Oleum infusum | Infused Oil

Infused oils, traditionally referred to in Latin as oleum infusum, are preparations made by steeping plant material in a fatty medium in order to extract and preserve the medicinal and functional qualities of the plant. Unlike tinctures, which rely on alcohol, infused oils use lipid solvents and are therefore primarily intended for external use, including massage, skin treatment, and the preparation of ointments, balms, and salves.

This method of extraction has been practiced across many cultures and medical systems, where oil was understood to draw out the warming, softening, and protective virtues of plants, making them suitable for application to the skin, joints, and muscles.

Principle and Preparation

The preparation of infused oils relies on prolonged contact between plant material and oil, allowing fat-soluble compounds and aromatic substances to migrate into the carrier.

Carrier oils were traditionally selected based on availability and purpose. Olive oil was the most common in the Mediterranean, while sesame, almond, or coconut oils were used elsewhere. The resulting oil was valued for its stability, versatility, and gentle action.

Traditional Method for Infused Oils

Ingredients

• Approximately 1 cup dried or fresh herbs such as lavender, calendula, or rosemary

• 1 to 1.5 cups carrier oil such as olive, almond, or coconut oil

• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Method

• Place the herbs into a glass jar. If using fresh plant material, allow it to wilt first to reduce moisture content.

• Pour the oil over the herbs, ensuring they are fully submerged.

• Seal the jar and gently agitate to remove trapped air.

• Store the jar in a warm but shaded location for one to two weeks, shaking once or twice daily.

• After infusion, strain the oil through cloth or a fine sieve.

• Store the finished oil in a clean, sealed container in a cool, dark place.

Accelerated Infusion Methods

In both historical and modern practice, heat was sometimes applied to shorten the extraction period.

• The oil and herbs may be gently warmed using a water bath or low heat for several hours.

• Care was taken to avoid overheating, which was believed to weaken the plant’s virtue and spoil the oil (it does, actually).

Historical Medicinal Context

Infused oils appear widely in historical medical records:

• In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, herbal oils were used for wound care, massage, and cosmetic treatment.

• Medieval European apothecaries prepared oils infused with rosemary, thyme, or lavender for muscle pain, skin disorders, and nervous complaints.

• In Ayurvedic and East Asian traditions, herbal oils formed a core component of therapeutic massage and physical therapy.

These oils were not considered secondary remedies but essential tools of treatment, particularly where internal remedies were inappropriate or insufficient.

Domestic and Therapeutic Uses

Infused oils were used extensively within the household for everyday care.

Common applications included:

• Softening and protecting the skin

• Soothing inflammation, rashes, and minor wounds

• Relieving muscle stiffness and joint discomfort

• Supporting hair and scalp health

The oil medium was believed to allow remedies to penetrate slowly and deeply, providing sustained benefit rather than immediate stimulation.

Folklore and Traditional Belief

In folk belief, infused oils were understood to retain something of the plant’s inherent nature. Oils were said to carry the virtue, strength, or character of the herb, particularly when prepared with care and intention.

They were often used:

• For treating common ailments such as headaches, minor injuries, or colds

• As protective applications during seasonal or physical vulnerability

• In rites connected to blessing, prosperity, or household well-being

Certain aromatic resins and plants, such as frankincense or myrrh, were infused specifically for sacred or ceremonial use.

Later Magical and Esoteric Applications

In later magical and ritual traditions, infused oils acquired symbolic and ritual functions beyond their medical origins.

Common uses include:

• Anointing the body, tools, or objects during prayer or ritual

• Creating protective or cleansing applications

• Supporting intentions related to attraction, harmony, or prosperity

These practices represent a reinterpretation rather than a direct continuation of historical medical use, but they remain rooted in the long-standing association between oil, preservation, and transformation.

Oleum infusum represents one of the most enduring and adaptable forms of herbal preparation. Situated at the intersection of medicine, domestic care, and tradition, infused oils reflect a practical understanding of healing through contact, nourishment, and gradual influence.

Their continued use, both medicinal and symbolic, testifies to the lasting importance of oil as a medium through which plant knowledge has been preserved and transmitted across centuries.