How to Make an Herbal Infused Oil in Under 5 Minutes

Simply Herbs
May 28
3 min read

Updated: Jun 10

(Yes, it’s really that easy—and super rewarding!)

Dried herbs including calendula, comfrey, rose, lavender and thyme. — Begin by selecting your favorite herb for infusion. A printable recipe is included at the bottom of this post.

If you're just starting to dip your toes into the world of herbalism, making an herbal infused oil is one of the best (and simplest) places to begin. These oils are not only beautiful, they’re deeply nourishing—great for soothing skin, making DIY salves, or adding a little plant-powered goodness to your self-care routine. And the best part? You can get everything prepped in under 5 minutes. Let’s walk through it together.

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What Exactly Is an Herbal Infused Oil?

An herbal infused oil is made by steeping dried herbs in a carrier oil over time, allowing the beneficial properties of the plant to transfer into the oil. Think of it like making tea—but instead of water, you’re using oil, and instead of drinking it, you’ll be using it topically.

They’re super versatile and can be used as:

A nourishing body or facial oil
Blend into homemade body butters or lotions
Turn into a healing salve with beeswax
Or just enjoy having a jar of herbal magic on your shelf!

What You’ll Need

You probably already have most of this stuff lying around:

A clean glass jar (Mason jar, jam jar, or that mysterious jar you saved for “something cool someday”)
Dried herbs of your choice (we’ll go over some favorites below)
A carrier oil like olive oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower or jojoba
A lid that fits your jar (very important—no open-air experiments, please)

💡 Quick Note: Always use dried herbs. Fresh herbs still have water in them, and water = mold = sadness. Dried herbs are safer, shelf-stable, and just as effective.

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The 5-Minute Method

Ready? Let’s make some magic.

Fill your jar about halfway with dried herbs. No need to overthink it—this is a friendly, forgiving recipe.
Pour your carrier oil over the herbs until the jar is full and all the herbs are completely covered.
Screw on the lid and give it a little shake—just to make sure everyone’s mingling.
Place the jar in a dark spot in your home—or try a sunny windowsill. Some herbalists like to let their jars infuse in the sunlight to gently warm the oil. Others prefer a cool, dark cabinet to protect the herbs' delicate properties. There’s no wrong answer—just follow your inner herb whisperer.
Shake it once a day, or whenever you remember and feel inspired to give it a little love.
Let the jar sit for 4 to 6 weeks. Yes, it's a bit of a waiting game—but the results are worth it.
Step-by-step video showing how to make a quick and easy herbal infused oil using dried herbs and carrier oils for DIY skincare.

After that, just strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, and store your oil in a clean jar or bottle.

Boom. You’ve got an herbal infused oil that looks and feels like something out of a medieval wellness cookbook.

Herbs to Try

Here are some of the most beloved herbs for infusing in oil—great for skin, soothing, and general herbal happiness:

🌼 Calendula – skin-soothing sunshine in flower form

🌿 Yarrow – great for minor cuts, bumps, and bruises

🌹 Rose petals – luxurious, calming, and smells like a floral daydream

💜 Lavender – calming, gentle, and oh-so-classic

🌼 Chamomile – sweet and soothing for all skin types

🌶️ Cayenne – spicy and warming (great for sore muscles—just a little goes a long way!)

Mix and match your herbs to create your own custom blend, or keep it simple and let one herb shine. Either way, you’re winning.

Want It Faster?

There is a shortcut method using gentle heat—perfect if you're short on time or just impatient (no judgment, we’ve all been there). But that’s a story for another post. Today, we’re embracing the slow, herbal magic.

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Final Thoughts

Making herbal infused oils is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to connect with plants. You don’t need a lab, a cauldron, or even much experience—just a jar, a few herbs, and a little patience. Before long, you’ll have something useful, beautiful, and completely your own.