How to Make an Oil Extract

Cold Infused Extract

• 1

  Chop 1 cup of fresh or dried herb or plant material you want to extract. Place the chopped material in the Mason jar.

• 2

  Pour the oil over the chopped plant material. Cover the material with at least an inch of oil, generally about 12 ounces of oil for this method of cold infusion.

• 3

  Seal the jar tightly.

• 4

  Set the jar in a warm place, preferably in direct sunlight. Shake the jar once or twice each day to mix the product in the oil. Let the jar sit for about two weeks.

• 5

  Strain the contents of the jar through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Pour the oil in a clean dry jar; a dark jar is best to preserve the extract. Store in the refrigerator.

Hot Infused Oil

• 6

  Put 3 to 4 cups of chopped plant material in a medium saucepan. Add oil to cover the plant material.

• 7

  Slowly raise the temperature of the oil until it is bubbling slowly but steadily. Don't allow the temperature to rise too high or the plant material will burn. Stir frequently.

• 8

  Continue this low boil boil and stir for up to 4 hours or more. A minimum of 2 hours will give a weak extract, so stir longer for better results. When the herbs become crisp, they have transferred all of their moisture content to the oil and are completely extracted.

• 9

  Strain the oil and plant material through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Allow the oil to cool completely. Pour into dark-colored glass bottles and store in the refrigerator.