Aromatherapy macerates are created by infusing a carrier oil with a therapeutic herb. They can also be known as herbal oils, infused oils or phytols. The plant material is added to the carrier oil and left to infuse over a period of time, thus imparting the properties of the herb to the oil.
Infusing an oil in this way provides a therapeutic product that has many uses. Macerated oils are particularly suited to skincare, especially troublesome or more mature skin. They can be added to a skincare blend (for example a facial or body oil) or used on their own.
Herbs such as Marigold (Calendula), St John’s Wort – pictured, Centella (Gotu Kola) and Arnica all make excellent herbal oils. Some more unusual macerates include Carrot in sesame oil, which is cleansing and detoxifying, and luxurious floral macerates such as Jasmine and Champaca.
Find out more about macerates in our full article: All about macerates (herbal infused oils).
