Oil infusions

[nsoroma79.livejournal.com]

In doing some research, I found that a way to make flavors or scents for lip balms and body products is to do oil infusions.



How to Make an Oil Infusion

Making an oil infusion is a very simple process, but you must use a good quality oil.
I like to use olive oil and jojoba oil. It is advisable to know where your herbs
came from...of course, homegrown is always best. I think of it in terms of making a tea with oil, instead of water.

Take 2 cups of dried herb and place in a crockpot. Cover with vegetable oil.
With crockpot set on low, allow to infuse for 2 hours. You might also try the window sill method, wherein you decant the oil of choice over the herbs in a glass bottle or jar and allow to set in a sunny window sill for about one week. Once infused, strain oil through a fine filter. I use a wire mesh strainer lined with unbleached coffee filters or muslin. It is best to work with dried herb as then you do not have to worry about the potential
of bacteria forming as you do with fresh greens. Fresh greens contain water, and as we all know, water is the basis of life -- including bacteria's life.

Now..... my question is, if I want a coffee flavor.... can I do this method with coffee? If the coffee is dry (and not fresh) it should work the same way - right? Could I do this with dried fruits or coconut as well?

Has anyone ever did this?

Sorry for all the body products questions lately... I just want to make a great product. Also, are there any communities for making homemade body products?

Thanks! :)