My surprising discovery of healing herbs
As a full-time Unstoppable Healer, there’s always something new for me to learn and embrace. Yet, I never imagined that I would collect herbs and infuse oils! I fix my motorcycles, love to work with wood, and am an all-around construction handyman with a garage full of serious tools and the ability to build anything.
One of the many surprising remembrances from my self-discovery journey is that I love being in nature and working with plants, not just computers and servers. Who knew? When I received this fabulous ancient herbal treatment at the Four Seasons, a new passion was born:
“I’m going to add the power of herbs to my Unstoppable Healing!”
To prevent potential misunderstandings, let me clarify that I do not use these oils like you would use traditional massage oil. I only apply them over the vital organs, around the navel, and the bottom of the feet to energize, revitalize, and promote relaxation and detoxification. I’m convinced these herbs nurture the Fascia, and as such, the entire physiological system.
Making your own infused oils is both easy and enjoyable
Here’s a simple and effective method to get you started.
Prepare Your Herbs: Spread your herbs on a cloth and let them air dry in a warm, dry location for 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can use an air dryer for faster results. Ensure the herbs are completely dehydrated to prevent any moisture that could lead to mold.
Crush the Herbs: Once dried, crush the herbs with a mortar and pestle. Transfer the crushed herbs into a mason jar filled with organic extra virgin olive oil. You can also use jojoba oil or other carrier oils. I prefer olive oil since it’s food-grade. Crushed herbs are more potent, but you can also finely chop them with a knife.
Heat and Infuse: Place the jars (without lids) into a crock pot. Add water to the crock pot until the water level is slightly higher than the oil in the jars, but ensure it’s safely below the top of the jars to prevent water from entering. Heat the crock pot to 95-110°F (35-43°C) using the lowest or “keep warm” setting for one hour. Let the jars sit for 24 hours. Repeat this process for two more days for maximum potency, allowing the herbs to infuse fully.
Strain and Store: After the infusion period, pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean jar. Discard the remaining herbs and store the infused oil in a cool, dry place. It can be kept in the fridge for up to twelve months.
Your homemade infused oils can be used for skin and hair care or as flavorful additions to salads and other dishes. Here’s a quick overview of the remarkable benefits of the herbs I’ve used in my oils.
SAGE
Sage is an integral part of Unstoppable Healing. My wife Sabine introduced me to “smudging” and the masterful properties of sage in 2006. When working with sage, you can immediately feel a shift in the energy field – it’s almost instantaneous. Sage is renowned for its powerful purification properties.
Native Americans have always used sage as a spiritual cleanser to remove negative energies. In energy healing and sweat lodges, sage is often paired with sweet lemongrass to bless and sweeten the new space after purification. A decade ago, many of my clients wondered about the smell when I burned a sage stick. Now, most have their own sage at home and even smudge their cars before road trips. Even when infused into my oils, sage lives up to its reputation.
Here are some of the benefits of sage:
- Anti-stress – Calms and grounds
- Antioxidant – Neutralizes free radicals
- Anti-inflammatory – Reduces pain and swelling
- Antibacterial – Aids in wound healing
- Antiviral – Supports immune health
ROSEMARY
Even though I love using sage, rosemary is my all-time favorite herb. I planted rosemary along the front walkway of my first house, and there was always a pleasant scent to greet you at the entry. I’ve always loved its smell and pretty flowers, and I enjoy using it generously on my steaks. When I think of rosemary, the word that comes to mind is “satisfying.” Rosemary is well-known for its medicinal and therapeutic properties, and modern research has confirmed its many benefits, including aiding with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Here are some of the benefits of rosemary:
- Anti-stress – Reduces cortisol levels and anxiety
- Antioxidant – Prevents cell damage
- Anti-inflammatory – Alleviates headaches and other pain
- Antimicrobial – Fights bacteria and viruses
- Cognitive Health – Increases blood flow to the brain, enhances memory
Basil
Who doesn’t like basil? And for good reasons! Studies suggest that basil reduces stress and issues related to prolonged, chronic stress, such as depression, anxiety, and memory loss. It relaxes blood vessels and thins the blood, similar to aspirin. Holy basil extract is said to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension and can improve fasting sugars. Basil also has impressive antibiotic properties, making it a great alternative to antibiotics. It’s excellent for gum and gut health.
Here are some of the benefits of basil:
- Anti-stress – Bolsters mental health
- Antioxidant – Protects cells
- Anti-inflammatory – Eases inflammation
- Cardiovascular Health – Improves sugar levels and lowers blood pressure
- Digestive Health – Relieves indigestion and improves digestion
THYME
Thyme is another powerful Mediterranean herb with a rich history dating back centuries. It has been used for various purposes, including embalming. It is renowned for its wound-healing properties and is believed to be effective against infections, particularly respiratory issues such as lung infections, bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats. Thyme also aids in digestive problems, such as indigestion and bloating, and can help combat cell damage and oxidative stress.
Here are some of the benefits of thyme:
- Antioxidant – Protects cells
- Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation
- Antimicrobial – Combats microbes
- Antiseptic – Prevents infections
- Antifungal – Fights fungi
JASMINE
The entire north wall of our house is blanketed with Mediterranean star jasmine that reaches up to the roof. Star jasmine blooms in spring with thousands of flowers, creating a magnificent fragrance that lasts for over a month and spreads throughout the yard. Since my wife and I choose to shower outdoors year-round, we are literally surrounded by jasmine. It’s absolutely heavenly.
I pick the star flowers from our backyard. Since recorded history, jasmine has been used in perfumes and fragrances, and I understand why. It’s also consumed in teas, used in aromatherapy, and incorporated into skincare. I can’t wait to make my next batch of jasmine-infused oil at the next blooming.
Here are some of the benefits of jasmine:
- Anti-stress – Enhances mood, relieves tension
- Antioxidant – Boosts immune health
- Anti-inflammatory – Aids wound healing
- Anticonvulsant – Relaxes muscles, alleviates pain
- Cardiovascular Health – Lowers cholesterol
MINT
Mint is another favorite herb of mine. I drink mint tea almost daily (but only the high-quality organic kind). I find mint immediately clears my mind and opens up my breathing. While mint tea is a popular staple in people’s pantries, most are unaware of its impressive health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of mint:
- Antioxidant – Protects cells
- Anti-inflammatory – Enhances immune function
- Antiallergenic – Reduces allergic reactions
- Respiratory Health – Soothes common cold and helps with asthma
- Digestive Health – Relieves IBS, upset stomach and indigestion
In my Unstoppable Healing sessions, clients can request my herbal-infused oils. At the end of the UH session, I apply the oil to the abdomen as well as the bottom of their feet for fast absorption. Many of my clients like to leave the oil on after the session to further allow the healing benefits. Be sure to request the oil(s) when you schedule your Unstoppable Healing session.
I hope this blog inspired you to make your own herbal-infused oils. As always, be unstoppable.
