Carrier Oils for Infusing
There are several methods for infusing herbs and other botanicals into oils, including time, heat, and sun, with fresh, wilted, or completely dry herbs.
Infusing is a big topic and too much to cover here! However, all methods require a quality oil for the extraction. The traditional oil herbalists use is Olive oil. It is a good choice because it is high in monounsaturated oleic acid giving it a long shelf life when stored and handled properly. But it is not the oily choice!
Here is a list of other oils you can use for for infusing:
Hi Oleic Oils for Infusing
| Oils For Infusing | Notes |
|---|---|
| Almond oil | High in Oleic acid and so moderately resistant to oxidation |
| Apricot kernel oil | Very similar to Almond oil - high Oleic acid |
| Argan oil | Costly - moderately resistant |
| Avocado oil | High in monounsaturated fatty acids |
| Camellia oil | all varieties dominant Oleic acid |
| Canola oil | may be GMO |
| Hazelnut oil | a dry oil high in Oleic acid |
| Macadamia nut oil | High in monounsaturated fatty acids |
| Mangosteen seed oil | Oleic and Palmitic acids - resistant to oxidation |
| Marula oil | High in Oleic acid |
| Moringa seed oil | Oleic acid with 20+ long FA - resistant to oxidation |
| Olive oil | The traditional herbal infusing oil - high in Oleic acid |
| Papaya seed oil | High in Oleic acid - moderately resistant |
| Peach kernel oil | Very similar to Almond and Apricot - Oleic acid |
| Peanut oil | Moderately resistant to oxidation |
| Pecan oil | Moderately resistant |
| Pistachio oil | Moderately resistant |
| Plum kernel oil | Similar to Almond, Apricot and Peach - Oleic acid |
| Safflower oil | High oleic - moderately resistant |
| Shea oil | a liquid fraction of shea butter |
| Souchet oil | also called tiger nut oil - Oleic acid |
| Sunflower oil | High Oleic - moderately resistant |
| Yangu oil | moderately resistant to oxidation |
Alternative Oils for Infusing
| Carrier Oil | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sesame oil | non-toasted - resistant to oxidation - high polyphenols |
| Meadowfoam seed oil | 95% or more fatty acids of 20 carbons and more - very resistant |
| Rice bran oil | moderately resistant to oxidation |
| Jojoba oil | liquid wax of 20+ long carbon chains - very resistant |
| Daikon radish seed oil | moderately resistant with 20+ long carbon chains |
| Coconut oil | need to melt - saturated fatty acids resistant |
| Babassu | need to melt - saturated fatty acids resistant |
| Cabbage seed oil | moderately resistant with 20+ long carbon chains |
Macadamia Nut Oil
Almond Oil
Sesame Seed Oil
Rice Bran Oil
Peach Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil
Plum Kernel Oil
Meadowfoam Seed Oil