Chamomile Infused Oil
If you're looking to move beyond herbal teas and begin building a home apothecary, infused oils are one of the best places to start. They require only a few ingredients, very little equipment, and provide the foundation for countless herbal preparations. Salves, balms, massage oils, lip balms, body oils, and many traditional skin-care recipes all begin with a simple herbal-infused oil.
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs for oil infusions because it is gentle, versatile, and easy to grow. The small daisy-like flowers have been used for centuries in traditional herbal preparations and remain a staple in herbal skin-care products today. Herbalists have long valued chamomile for its soothing qualities and often include it in preparations intended for dry or irritated skin.
One of the things that makes infused oils so rewarding is their ability to preserve a garden harvest. While most gardeners are familiar with drying herbs for tea, infused oils provide another way to capture the usefulness of the plant. A small basket of dried chamomile flowers can become a bottle of herbal oil that lasts for months and serves as the foundation for numerous future projects.
Unlike herbal teas, which extract water-soluble compounds, infused oils draw out many of the oil-soluble constituents found within the flowers. The resulting preparation can be applied directly to the skin or used as an ingredient in homemade salves and body products.
Making infused oil also encourages a slower approach to herbalism. There is no complicated equipment, no special machinery, and no rush. Simply combining dried herbs with oil and allowing time to do the work creates a preparation that herbalists have relied upon for generations.
If you grow chamomile in your own garden, this recipe is one of the easiest and most useful ways to enjoy your harvest throughout the year.
Why Make Chamomile Infused Oil?
Chamomile-infused oil can be used in a variety of ways around the home:
As a simple body oil
As a massage oil
As the base for homemade salves
In lip balm recipes
In herbal skin-care products
As a carrier oil for other herbal blends
Many herbalists keep a bottle of chamomile oil on hand because of its versatility and gentle nature.
Ingredients
1 cup dried chamomile flowers
1½ cups olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil
Clean glass jar with lid
Directions
Traditional Slow Infusion Method
Fill a clean glass jar with dried chamomile flowers.
Pour oil over the flowers until completely covered.
Stir gently to release any trapped air bubbles.
Seal the jar tightly.
Place in a warm location out of direct sunlight.
Allow to infuse for 4–6 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
Strain through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.
Transfer to a clean bottle for storage.
Quick Warm Infusion Method
If you're short on time, place the oil and herbs in a heat-safe jar inside a slow cooker or double boiler on very low heat for several hours. Avoid overheating the oil, as excessive heat may damage delicate plant compounds.
Why Use Dried Flowers?
One of the most common mistakes new herbalists make is using freshly harvested herbs when making infused oils.
Fresh herbs contain water, and water can encourage mold growth or spoilage in long-term oil preparations. For this reason, most herbalists recommend using fully dried chamomile flowers when preparing oils intended for storage.
Drying the flowers first significantly improves shelf life and reduces the risk of contamination.
If you harvest your own chamomile, allow the flowers to dry completely before beginning your infusion.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
Different oils create slightly different finished products.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the most common choices for herbal infusions. It is inexpensive, readily available, and has a long history of traditional use in herbal preparations.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil feels lighter on the skin than olive oil and is often preferred for massage oils and body products.
Jojoba Oil
Technically a liquid wax rather than an oil, jojoba offers excellent shelf life and is commonly used in skin-care formulations.
Grapeseed Oil
A lightweight option that absorbs quickly, though it generally has a shorter shelf life than olive or jojoba oil.
Traditional Herbal Uses
Chamomile has a long history of use in topical herbal preparations. Traditional herbalists frequently included chamomile in oils, salves, washes, and compresses intended for soothing skin-care applications.
Herbal oils have been used for generations because they provide a simple method for extracting and preserving many of a plant's beneficial constituents.
Today, chamomile remains one of the most widely used herbs in natural skin-care products.
What Makes Chamomile Work?
Chamomile flowers contain numerous plant compounds, including flavonoids and aromatic constituents that contribute to the herb's traditional reputation.
One of the most recognizable compounds associated with chamomile is chamazulene, a blue-colored constituent produced during the distillation process used to create chamomile essential oil. Interestingly, chamomile tea and chamomile essential oil are chemically different preparations because they extract different groups of plant compounds.
When making an infused oil, you are capturing a different profile of constituents than you would in a tea or essential oil, which is one reason herbalists often prepare the same herb in multiple ways.
Ways to Use Chamomile Oil
Simple Body Oil
Apply a small amount after bathing while the skin is still slightly damp.
Herbal Massage Oil
Use on its own or blend with lavender-infused oil for a relaxing massage oil.
Homemade Salve
Combine infused oil with beeswax to create a simple herbal salve.
Bath Oil
Add a small amount to a warm bath for a luxurious herbal soak.
Lip Balm
Chamomile-infused oil can be incorporated into homemade lip balm recipes.
Herbs That Pair Well with Chamomile
Chamomile combines beautifully with many other garden herbs.
Calendula
Lavender
Plantain
Rose petals
Lemon balm
Comfrey
Yarrow
Creating blended infused oils allows you to customize preparations for your own needs and preferences.
Storage
Store finished oil in a clean glass bottle away from direct sunlight and heat.
Most chamomile-infused oils remain usable for 6–12 months depending on the carrier oil used and storage conditions.
If the oil develops an unpleasant odor, visible mold, or signs of spoilage, discard it immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chamomile flowers?
Dried flowers are generally preferred because they contain significantly less moisture and reduce the risk of spoilage.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The oil will take on the aroma and color of the chamomile flowers after several weeks of infusion.
Can I use this oil directly on my skin?
Many people do. As with any topical product, perform a small patch test first.
Can I make a salve from this oil?
Absolutely. Chamomile-infused oil is one of the most common ingredients used in homemade herbal salves.
Final Thoughts
Chamomile-infused oil is one of the most useful preparations a gardener or herbal enthusiast can make. It requires little more than dried flowers, a carrier oil, and patience, yet the finished product can serve as the foundation for countless herbal recipes.
Whether you use it as a simple body oil, a massage oil, or the starting point for future apothecary projects, chamomile-infused oil is an excellent way to preserve your harvest and deepen your herbal practice.