Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a soothing herb known for its calming properties and light, citrusy aroma. Making lemon balm-infused oil is a simple, rewarding process that can enhance your self-care routine, providing a versatile herbal remedy that benefits your health and well-being.
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What Is Lemon Balm?
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, known for its bright, lemon-scented leaves. Originating from the Mediterranean, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate stress, improve digestion, and promote restful sleep. The herb thrives in gardens or pots, making it accessible for home gardeners and herbal enthusiasts alike.
Learn the in’s and out’s of Lemon Balm 101
Why Make an Infused Oil?
Infused oils are a fantastic way to capture the medicinal properties of herbs in a form that’s easy to use on the skin. Lemon balm-infused oil allows you to harness the plant’s therapeutic benefits in a base oil like olive, coconut, or jojoba. Making your own infused oil gives you control over the quality of the ingredients and the potency of the infusion.
Benefits of Lemon Balm Oil
- Calming and Stress-Relief: Lemon balm is famous for its soothing properties, helping to reduce anxiety, ease tension, and promote relaxation.
- Skin Soothing: It can help soothe irritation, redness, and mild skin conditions, making it perfect for sensitive or dry skin.
- Insect Repellent: Lemon balm has mild insect-repelling properties and can help soothe bug bites.
- Digestive Support: When massaged onto the abdomen, the oil can aid digestion and relieve stomach discomfort.
Infused Oil vs. Essential Oil
Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to note the difference between infused oil and essential oil:
- Infused Oil: This is a process of steeping the lemon balm leaves in a carrier oil to extract the plant’s beneficial compounds. It’s gentle, making it ideal for skincare and massage.
- Essential Oil: This involves a more complex distillation process that extracts highly concentrated oil from the plant. Essential oils are more potent and often need to be diluted before use.
Infused oils are much easier to make at home and can be applied directly to the skin without the need for dilution.
How to Use Lemon Balm Oil
Here are a few ways to use your homemade lemon balm oil:
- Massage: Use the oil to give yourself a relaxing massage, focusing on areas of tension such as the neck, shoulders, and feet.
- Skincare: Apply it as a moisturizer for dry or irritated skin, or use it to soothe minor rashes or eczema.
- Hair Care: Rub a small amount into the scalp to help relieve dandruff and add shine to your hair.
- Bath Oil: Add a tablespoon of the infused oil to your bath for a calming, spa-like experience.
- Topical Applications: Apply to areas of inflammation, rashes, or minor skin irritations to help soothe and calm the skin. It’s also great for dry or cracked skin.
- Massage Oil: Use it as a massage oil to relieve stress, reduce tension, and uplift your mood.
- Aromatherapy: The refreshing, citrusy scent can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation when used in aromatherapy blends or diffusers.
- Insect Bites: Dab a small amount on bug bites or stings to relieve itching and irritation.
Consider making this healing Lemon Balm Salve with your infused oil
How to Make Lemon Balm Oil
Homemade Lemon Balm Oil
Materials
- Fresh or dried lemon balm leaves enough to fill a jar halfway
- Carrier oil of your choice olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil work well
- Clean dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or fine strainer
- Dark glass bottle for storing the oil
Instructions
Prepare the Lemon Balm
- If you’re using fresh lemon balm, allow it to wilt for 24 hours. This reduces moisture and prevents mold from forming during the infusion. If using dried lemon balm, you can proceed without wilting.
Fill the Jar
- Place the lemon balm leaves into your clean, dry glass jar. Fill the jar halfway with the leaves.
Add the Oil
- Pour your chosen carrier oil over the lemon balm, ensuring that the leaves are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
Infuse the Oil
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny windowsill or a warm spot for 2-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help distribute the plant’s beneficial compounds into the oil.
Strain the Oil
- After 2-6 weeks, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer into a clean glass bowl. Squeeze the leaves to extract as much oil as possible.
Bottle the Oil
- Pour the strained oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light exposure, which can degrade the oil’s quality.
How to Store Lemon Balm Oil Long-Term
To keep your lemon balm oil fresh and potent for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:
- Use a Dark Glass Bottle: Store the oil in a dark-colored glass bottle to protect it from sunlight, which can cause it to spoil faster.
- Keep It Cool: Store the oil in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or refrigerator.
- Label the Bottle: Don’t forget to label the bottle with the date you made the oil. Infused oils typically last 6-12 months, depending on the carrier oil used.
If you notice any off smells or mold developing, it’s time to discard the oil and make a new batch.
Making lemon balm-infused oil is a wonderful way to bring the calming, healing properties of lemon balm into your everyday life. Whether you’re using it for skincare, massage, or simply as a soothing aromatherapy treatment, this oil is a versatile and easy-to-make addition to your natural remedies. Plus, with proper storage, your homemade lemon balm oil can last for months, ready to provide relief whenever you need it.
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