Extracting Oils From Herbs., Which method is best? Options

Hello, hello. So, here's the 'deal'..I pretty much want to make, and use my own oils rather than go to some shop, and buy them, but I'm not sure which method to extract the oils are best. The first method I heard of was filling a jar with the herb(s), covering the herbs with some kind of cooking oil, leaving it in a windowsill for a month, shaking it daily, then straining it into a container and storing it. The second method was putting two cups of oil to 1 cup of dried herbs/ 2 cups of fresh herbs in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water for 3 hours, then strain the oil. The third and last method I heard was putting a cup of lard in a saucepan over a low flame until it melts then adding the powdered herb(s) and mixing them together for about 10-15 minutes then straining it through a cheesecloth. Which one of these methods will extract the oil more potently, and keep it as 'pure' as possible? Any other methods anyone uses would also be appreciated. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/help.gif)

.::sempre Bene::..::Chris::.
-Fiat Lux (IMG:style_emoticons/default/Symbols_1911.gif)

This post has been edited by SangueDiNapoli: Mar 29 2006, 02:02 AM

Which extraction menstruum and which method depend on which herb and the desired effect. One of the very important things to note when making herbal oils is to reduce water content as much as possible. This means either using dried herbs, or wilting fresh herbs before doing an oil extraction. Too much water in the oil extraction will provide a place for bacteria and mold to grow and will result in a spoiled or rancid oil in a short amount of time.

Solar oil extractions are usually the safest as they are good for the delicate oils and vitamins found in most herbs, flowers, and stamens in the plants. About two weeks is sufficient for the first extraction. At this point pour off the oil, do not press, and add fresh oil to the herbs and do another two weeks of extraction in sunlight. Again pour off the oil and do not press. Then remove the remaining oil and herbs to a cheesecloth and press. These three oils are of three grades and potencies. The first being the finest and most potent, while the last is the grossest and contains more waxes and solids than vitamins and oils, but is still very useful. Always store herbal extracted oils below 68 degree Farenheit to prevent spoilage. Exposure to sunlight will continue the breakdown that you relied on to get the stuff out of the plant in the first place. Just as in canning, minimal headspace is also important. Use sterilized marbles to bring the liquid level up, or transfer to smaller jars as the oil is used. Be sure to remove any cardboard lid liners from reused containers, and thoroughly boil and sterilize all equipment to avoid cross contamination. And of course avoid copper and alumminum in all herbal preparations, as they could leach toxins into the brew when in contact with various herbs both alkali and acidic.

The double boiler method is rough, but quick and is not appropriate for a lot of extractions. But for woodsy material, like roots, bark and stems, it can be useful. The line between warming an oil for extraction and deep fried comfrey root is a thin one. Use a thermometer if you are unsure. Again, wilting is important to avoid too much water in the final mixture.

In my experience tincture of Benzoin nor Vitamin E oil seem to make much difference in preservation. Proper preparation and storage have a much greater effect.