How to Make Essential Oil From Kitchen Seasonings

The oil of a flower, plant or herb has a distinct aroma, or essence. This aromatic oil is called the plant's essential oil. Essential oils can be used for making incense, potpourri, scented body oils, candles, homemade soap, aromatherapy and even lamp oils. Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years medicinally. While essential oils can be purchased, usually at a hefty price, they can be easily made at home--with ingredients and supplies you already have in your kitchen cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Your choice of seasonings (see suggestions)
• Carrier oil (such as almond oil or grapeseed oil)
• Mason jar
• Crock-Pot
• Cheesecloth
• Dark bottles for storage

Instructions

1. Deciding on your aroma will help you pick your seasonings. If you want a sweet, homey aroma, you might want to choose cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, vanilla beans or citrus peels. An earthy aroma can be achieved with rosemary, sage or bay leaves. You can try the refreshing scent of peppermint or wintergreen. Dried herbs and seasonings, or fresh herbs and plants can be used. If you are using dried, the flavors are more concentrated, so less is more.

2. Place 1/2 cup fresh plants, such as peppermint or rosemary, in a food storage bag. Pinch the bag several times all over to "bruise" the plants. This releases the oils in the plant. Be sure to pick your herbs in the morning before the sun dries the oils out. If you are using dried herbs and spices, place the herbs in the bag and lightly crush with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to release the oils.

3. Place 1/4 cup dried or 1/2 cup fresh seasonings or herbs in a sterilized Mason jar (use a jar with a rubber sealed lid so the metal will not corrode and spoil your oil). Pour 1 cup almond or grapeseed oil on top. Seal and place in a window seal for 2 weeks, shaking daily. If you prefer, you can infuse your oil using a crock pot. Place the seasonings and oil in a Crock-Pot and simmer on low for 8 to 12 hours.

4. Strain your oil through an unbleached cheesecloth. Wring the cheesecloth well to make sure you have gotten all the oil out. You can repeat this process with fresh seasonings or herbs until you have the desired aroma.

5. Pour the essential oil into a dark bottle. Seal tightly. Store in a cool place.

Tips & Warnings

• Add essential oils to Epsom salt or sea salt for a refreshing exfoliater. Peppermint oil added to salt works wonders on tired feet. Add essential oil to a hot tub of water for a relaxing aromatherapy bath. Refresh potpourri or an old car air freshener with a few drops of essential oil. Place a few drops of cinnamon and orange peel essential oil on your Christmas tree.

• Do not ingest the essential oil. They are intended for external use only and are not edible. Some ingredients can cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sun exposure). Make sure your ingredients are not flammable before using in candle making or when making incense.