How to make rosemary oil at home

If you’re a home gardener or a cooking enthusiast, you may notice that rosemary shows remarkable resilience even when the temperature drops. So if you’re wondering what to do with extra rosemary, learning how to make rosemary oil is a great way to make the most of this beneficial herb. From culinary uses to body lotions, hair care, and home fragrances with scented oils, here are some easy ways to use rosemary around the house. Wait, there’s a bonus: If you’re not a culinary expert, there’s even a no-cook rosemary oil recipe for you!

What is rosemary oil?

As the name suggests, rosemary oil is extracted or derived from the leaves of the rosemary plant (Rosmarinus officinalis). Thin, long, and sprig-like, rosemary leaves boast an incredible fragrance, making them a key ingredient in scented candles and perfumes. These rosemary leaves can also add a rich flavor to cooking.

Rosemary oil has multiple benefits and uses. Due to its pleasant scent, rosemary oil is also widely used in recipes and hair care products. Learn more about using rosemary oil for eyebrows and benefits of rosemary oil for hair growth.

According to research published in the Journal of Scientia Pharmaceutica, inhaling rosemary oil in the morning can also have a stimulating effect. This makes it a great addition to your wake-up routine or a mid-day perk.

Not only can rosemary help you wake up, it may also help you relax. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatry Research found a link between the smell of rosemary and decreased cortisol levels.

Read also: 9 Health Benefits of Rosemary Tea That Make It a Morning Elixir

Ingredients to make rosemary oil

If you are lucky enough to have rosemary growing in your garden, you can make your own rosemary oil with this simple recipe. Making your own rosemary oil won’t break the bank and has tons of uses. From hair care to skin care to cooking, rosemary oil can do it all. But to get started, you’ll need to assemble the right ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Rosemary: Pluck off enough full sprigs to equal at least about a cup.

• Oil: Whichever specific oil you choose will depend on your tastes and the intended use of the oil. Using extra virgin olive oil for rosemary oil has many culinary benefits, but it can be too strong in flavor compared to other options. Some odorless or nearly odorless alternatives include sunflower oil or canola oil that will allow the rosemary’s scent to shine through.

• Colander or gauze: You will need something to strain the rosemary needles from the oil. Avoid using strainers with large holes.

• Glass jar: To store the oil, you will need a jar, such as a glass jar, with an airtight lid.

How to prepare rosemary oil?

There are two methods to make rosemary oil: the cooking method and the no-cook method. You can choose whichever you prefer.

The cooking method:

1. The tools

For a gentle infusion, a slow cooker is probably best, but if you don’t have one, you can also use a medium-sized skillet and the stovetop.

2. Cooking

You should start by selecting four to six decent sized sprigs of rosemary. Make sure you don’t add the stems and remove the needles properly. Take two cups of your chosen oil and add it to the slow cooker or skillet to cover the rosemary needles. If you have extra large needles or have more rosemary, you can add extra virgin olive oil to compensate.

3. Slow cooker cooking method

For the slow cooker method, cook the oil infusion over low heat for at least two hours, checking it often during the process. Keep an eye on the cooking, because the mixture should only simmer and never boil. Then, turn off the slow cooker and let the oil infuse for another hour, covered.

4. Cooking method for the pan

If using a medium sized pan, simmer the oil and rosemary on the stove for about 10 minutes. Again, do not let the mixture boil. Stir with a wooden spoon as needed.

5. Filter the oil

After the mixture has cooled, strain the needles. Pour the cooked oil into a glass jar with an airtight lid.

The no-cook method

Cooking is a simple method of making rosemary oil, but it doesn’t always have to be done. If you have the patience, time, and desire to make rosemary oil without heat, then all you need is a glass jar. Place four or five sprigs of rosemary in a jar, leaving the needle attached. Fill the jar with your chosen oil, close the lid, and place this herb-infused blend in a sunny window.

Then, you don’t have to do anything. This recipe doesn’t require a watchful eye. You can simply leave the jar by the window, just make sure it doesn’t tip over. Wait about a month, and at the end of the month, strain out the rosemary needles and fill the jar with the infused oil.