Enchanted Oils for Witchcraft
How to Make Infused Oils for Spells & Rituals
I use magical oils so much in my practice. I love the chance to include a bit of green witch magic into my practice. I use them for anointing candles, enhancing spells, charging tools, or applying during rituals. While some witches create quick blends using essential oils, others prefer the slow, intentional process of infusing herbs into oil for deeper energetic resonance.
In this post, I’ll share two methods for making herbal-infused magical oils: a traditional long infusion and a faster stovetop method. I’ll also include tips on how to prepare your space, strain your oils, store them properly, and customize them with essential oils if you choose.
Essential Oils vs. Infused Herbal Oils in Witchcraft
Many witches make magical oils by combining essential oils with a carrier like almond or avocado oil. These blends are lovely, quick, and effective. But if you prefer working closely with the spirits of plants, creating infused oils using actual herbs adds depth, texture, and power to your work.
I usually create my green witchery blends in a sacred space with intention. Here’s how I begin:
Ritual Preparation: Creating Sacred Space
Before making your oils, take a moment to align your energy and intentions. This doesn't need to be elaborate—just meaningful to you.
Ground and center yourself through breath or visualization.
Purify your space with smoke, a spritz of purifying herb tea, or sound (such as chanting or toning).
Light a candle or set up an altar if that feels right.
Let your breath and vital force warm your hands.
Channel your intention down your arms into your hands and herbs.
Let the energy guide the process.
How to Make Herbal-Infused Magical Oils
Long Infusion Method (Best for Potency)
This method takes time but creates a vibrant, deeply magical oil.
Instructions:
Loosely fill a clean glass jar with dried or fresh herbs.
Cover the herbs with extra virgin olive oil or another base oil. Make sure there's at least an inch of oil above the herbs.
Seal the jar with a lid and place it in a brown paper bag to shield it from light.
Set the bag in a warm, sunny spot—a windowsill works well.
Shake or rotate the jar daily to keep herbs covered and infuse your intention.
Infuse for 10–14 days, depending on the herb and your preference. When it’s ready, the oil will appear denser. It may change color or vibrant to you.
⚠️ Note:
Some herbs (like Comfrey) tend to mold when fresh. Others (like St. John’s Wort) are best used fresh. Consider wilting fresh herbs for a day to reduce water content and prevent spoilage.
How to Strain Your Magical Oil
After 10+ days, strain your oil using cheesecloth or unbleached muslin.
For dried herbs, you can squeeze the cloth to extract more oil.
For fresh herbs, avoid squeezing—this can release water, increasing spoilage risk.
Let the strained oil sit for 8–12 hours in a jar. If sediment or water collects at the bottom, use a turkey baster to siphon off the clean oil from the top. Transfer it to a clean jar and discard the bottom layer with particulates.
At this point, you can add a few drops of essential oils if desired for added scent or magical properties.
Quick Heat Infusion Method
If you're short on time, you can create magical oil in just a few hours using gentle heat.
Double Boiler Method:
Place your herbs and base oil in the top pan of a double boiler.
Fill the bottom with water and keep it on low heat (never boiling).
Let the herbs steep for 1 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Strain as described above.
If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a canning jar ring in the bottom of a large pan, fill the pan with water, then place a smaller pot on top of the ring so it’s not touching the bottom of the pan. Place your herbs and base oil in the top pan.
Crockpot Option:
Place herbs and oil directly in a slow cooker on the lowest setting.
Infuse overnight, but ensure the oil does not boil.
Strain in the morning.
While these quick methods don't create as strong an infusion as the long method, they’re still effective, especially when you need to do a spell right away.
How to Store Your Magical Oils
Use amber or cobalt glass jars to protect your oil from light.
Store in a cool, dark place—or keep it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Avoid exposing the oil to air—choose jars that match the quantity you’re storing.
Use a smaller jar at room temperature for daily use.
Properly stored oils last about one year.
Final Notes from Colette
Thank you for journeying with me through the art of making magical oils. These instructions come from my green witchcraft teachings, rooted in respect for plants, energy, and intention.
This article was originally part of a live workshop, and I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be offering a pre-recorded course on Green Witchcraft in 2026.
Stay safe & be well.
Colette Gardiner
© Copyright ~ Colette Gardiner Golden Web LLC 2025