Harnessing the Magic of Non-Essential Oil Herbs: The Advantages of Infused Herbal Oils
If you're interested in herbal medicine, you've likely heard about the benefits of essential oils. These oils also called volatile oils are extracted from plants and can be used for a variety of purposes, from aromatherapy to skincare. However, it's important to remember that essential oils are just one component of a plant's medicinal properties. In fact, essential oils only account for about one-third of a plant's total therapeutic potential. So, while essential oils can be useful, they're not the whole story.
As I stated in my recent blog article: Infused Herbal Oils vs Essential Oils herbal-infused oils offer a more traditional and accessible way to harness all the benefits of herbs. They are milder, gentler, and extract a wider spectrum of the plant's chemistry and a wider spectrum of the plant’s medicinal properties. These oils are infused in a carrier oil (olive, jojoba, sweet almond, avocado, sunflower, etc) with the whole herb, meaning they contain not just the volatile oil compounds (essential oils), but also the other beneficial components of the plant.
Not only that, but there are many herbs that you can’t distill into an essential oil, which means that you might miss out on some vital herbal magic if you're only using products with essential oils in them. Fortunately, these herbs are still attainable through infusing them in oil and you can use them not only topically but for systemic effects as well. Some notable “non-essential oil herbs” include:
Plantain (Plantago major) - Used for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.
Arnica (Arnica montana) - Used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing of bruises.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) - Used for its skin-healing properties and to soothe inflammation and pain.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) - Known for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and moisturizing properties.
Cleavers (Galium aparine) - Known for its detoxifying, lymphatic support, and skin-clearing properties.
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) - Known for its wound-healing, skin-tightening, and anti-aging properties.
Violet (Viola odorata) - Known for its calming, hydrating, and skin-softening properties.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) - Known for its rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has anti-inflammatory properties, is a good source of essential fatty acids, which can help to lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated. GLA is also believed to have anti-aging properties, helping to improve the elasticity of the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) - Known for its emollient properties, which can help soothe and moisturize dry or irritated skin.
In conclusion, while essential oils have become increasingly popular in the realm of herbal medicine, it's important to remember that they only account for a portion of a plant's therapeutic potential. Herbal-infused oils offer a more traditional and accessible way to harness all the benefits of herbs, including those that you can’t distill into an essential oil. By infusing herbs in carrier oils, one can extract a wider spectrum of the plant's chemistry and medicinal properties, making it a milder and gentler alternative. Infused oils can be used for a variety of purposes, including skincare, wound healing, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. Incorporating infused herbal oils into your daily routine can offer a more comprehensive approach to natural healing and self-care.
