Herbal infused oils are one of the most foundational preparations in herbalism. By slowly extracting the properties of organic and wildcrafted plants into oil, we create a simple and versatile base for salves, balms, and body care. These oils carry both the qualities of the herbs and the nourishment of the oil itself, making them a gentle and effective way to work with plants topically. They can be used on their own as a bath or body oil, or incorporated into recipes you’re making at home such as lotions, lip balms, body scrubs, and face serums.
Selecting an Herb Infused Olive Oil
Calendula Infused Oil
Gentle skin repair and inflammation soothing. A primary vulnerary that supports tissue repair, calms irritation, and helps knit skin back together. Ideal for cuts, scrapes, dry skin, diaper rash, and post-procedure skin care.
Chamomile Infused Oil
Calming and anti-inflammatory. Softens heat and irritation in the skin, making it especially supportive for babies, eczema, rashes, and hypersensitive or reactive skin conditions.
Comfrey (leaf or root) Infused Oil
Supports cell proliferation and connective tissue repair. Rich in allantoin, comfrey is traditionally used for sprains, strains, broken bones, and deeper tissue injuries. Leaf is milder for general use; root is stronger and more targeted. Best used on closed wounds only.
Lavender Infused Oil
Antimicrobial and soothing. Helps cleanse and calm the skin while offering gentle antimicrobial support. Useful for minor burns, cuts, bites, and irritated skin, while also bringing a relaxing, aromatic quality.
Lemon Balm Infused Oil
Cooling and antiviral. Soothes hot, inflamed, or irritated skin and is especially helpful for viral eruptions such as cold sores or herpes lesions, as well as general redness and irritation.
Plantain Infused Oil
Drawing and soothing. Helps pull out irritation while supporting skin integrity. Excellent for bug bites, stings, splinters, minor infections, and itchy or inflamed skin.
Rosemary Infused Oil
Circulatory stimulant and antioxidant. Encourages blood flow to the area, supporting healing in sore, stiff, or injured tissues. Also helps preserve oils and is useful in salves for muscle aches and joint discomfort.
St. John’s Wort Infused Oil
Nerve support and anti-inflammatory. Known for its affinity for nerve-rich tissue, making it especially helpful for burns, bruises, nerve pain, and areas of sensitivity or shooting pain (such as sciatica or post-injury nerve irritation).
Formulation insight — how they work together
Calendula + Plantain → foundational skin repair + drawing
Chamomile + Lemon Balm → cooling + calming inflammation
Comfrey → accelerates tissue repair (use thoughtfully)
Lavender + Rosemary → antimicrobial + preservation + scent
St. John’s Wort → deeper pain + nerve support
Simple Herbal Healing Salve Recipe
Ingredients
Makes 4oz.
3.5 oz herbal infused oil (about 7 Tbsp)
(calendula, chamomile, comfrey leaf or root, lavender, lemon balm, plantain, rosemary, St. John’s wort or a blend)
0.5 oz Colorado beeswax, chopped or pellets (about 1 Tbsp)
10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, tea tree, helichrysum)
Directions
Set up a double boiler (heat-safe jar in a pot with a few inches of simmering water)
-
Add:
- herbal oil
- beeswax
- Gently melt together, stirring until fully combined
-
Test texture (optional but recommended)
- Drop a little on a cold plate
-
Let it cool → adjust if needed:
- softer = more oil
- firmer = more beeswax
- Pour into jars or tins (4 oz total)
Let cool completely (1–2 hours) before capping
By Amber Graziano, Clinical Herbalist
Amber is a clinical herbalist and educator with over 15 years of experience in Western herbal traditions. She has taught at herbal clinics, schools, and farms across Colorado, sharing her love of plant medicine with diverse communities. As a staff instructor at Rebecca’s, she leads classes on medicine making, how to craft a home apothecary, and formulation. Her favorite part of being an herbalist is witnessing the deep healing that happens when people reconnect with the natural world and their plant allies.
Website: https://www.ambergraziano.com/