The Wonders of Herbs and Herb Infusion with Jojoba Oil

The Wonders of Herbs and Herb Infusion with Jojoba Oil

This one will be fun to talk about! 

Kyle here.. I had a friend that would store a tub of coconut oil in his trunk and put it on before going to work landscaping. Somehow he would tan and not burn.

Here's the reality.. Oil is not all about slathering coconut oil on the body and baking in the sun...   

There are many types of oil that can be beneficial for the skin however there are also some that may cause counter effects to what you are trying to solve.

At Greenstead Naturals, we are passionate about harnessing the power of natural ingredients to promote health and wellness. One of the most effective ways to utilize the benefits of herbs is through herb infusion with jojoba oil. This ancient practice combines the therapeutic properties of herbs with the moisturizing and nourishing qualities of jojoba oil to create potent skincare solutions. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of various herbs, the process of herb infusion, and the advantages of using jojoba oil as a carrier.

The Benefits of Herbs in Skincare

Herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare due to their healing, soothing, and rejuvenating properties. Here are some commonly used herbs and their benefits:

1. Chamomile: Chamomile is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote healing of minor wounds and burns. Chamomile is also beneficial for sensitive skin and can help alleviate conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

2. Calendula: Calendula, also known as marigold, has powerful healing properties. It is often used to treat cuts, scrapes, and burns due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Calendula can also stimulate collagen production, making it ideal for anti-aging skincare.

3. Lavender: Lavender is a versatile herb known for its calming and antiseptic properties. It can help soothe acne-prone skin, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Lavender oil is also effective in treating minor burns and insect bites.

4. Rosemary: Rosemary is a potent antioxidant and has antimicrobial properties. It can help improve circulation, promote hair growth, and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Rosemary is also beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin due to its ability to balance sebum production.

5. Peppermint: Peppermint has a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin. It can help soothe itching and irritation, reduce redness, and provide relief from headaches when applied topically. Peppermint is also known for its antibacterial properties, making it suitable for acne treatment.

6. Comfrey: Comfrey contains allantoin, a compound that promotes cell regeneration and accelerates the healing of wounds and fractures. It is also effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Comfrey can be used in creams and salves for treating bruises, sprains, and muscle pain.

We chose to infuse our first beef tallow balm with a mix of calendula, plantain leaf and chamomile. We wanted something that could be safe for an adult and also a baby. We’ll share more about that later but let’s get into the history shall we.

The Origins of Herb Infusion

The practice of infusing herbs in oils dates back thousands of years and can be traced to various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. However, the specific use of jojoba oil as a carrier for herb infusion is relatively modern. Jojoba oil, extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), was first commercially cultivated in the early 1970s in the United States as a sustainable alternative to whale oil. It quickly gained popularity in the natural skincare industry due to its unique properties and long shelf life.

The combination of ancient herbal knowledge with the modern discovery of jojoba oil's benefits has led to the practice of herb infusion with jojoba oil, creating a powerful synergy for natural skincare solutions.

The Process of Herb Infusion

Herb infusion involves steeping herbs in a carrier oil to extract their beneficial properties. This process can be done using various methods, including cold infusion, hot infusion, and solar infusion. This is fun! Give it a try in whatever method you choose. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to infuse herbs with jojoba oil:

1. Choosing the Herbs and Oil: Select the herbs you want to infuse based on their benefits and your skin’s needs. Make sure to use dried herbs to prevent mold growth. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier oil due to its long shelf life, non-comedogenic properties, and similarity to the skin’s natural sebum.

2. Preparing the Herbs: If you’re using whole herbs, crush them slightly to increase the surface area for infusion. Measure out the desired amount of herbs, typically a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio of herbs to oil.

3. Infusion Methods:

• Cold Infusion:

  • Place the dried herbs in a clean, dry glass jar.

  • Pour jojoba oil over the herbs until they are completely submerged.

  • Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to mix the contents.

  • Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it occasionally to ensure even infusion.

  • After the infusion period, strain the oil using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the herbs.

• Hot Infusion:

  • Place the dried herbs and jojoba oil in a heat proof container.

  • Set up a double boiler by placing the container over a pot of simmering water.

  • Heat the mixture gently for 1-2 hours, ensuring the oil doesn’t get too hot to avoid degrading the beneficial compounds.

  • Remove from heat and allow it to cool before straining out the herbs.

• Solar Infusion:

  • Fill a glass jar with dried herbs and jojoba oil, ensuring the herbs are fully covered.

  • Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 2-4 weeks.

  • The warmth of the sun will gently heat the oil, extracting the herbal properties.

  • Shake the jar occasionally and strain the oil once the infusion period is complete.

4. Storing the Infused Oil: Transfer the strained oil into a clean, dark glass bottle to protect it from light and extend its shelf life. Label the bottle with the date and type of herbs used for future reference.

Benefits of Using Jojoba Oil as a Carrier

Jojoba oil is a popular choice for herb infusion due to its unique properties and compatibility with all skin types. Here are some reasons why jojoba oil is an excellent carrier oil:

1. Mimics Skin’s Natural Oils: Jojoba oil closely resembles human sebum, making it easily absorbed by the skin without clogging pores. It helps regulate oil production, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin.

2. Long Shelf Life: Jojoba oil is highly stable and resistant to oxidation, which means it has a long shelf life compared to other carrier oils. This stability ensures that the infused oil remains effective for a longer period.

3. Non-Allergenic: Jojoba oil is hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin and babies. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

4. Rich in Nutrients: Jojoba oil contains essential fatty acids, vitamins E and B, and antioxidants that nourish and protect the skin. It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

5. Versatile Use: Infused jojoba oil can be used in various skincare products, including facial oils, body lotions, salves, and hair treatments. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any natural skincare routine.

6. Less Inflammatory: Unlike other commonly used oils like olive oil and sunflower oil, jojoba oil is less likely to cause inflammation. Olive oil and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be highly inflammatory in the body when consumed or applied in large amounts. This makes jojoba oil a superior choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Touching on this one.. 

This is one of the main reasons why we chose to use jojoba oil. Everyone's bodies react differently to different types of oils; however, there is science to prove that oils like olive oil and sunflower oil are highly inflammatory in some cases. Nothing on earth is perfect as it was in the Garden of Eden, and we are in a fallen world; however, we can do the best we can to source high-quality organic ingredients. We believe that everyone has a choice to make regarding what they put on their skin and the benefits or drawbacks of those choices. For the most part, there are cases where oils can have negative effects, and we must consider these in our choices. When looking into and studying different types of oils, it was an easy choice for us to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks and choose the best option with the least drawbacks in wide medical studies. What we put on our skin and the amounts of it are very important to consider and be mindful of. Please see cited sources at the end.

7. Benefits of Organic Jojoba Oil: Choosing organic jojoba oil ensures that you are using a product free from pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Organic farming practices also promote biodiversity and soil health, making it a more sustainable choice. Organic jojoba oil retains more of its natural nutrients and beneficial compounds, providing enhanced skincare benefits compared to non-organic versions.

We chose to go the all-organic route and get the documentation to prove it! We used to think that USDA organic certification wasn’t really that hard to get and that companies just slapped it on their products without any real change in the quality of the ingredients. We were sorely mistaken as we embarked on the journey of understanding the certifications needed for each ingredient to qualify for an organic label. Most people say they don’t want to pay for the certifications, and we say we understand, but as customers of our product before we created it, we shopped for these types of labels regardless of our preconceived notions about them. They make you feel better about what you are ingesting or putting on your skin. We put the certification on our products so you can know and trust that we want the best for you and your families, no matter what it costs us to do that. If you are considering buying a beef tallow balm rather than doing it yourself here is our direct link to amazon..https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DB776L7Z

Moving on to another fun topic. If you can make time, we encourage you to play around with some DIY projects to infuse oil. You will gain a greater appreciation for what you put on your skin. And hey, if you love doing it, then make your own products! We always want to serve you as a valued client, but we also encourage people to be free to experiment, and we want to support you in that! It is empowering.

DIY Herb-Infused Jojoba Oil Recipes

To help you get started with herb infusion, here are a few simple recipes using jojoba oil and different herbs:

1. Calming Chamomile Facial Oil:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried chamomile flowers

• 1 cup jojoba oil

Instructions:

1. Follow the cold infusion method to infuse the chamomile flowers with jojoba oil.

2. Strain the oil and transfer it to a clean glass bottle.

3. Apply a few drops to your face after cleansing to soothe and hydrate your skin. 

4. You can also do an oil cleanse! Forget the cleansers and try it out for a period of time. 

2. Healing Calendula Body Lotion:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried calendula petals

• 1 cup jojoba oil

• 1/4 cup shea butter

• 1/4 cup beeswax

Instructions:

1. Use the hot infusion method to infuse the calendula petals with jojoba oil.

2. Strain the oil and transfer it to a heat proof container.

3. In a double boiler, melt the shea butter and beeswax together.

4. Add the infused oil and stir until well combined.

5. Remove from heat and add lavender essential oil, if using.

6. Pour the mixture into a clean jar and let it cool and solidify.

7. Apply to your body for nourishing and healing benefits.

3. Refreshing Peppermint Scalp Treatment:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves

• 1/2 cup jojoba oil

Instructions:

1. Follow the solar infusion method to infuse the peppermint leaves with jojoba oil.

2. Strain the oil and transfer it to a clean glass bottle.

3. Massage a few drops into your scalp to invigorate and refresh your hair.

If you embarked on some of these DIY recipes or some others on the web we hope you had some fun and gained some new knowledge in this area. We are all growing and learning so it should never stop whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

Let’s saddle up and ride off into the sun set on this one..

Herb infusion with jojoba oil is a powerful way to harness the benefits of natural ingredients for skincare. By combining the therapeutic properties of herbs with the nourishing qualities of jojoba oil, you can create potent and effective skincare products that promote healthy, radiant skin. At Greenstead Naturals, we believe in the power of nature to heal and rejuvenate, and we encourage you to join us on this journey of life and life abundantly!

Site sources

Oil Studies including Olive Oil: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/1/70

Jojoba Oil: https://brill.com/view/journals/ijps/68/1-2/article-p38_38.xml