How to Make a Herbal Extract

(Soaking Herbs in Hot Water or Oil for Medicinal Use)

Overview

A herbal extract is a concentrated liquid preparation that extracts the medicinal properties of herbs using water or oil as a solvent. This process can be done using hot water (for teas and decoctions) or oil (for infused herbal oils).

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Method 1: Water-Based Herbal Extract (Hot Infusion or Decoction)

Best for: Leaves, flowers, roots, and barks

This method is similar to making an herbal infusion or decoction, but with a longer steeping time for stronger extraction.

Materials Needed

• Dried or fresh herbs (e.g., chamomile, ginger, nettle, licorice root)
• Filtered or spring water
• Heatproof glass jar or pot
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose and Measure Herbs
   • Soft herbs (leaves, flowers): Use 1 tablespoon per cup of water.
   • Hard herbs (roots, bark): Use 1 teaspoon per cup of water.
2. Heat the Water
   • For delicate herbs (flowers, leaves): Use hot but not boiling water (~190°F/88°C).
   • For harder herbs (roots, barks): Simmer gently in boiling water for 20–45 minutes.
3. Steep or Simmer the Herbs
   • Infusion (for leaves/flowers): Cover and steep for 30–60 minutes for a stronger extract.
   • Decoction (for roots/barks): Simmer for 30–45 minutes, then let cool.
4. Strain and Store
   • Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
   • Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Usage

• Drink as a tea or tonic (1–2 cups daily).
• Use as a base for syrups or compresses.

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Method 2: Oil-Based Herbal Extract (Herbal Infused Oil)

Best for: Making salves, balms, and massage oils

This method extracts fat-soluble compounds from herbs into a carrier oil.

Materials Needed

• Dried herbs (e.g., calendula, lavender, arnica, comfrey)
• Carrier oil (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil)
• Heatproof glass jar
• Double boiler or slow cooker (for heat infusion)
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Dark glass bottle for storage

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose and Measure Herbs

• Use 1 cup dried herbs per 2 cups of oil.
• DO NOT use fresh herbs (they contain water, which can cause spoilage).

2. Choose an Infusion Method

✅ Hot Infusion (Fast Method – 3–6 Hours)

• Place herbs and oil in a double boiler or slow cooker.
• Heat on low (120–140°F or 50–60°C) for 3–6 hours.
• Stir occasionally and do not let it boil.

✅ Cold Infusion (Slow Method – 4–6 Weeks)

• Place herbs in a glass jar and cover completely with oil.
• Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot for 4–6 weeks.
• Shake daily to distribute the extraction.

3. Strain and Store

• Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze out excess oil.
• Store in dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Usage

• Use as a massage or healing oil.
• Blend with beeswax to make a salve.
• Apply directly to skin for nourishment.

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Additional Tips

✅ For stronger extracts, repeat the infusion process with fresh herbs in the same oil.
✅ For medicinal oils, use anti-inflammatory herbs like arnica or comfrey.
✅ For an edible herbal extract, use food-safe herbs and oils (like rosemary in olive oil).