How to enjoy the properties of herbs thanks to macerates for as long as possible?
However, there are many herbs or plants that you can make your own macerate from. You may have them at home or in your garden and have no idea how to enjoy their healing or nourishing properties for as long as possible.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE - CHARACTERISTICS
Macerate or macerated oil is basically a carrier oil that serves as a "solvent" to extract the medicinal properties of a given plant or fruit. The most common oils used for maceration are almond, sunflower, olive, coconut or jojoba oil.
Many herbs are suitable for infusion. For example, you can try jasmine, lavender, calendula, carrot, sea buckthorn, St. John's wort, rosemary, oregano, spearmint, vanilla, or comfrey.
Should I use fresh or dried plants for maceration?
Dried is ideal, as they do not contain water and, in addition to making the maceration process easier for you, they will give you the longest shelf life of the oil. Fresh plants contain water and need to be changed more often and the final product needs to be monitored more frequently to ensure that the oil does not become stale or cloudy (this also depends on the type of oil, as some are prone to drying out more quickly). In this case, it is recommended to add 0.5-1.0% vitamin E (tocopherol), which is a powerful antioxidant.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE - PREPARATION
The most common way is to macerate in oil for about 3 - 6 weeks (After 3 weeks the macerate should be ready and of good quality. You can extend the maceration time. 6 weeks is considered the maximum time). You need a clean glass jar to which you add the herbs (ideally finely chopped and topped up) and pour the oil. Seal the jar and make sure the herbs are completely covered and air bubbles are removed by shaking, stirring and stirring several times (bubbles promote oxidation of the oil and shorten its shelf life considerably). Place the container, which is sealed airtight, in a warm place - ideally on a windowsill, where the sun's rays will gently heat it - this is the ideal temperature for infusion. Shake the jar over a few days to ensure better extraction. In the case of fresh plants or fruits, a change of macerated material is necessary approximately every week.
Heat preparation of the macerate
For the impatient, there is one more quick way to make macerate. Prepare an equal mass of macerated materials in a water bath and heat it up. It is quite essential that you keep the temperature on the lowest setting for 2-6 hours and do not boil the oil. Here, however, you need to control the temperature very carefully. In domestic conditions, you can easily find that the temperature rises and the oil and the herbs spoil.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE - STORAGE
After three to six weeks, strain the macerate - you can pass it through a sieve, but it is ideal to strain it through a cloth - and store it preferably in smaller sterile containers to prevent excessive contact with air when using and opening the container again. The resulting macerated oil may take on a new colour depending on the macerated plant. It will last you approximately 6-12 months as long as you store it in a dark cooler place out of direct sunlight.
Should you smell a significant change in scent or cloudiness, the macerate is no longer safe to use.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE - USE IN COSMETICS
Macerates have a wide range of applications in cosmetic products, from skin care products, to balms, salves, creams, soaps and hair products. They are used in a 5-10% ratio. If the macerate replaces the carrier oil in the product, you can use it in a higher proportion.
In addition to their healing properties, macerates can also serve as natural fragrances, for example, vanilla pods macerated in jojoba oil will give your products a wonderful natural vanilla aroma.
Finally, we would like to point out that although your macerate may be a hit, you need to test it on your skin before using it. Although all of the macerate ingredients are natural, some of you may be allergic to certain plants.
Do you make your own macerates at home or have we just inspired you? Share with us at marketing@handymade.sk.
Article prepared for you by
Martina Oboňová
