Method 1: The Sun method

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This traditional method allows the herb to steep in the sunlight over a period of time, usually 4-8 weeks.

Pros: enables all the constituents of the plant to thoroughly infuse the oil in the most traditional, heat-free and gentle method without the hassle of having to attend to a pan for hours such as with the heated pan method.

Cons: Though quick to start off, this takes time, and the lack of British sunshine can be frustrating (though bright days are sufficient).

What you need:

• Good quality oil, such as vegetable or olive oil

• Quantity of your chosen fresh or dried herbs, e.g. marigolds, rose petals, thyme, St. Johns Wort (use fresh herb here)

• Clear glass jar or a wide mouthed bottle

Fill a container half way with your dried herbs. Cover them over with the oil, shaking slightly to get rid of air bubbles and ensure all plant material is covered. Any material sticking out of oil may go mouldy so press it down and use a small ramekin or glass marbles. Place on the lid.

If you do choose to use fresh herbs, tie a piece of muslin over the mouth of the jar to allow any water to escape.

Leave the jar in a sunny place and shake slightly every day for 2-4 weeks until the herb has infused the oil, you will know this because it should take on a colour. E.g. you will find calendula oil will take on a golden hue, St. Johns wort will turn a ruby red, and rose oil will infuse a deliciously scented pink.

Old herbs can be strained out at this point and replaced with fresh to obtain a stronger oil. This would be the case especially for rose petals.

Strain into a sterilised glass container.

Label and date.