- 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.
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