I love flowers for their beauty, medicinal properties, contribution to the environment, and essence. It's a joy to find unique ways to recycle and add value to things that would be considered disposable. This is a great way to reduce waste! Floral infusions are effective for soothing the skin and scalp, alternative natural fragrances, and achieving a healthy glow. Sunflower petal-infused oil is used for salves, lip balms, body butter, beard oils, hair care products, lotion bars, soaps, and more!
To do a DIY with petals first, you'll want to dry your petals. There are a few different ways to dry your petals.You can spread the petals out in a single layer over a screen, paper towel, or sheet of brown paper. Alternatively, you can let them dry naturally in the sun like I did and pick the petals from a dried-out sunflower bouquet.
Next, measure a ratio of 1:2 parts dried petals and natural oil. My recipe included 1/4 cup dried sunflower petals and 1/2 cup of rosehip oil. After mixing, cover with an air-tight lid or aluminum foil, and allow the oil to infuse. For quick infusion, place the mixture in a heat-resistant jar with an air-tight lid and use the double-boiler method. On low heat, your jar can simmer in a pot of water. Make sure your water covers the bottom of the pot and that the jar is secure. Add more water, if needed, check your double-boiler frequently, and let cool after about 2-3 hours of infusing. You can strain your oil and start another DIY oil infusion with another batch.
I will be using the slower infusion method to retain more of the micronutrients and medicinal properties of sunflower petals. The shelf life for this herbal oil is about a year, so you can let your jar sit for as long as possible. Store your DIY mixture in a cabinet or on a shelf and let it steep for at least 4 to 6 weeks. I recommend shaking the mixture occasionally.
What infusion method to you prefer? Why?
