottle for storage
Use dried herbs when possible. Fresh herbs can introduce moisture, which may cause the oil to spoil faster.
Basic Steps:
- Prepare your herbs
Wash (if needed) and fully dry. Lightly bruise to release natural oils. - Add to jar
Fill the jar about halfway with herbs, then pour in oil until fully covered. - Seal and store
Close the lid tightly and place the jar in a sunny windowsill or warm spot. - Infuse for 1–2 weeks
Shake gently every day. The longer it sits, the stronger the infusion. - Strain and store
Once ready, strain out the herbs. Transfer to a clean, labeled bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
This slow method is perfect for beginners and works well with both culinary and cosmetic herbs. It’s also the foundation for more advanced methods like stove-top infusion, which we’ll cover next.
Can You Infuse Oil Too Long?
Yes, you can infuse oil too long—and it may cause more harm than good. While longer infusions can sometimes mean stronger flavor or scent, keeping herbs in oil for too long increases the risk of spoilage, off-flavors, and even bacterial growth.
Risks of Over-Infusing:
- Rancid smell or cloudy texture — A sign your oil has gone bad
- Mold growth — Often caused by moisture in fresh herbs
- Bitter or overly intense flavor — Especially with strong herbs like rosemary or clove
Safe Infusion Guidelines:
- Sunlight method: 1–2 weeks is ideal, up to 3 weeks max
- Stovetop method: 1–3 hours (low and slow heat only)
- Taste/smell test: If it smells off or tastes bitter, strain it immediately
To avoid over-infusion, always use completely dry herbs, label your jars with dates, and strain the oil once the desired strength is reached. Then store it in the fridge or a cool, dark place to preserve freshness.
Uses for Your Infused Oil
Once you’ve mastered how to make infused oil, the possibilities are endless. Depending on the herbs and oils you choose, your DIY creation can be used in the kitchen, for personal care, or even as thoughtful gifts.
Culinary Uses:
- Drizzle over salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables
- Mix into dips, dressings, or marinades
- Brush over fresh bread or pizza crust for extra flavor
Popular pairings: garlic + olive oil, basil + sunflower oil, chili + peanut oil
Skincare & Aromatherapy:
- Use as a massage oil for relaxation
- Add to bathwater for a soothing soak
- Apply to dry skin or hair as a natural moisturizer
Gift Ideas:
- Pour into a decorative bottle with a label and ribbon
- Pair with homemade bread or bath salts for a complete set
- Include a usage note or recipe suggestion for a personal touch
With just a little creativity, oil infusion can enhance both your wellness routine and your dinner plate.
Final Tips for Making Infused Oils at Home
Making infused oils at home is simple, but a few small details can make a big difference in the outcome. Always start with clean, fully dry glass containers to avoid contamination. Choose a high-quality carrier oil and dried herbs when possible, as they help extend shelf life and reduce the risk of spoilage.
Label your jars with the date and ingredients so you can track infusion time accurately. Once your oil has reached the desired strength, strain out the herbs to prevent over-infusion, and store it in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator—especially if you’ve used fresh herbs.
Gentle heat, patience, and cleanliness are key. With the right technique, your homemade infused oils will not only be safe and long-lasting but also flavorful, aromatic, and deeply nourishing.
