- 1). Purchase a carrier oil, also known as a base oil. Many herbalists prefer olive oil because of its stability; the last thing you need is a moldy, rancid liquid! On the other hand, jojoba oil has its fans too. Both oils provide plenty of nourishment and healing properties for the skin, even without the addition of botanicals.
- 2). Harvest several handfuls of the chickweed. The stems, leaves and flowers of this low-growing plant all contain plenty of its healing properties. Give the plant a "haircut" by cutting back all but 2 or 3 inches from the plant so that it can self-sow again for future harvests.
- 3). Wash the chickweed under gently flowing water to remove bugs and dirt, and dry thoroughly.
- 4). For quickly made oil, use a double boiler. Put as much of the chickweed as will fit into the top pot and pour 16 oz. of the base oil over the chickweed. Cover the pot and heat on a low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Let cool.
- 5). Alternatively, put the chickweed into two wide-mouth jars, and pour the olive oil over them. Cover, set the jars in the sun and let the mixture steep for several weeks.
- 6). Remove the chickweed-oil mixture from the jars or pot and strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve or double layer of cheesecloth.
- 7). Pour the oil into a glass bottle or jar and cover tightly. Store the containers in a dark, cool place.
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