nameinfusion timeuses of oil maceratecompounds in oil macerate
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symphytum officinale4-6 weektopical application for bruises, sprains, and skin irritations.allantoin, mucilage, tannins
common dandelion4-6 weeksmassage oil for sore muscles, skin moisturizer.flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins a, vitamin c, vitamin e
plantago4-6 weekstopical application for cuts, insect bites, and skin irritations.allantoin, aucubin, mucilage
olea europaeaseveral weeksantioxidant-rich oil for skin care, anti-inflammatory uses.oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol
persea americana4-6 weeksskin nourishment and moisturization.flavonoids, tannins
citrus limon, citrus reticulatadry citrus peels (e.g., orange, lemon), 2-4 weeksuplifting massage oil, natural skin toner.limonene, flavonoids, vitamin c
rubus idaeusinfuse dried raspberry or blackberry leaves 4-6 weekssoothing skin applications, anti-inflammatory properties.tannins, flavonoids
carica papayainfuse dried papaya leaves in oil for 2-4 weeks.skin exfoliant, anti-inflammatory uses.papain enzyme, flavonoids
punica granatuminfuse dried pomegranate peels in oil for 4-6 weeks.anti-aging skin care, antioxidant-rich oil.ellagic acid, punicalagins
annona muricatainfuse dried soursop leaves in oil for several weeks.anti-inflammatory, soothing skin applications.acetogenins, alkaloids
psidium guajavainfuse dried guava leaves in oil for 4-6 weeks.antibacterial uses, skin toningquercetin, flavonoids
rumex acetosainfuse dried sorrel leaves in oil for 2-4 weeks.soothing skin, anti-inflammatory applications.anthraquinones, tannins
hibiscus sabdariffainfuse dried hibiscus flowers in oil for 4-6 weeks.skin moisturizer, anti-aging properties.ahas, anthocyanins
allium sativum (garlic)infuse fresh garlic cloves in oil; to reduce botulism risk, keep refrigerated and use within one week.antimicrobial oil, supports hair growth.allicin, sulfur compounds
magnolia champacainfuse dried magnolia flowers in oil for several weeks.perfumery, calming massage oil.linalool, magnolol
cananga odorata (ylang-ylang)infuse ylang-ylang flowers in oil for 2-4 weeks.perfumery, aphrodisiac massage oil.linalool, germacrene
plumeria rubrainfuse dried frangipani flowers in oil for 4-6 weeks.perfumery, skin moisturizer.iridoids
osmanthus fragransinfuse dried osmanthus flowers in oil for several weeks.perfumery, skin care applications.ionones, flavonoids
rosa damascenainfuse dried rose petals in oil for 4-6 weeks.skin moisturizer, anti-aging skin, perfumery.citronellol, geraniol
jasminum officinaleinfuse dried jasmine flowers in oil for several weeks.perfumery, skin care, aphrodisiac properties.benzyl acetate, indole
azadirachta indicainfuse dried neem leaves in oil for 4-6 weeks.antifungal, antibacterial skin treatments.azadirachtin, nimbin
menthainfuse dried mint leaves in oil for 2-4 weeks.cooling massage oil, relief for muscle aches.menthol, menthone
melissa officinalis (lemon balm)infuse dried lemon balm leaves in oil for several weeks.calming oil, soothing skin applications.citral, citronellal
salvia rosmarinus (rosemary)infuse dried rosemary leaves in oil for 4-6 weeks.stimulating massage oil, supports hair growth.carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid
lavandulainfuse dried lavender flowers in oil for 4-6 weeks.calming massage oil, skin care applications.linalool, linalyl acetate
melaleuca viminalisinfuse dried tea tree leaves in oil for several weeks.antimicrobial oil for skin issues.terpinen-4-ol, cineole
capsicum annuumdried chili peppers in oil 2–4 weeks. ensure the peppers are thoroughly dried to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. after infusion, strain out the peppers and store the oil in a clean container.warming massage oil for muscle pain relief.capsaicin
santalum albuminfuse sandalwood chips in oil over several weeks.perfumery, skin care, meditation aid.alpha-santalol, beta-santalol
cinnamomum verum (cinnamon)infuse cinnamon sticks or bark in oil for 2-4 weeks.warming massage oil, antimicrobial uses.cinnamaldehyde, eugenol
centella asiaticainfuse dried gotu kola leaves in oil for several weeks.skin healing, anti-aging applications.asiaticoside, madecassoside
origanum vulgareinfuse dried oregano leaves in oil for 2-4 weeks.antimicrobial oil, relief for muscle aches.carvacrol, thymol
cymbopogon citratusinfuse dried lemongrass stalks in oil for 2-4 weeks.insect repellent, refreshing massage oil.citral, limonene
**notes:**
  • safety precautions: when making oil macerates, ensure all plant materials are thoroughly dried to prevent mold and bacterial growth. for plants like garlic and chili peppers, there is a risk of botulism when infusing fresh ingredients in oil. to mitigate this, keep the infusion refrigerated and use it within one week, or consider using dried forms of the plants.
  • carrier oils: common carrier oils include olive oil, sunflower oil, or sweet almond oil.
  • infusion time: store the jar in a cool, dark place and shake it occasionally. after the infusion period, strain out the plant material and store the oil in a clean container.

name of plantpart to drydrying temperature (°c)drying time
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symphytum officinale (comfrey)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
common dandelionflowers35–40°c12–24 hours
plantago (plantain)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
olea europaea (olive)leaves40–45°c12–24 hours
persea americana (avocado)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
citrus limon (lemon), citrus spp.peels40–50°c24–48 hours
rubus fruticosus (blackberry)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
passiflora edulis (passionflower)leaves & flowers35–40°c12–24 hours
carica papaya (papaya)leaves40–45°c12–24 hours
punica granatum (pomegranate)peels40–50°c24–48 hours
annona muricata (soursop)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
psidium guajava (guava)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
rumex spp. (sorrel)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle)calyces40–50°c24–48 hours
allium sativum (garlic)cloves50–60°c6–8 hours
magnolia champacaflowers35–40°c12–24 hours
cananga odorata (ylang-ylang)flowers35–40°c12–24 hours
plumeria rubra (frangipani)flowers35–40°c12–24 hours
osmanthus fragransflowers35–40°c12–24 hours
rosa damascena (damask rose)petals35–40°c12–24 hours
jasminum spp. (jasmine)flowers35–40°c12–24 hours
azadirachta indica (neem)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
mentha spp. (mint)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
melissa officinalis (lemon balm)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
salvia rosmarinus (rosemary)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
lavandula spp. (lavender)flowers35–40°c12–24 hours
melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
capsicum annuum (chili pepper)fruits (peppers)50–60°c6–8 hours
santalum album (sandalwood)wood chips50–60°cseveral days
cinnamomum verum (cinnamon)bark50–60°cseveral days
centella asiatica (gotu kola)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
origanum vulgare (oregano)leaves35–40°c12–24 hours
cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass)stalks35–45°c12–24 hours

  • drying temperatures:
    • low temperatures (35–45°c) are ideal for delicate herbs, flowers, and leaves to preserve their essential oils and active compounds.
    • higher temperatures (50–60°c) are suitable for sturdier materials like roots, bark, seeds, and woody parts.
  • drying times:
    • times can vary based on the drying method (air drying, dehydrator, oven) and environmental conditions such as humidity and airflow.
    • check periodically: always monitor the drying process to prevent over-drying or degradation of the plant material.
  • dryness indicators:
    • leaves and herbs: should crumble easily between your fingers.
    • flowers: should be dry but retain their color and shape.
    • roots and bark: should be hard and snap easily without bending.
  • storage:
    • after drying, store plant materials in airtight containers.
    • keep them in a cool, dark place away from moisture to maintain their properties.
  • safety precautions:
    • preventing mold and spoilage:
      • ensure all plant materials are thoroughly dried to reduce moisture content to around 10–12%, which inhibits mold growth.
    • avoid direct sunlight:
      • when air drying, keep materials out of direct sunlight to preserve color and active constituents.
    • using food dehydrators:
      • provides consistent results and reduces drying times compared to air drying.
  • additional tips:
    • labeling:
      • label your dried materials with the name and date of drying to keep track of freshness.
    • quality check:
      • discard any plant material that shows signs of mold, discoloration, or off-smells.
  • disclaimer:
    • drying temperatures and times can vary based on specific equipment and local environmental conditions. it’s advisable to consult specialized resources or professionals for precise guidelines tailored to your situation.