How to make herb infused oils with the alcohol intermediary method

This is my new favorite way to make herb infused oils! The alcohol intermediary method is a way to create a potent, more shelf stable and brightly colored herb infused oil which is great for adding to salves, other topical remedies & skin care products. It also takes a short amount of time compared to the folk method.

For quite some time I was trying to find out if you could add tinctures in to salves to increase the potency of the finished salve. Then I came across this method of infusing oils and was so excited because in a way you are slightly tincturing the herbs before infusing them into the oil. This helps to draw out more of the plants medicinal properties, especially the ones that aren't oil soluble. This leaves you with a more potent herbal oil in a short amount of time!

Directions:
1. Weigh out 1 oz. of dried herbs
2. Chop herbs in a blender to increase surface area and then place herbs into a sterilized jar
3. Measure 1/2-1 liquid oz. of high proof alcohol (190 proof is best but it can be lower) I use everclear.
4. Add your alcohol to your dried herbs (Enough to moisten herbs but not enough to make them soggy or soaking in alcohol. Sometimes fluffier herbs require the full liquid ounce)
5. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours
6. Add 8 ounces of your oil of choice to the mixture and blend for 5 minutes or until the blender is warm (it can be olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil etc..)
7. Strain your oil into a sterilized bottle for storage, label & store in a cool dark place