How to make your own macerate? | Article

How can you enjoy the properties of herbs thanks to macerates for as long as possible?

However, there are many herbs or plants from which you can make your own macerate. 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

A macerate or macerated oil is essentially a carrier oil that serves as a “solvent” for extracting the medicinal properties of a given plant or fruits. The oils most commonly used for maceration are almond, sunflower, olive, coconut or jojoba oil.

Many herbs are suitable for infusion in oil. You can try for example jasmine, lavender, calendula, carrot, sea buckthorn, St. John’s wort, rosemary, oregano, peppermint, vanilla or comfrey.

Should I use fresh or dried plants for maceration?

Dried plants are ideal dried, because they do not contain water and, besides making the maceration process easier for you, they will ensure the longest possible shelf life of the oil. Fresh plants contain water and therefore need to be replaced more frequently, and the final product needs to be checked more often so that the oil does not go rancid or become cloudy (this also depends on the type of oil, as some are prone to going rancid more quickly). In this case, it is recommended to add 0.5 - 1.0 % vitamin E (tocopherol), which is a strong antioxidant.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE – PREPARATION

The most common method is maceration in oil for approximately 3 – 6 weeks (after 3 weeks, the macerate should already be finished and of good quality. You can extend the maceration time. 6 weeks is considered the maximum time). You need a clean glass container, into which you add the herbs (ideally finely chopped and filling the container to the top) and pour oil over them. Close the container and, by shaking it several times, tapping and mixing it, make sure that the herbs are completely covered and that air bubbles are removed (air bubbles promote oxidation of the oil and significantly shorten its shelf life). Place the container, which is sealed airtight in this way, in a warm place – ideally on a windowsill, where the sun’s rays will gently warm it – such a temperature is ideal for infusion in oil. Shake the container over the course of a few days to ensure better extraction. In the case of fresh plants or fruits, it is necessary to replace the macerated material approximately every week.

Thermal preparation of the macerate

For the impatient, there is another quick way to make a macerate. Prepare the same mass of macerated raw materials in a water bath and heat it up. It is quite important that, with this method, you maintain the lowest possible temperature for 2 – 6 hours and do not boil the oil. Here, however, it is necessary to really carefully control the temperature. In home conditions, it can easily happen that the temperature rises and the oil together with the herbs becomes spoiled.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MACERATE – STORAGE

After three to six weeks, strain off the macerate – you can do this through a sieve, but ideally you should filter it through cloth – and store it preferably in smaller sterile containers, so as to prevent excessive contact with air when reusing and opening the container. The resulting macerated oil may, depending on the plant that has been macerated, acquire a new colour. It will keep for approximately 6–12 months, provided you store it in a darker, cooler place away from direct sunlight.

If you notice a pronounced change in smell 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, through balms, ointments, creams, soaps, to hair products. They are used at a ratio of 5–10 %. In cases where 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 beautiful, natural vanilla aroma.

In conclusion, we would like to point out that although your macerate may turn out perfectly, it is necessary to test it on the skin before use. Although all the components of the macerate 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.

The article has been prepared for you by

Martina Oboňová