Herbal oils are amazing, and very simple to make. The only tools that you will need are a crock pot, Oil (I personally use Olive Oil) and some fresh or dried herbs.
When you are using herbal oils you not only enjoy the wonderful taste additions but also reap the medicinal benefits. Below are some of my favorites.
To make herbal oil: Fill your crock pot ½ full with fresh or dried herbs. Cover completely with oil to fill the crock pot. Cook on low for 4 hours. Leave the herbal oil sit overnight in the crock pot, the next day simply strain the herbs and you have your wonderful oil.
Oils can be used on salads, used in cooking and used on the skin or taken internally by mouth for healing.
Culinary Herb Guide
Basil
Bay Leaves
Bergamot / Bee Balm
Borage
Calendula / Marigold
Chives
Curry Plant
Epazote
Fennel
Garlic
Horseradish
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lovage
Marsh Mallow
Mints
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Thyme
Common Cooking Herbs in the Garden – Health Benefits
Basil: (Ocimum basilicum)
Bronchitis, common cold, influenza, muscle pain and insect bites.
Bay Leaves: (Laurus nobilis)
High blood sugar, migraine headaches, bacterial and fungal infections, and gastric ulcers. Bay oil, is used in liniments for bruises and sprains. Bay leaf contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Bay leaf is also an antifungal and antibacterial, and has also been used to treat rheumatism, amenorrhea, and colic.
Bergamot/ Bee Balm: (Monarda fistulosa)
Colds, and flu season. Srong antiseptic action, and used poultices of the plant for skin infections and minor wounds. Mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries and gingivitis. General stimulant. The herb is considered an active diaphoretic (sweat inducer).
Borage: (Borago officinalis)
Regulation of metabolism and the hormonal system, and consider it to be a good remedy for PMS and menopause symptoms, such as the hot flash. Alleviate and heal colds, bronchitis, and respiratory infections, and in general for its anti-inflammatory. The flowers can be prepared in infusion to take advantage of its medicinal properties.
Calendula/Marigold: (Calendula officinalis)
Anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula is used topically to treat acne, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding and soothing irritated tissue. Calendula has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.
Chives: (Allium schoenoprasum)
Beneficial effect on the circulatory system. Rich in vitamins A and C, sulfur, and are rich in calcium and iron.
Curry:
Prevent certain diseases, including colon cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Acts as a pain receptors to the hotter ingredients in curries leads to the body’s release of endorphins, indeed, curry is one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs.
Epazote: (Dysphania ambrosioides)
Relieves and prevents flatulence caused by eating beans and is therefore used to season them. Amenorrhea (missed menstrual cycles), dysmenorrhea (irregular menstrual cycles), hysteria, catarrh (runny nose), asthma and parasites
Fennel: (Foeniculum vulgare)
Any stomach or digestive upset including colic and bloating. Improves eyesight often used in treatment of glaucoma. As a diuretic, helpful for high blood pressure. Improves production of breast milk. Calms chronic coughs.
Garlic: (Allium Sativum)
Antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. Garlic is used to prevent certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers. Reduces cholesterol and regulates blood pressure. Helps to regulate blood sugar levels. Good digestive aid. Known for great antibiotic properties to prevent cold and flus.
Horseradish: (Armoracia rusticana)
Diuretic properties (increases urine output), urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sinus congestion, ingrowing toenails and coughs.
Lavender: (Lavandula)
Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory. Oil infusions of lavender soothe and heal insect bites and burns. Lavender oil soothes headaches when applied to the forehead. Good for anxiety and insomnia.
Lemon Balm: (Melissa officinalis)
Antibacterial, antivial properties, effective against herpes simplex (cold sores). Mild sedative or calming agent. Improves mood and mental performance. Used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease).
Lovage: (Levisticum officinale)
Antiseptic, useful for digestive issues similar to Fennel seeds.
Marshmallow: (Althaea officinalis)
Useful as mucilage, good for the mucosal lining from the time you swallow until you move your bowels. Good for asthma, coughing, acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel, and to regulate the bowels.
Mints: (Lamiaceae)
Astringent, cleans the blood, improves circulation, very high in minerals.
Oregano: (Origanum vulgare)
Antiseptic, good for stomach and respiratory ailments including sore throat. Antimicrobial protects against food borne pathogens and parasites. Oil often used to treat colds, flues and viral infections.
Parsley: (Petroselinum crispum)
Controls high blood pressure, helps with water retention, use the oil to reduce itching of bug bites. Prevents bad breath, kidney stimulant. Rich in copper and other minerals.
Rosemary: (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Carnosic acid may shield the brain from free radicals so it lowers the risk of stokes. Anti- cancer agent. Good detoxifier.
Thyme: (thymus)
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal. Useful for cough, bronchitis, respiratory infections, sore throats
**The best resource for Olive Oil is: www.corningoil.com I use there house brand, around $14/gallon.