There’s something timeless and grounding about infusing herbs into oil — it feels like a little bit of kitchen alchemy. This rosemary sage oil is one of my favorite creations because it bridges both worlds: beauty and nourishment. The infusion blends two powerful herbs, rosemary and sage, long celebrated for their restorative properties. I use one jar in the kitchen for drizzling over roasted vegetables and fresh bread, and another — enhanced with a touch of castor oil — as a nourishing hair treatment to support growth and shine. It’s simple, earthy, and feels like a ritual from another time.
Rosemary sage oil feels especially fitting during the fall and winter months, when earthy, grounding herbs and warming self-care rituals are most comforting. The aromatic blend of rosemary and sage pairs beautifully with seasonal cooking — think roasted root vegetables, poultry, and hearty soups — while also offering a soothing hair treatment during the drier, colder months when hair tends to need extra moisture and care.
It’s also perfect around the winter solstice or Yule, as both rosemary and sage have deep roots in ancient traditions for cleansing, renewal, and protection — making this oil a lovely addition to seasonal rituals or gifts.
Ingredients
~**~*~* see recipe card for quantities ~**~**~*~
- extra virgin olive oil
- fresh rosemary sprigs
- fresh sage leaves
- castor oil
Instructions
- Prepare the herbs: Rinse the rosemary and sage, then pat completely dry.
- Infuse the oil: Place herbs and olive oil in a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Let it warm gently for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and strain: Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out the herbs and pour the infused oil into a clean jar.
- Divide for use: Keep one jar for cooking. For hair, pour some into a dropper bottle and mix in the castor oil. Shake gently before each use.
Hint: For the best flavor and potency, make sure your herbs are completely dry before infusing — even a little moisture can cause the oil to spoil faster. Store your rosemary sage oil in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for up to 1–2 months. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it and bring it to room temperature before using.
Equipment
- Small pot
- Heat-safe glass or metal bowl (to fit over the pot)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Clean glass jar (for cooking oil)
- Dropper bottle (for hair oil)
- Funnel (optional, for easy pouring)
Rosemary & Sage Oil
Equipment
- small pot
- heat safe bowl to fit over the pot
- wooden spoon
- fine mesh strainer
- clean glass jar for cooking oil
- dropper bottle for hair oil
- funnel optional, for easy pouring
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil high quality, cold pressed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary make sure you pat it dry very well
- 2-3 sage leaves make sure you pat it dry very well
- 2 tbsp cold pressed castor oil optional, FOR HAIR DROPPER ONLY
Instructions
- Make sure your rosemary and sage are completely dry (any moisture can cause spoilage). Lightly crush the leaves or sprigs with your fingers to release their natural oils.
- Fill a small pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe glass or metal bowl on top so it rests snugly over the pot without touching the water.
- Pour the olive oil into the bowl, then add your rosemary and sage. Stir gently to coat the herbs.
- Keep the water at a steady simmer, not a boil. Let the herbs infuse for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The oil should stay warm, not hot — aim for around 120–140°F (49–60°C)
- After infusing, remove the bowl from the pot and let the oil cool completely. Once cool, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean measuring cup or bowl.
- Separate into two portions:Culinary Oil --** Pour about ¾ of the infused oil into a sterilized jar or bottle.** Label: “Rosemary Sage Olive Oil — For the Hearth.”** Use to cook, or drizzle on roasted veggies, bread, soups, or poultry.Hair Growth Oil -- ** Pour the remaining ¼ of the infused oil into a small dropper bottle.** Add 2 tbsp castor oil and (optional) 2–3 drops rosemary or peppermint essential oil** Shake gently to blend.** Label: “Rosemary Sage Growth Elixir — For the Crown.”
- To use for hair: Massage a few drops into your scalp 2–3 times a week. Leave on for 30–60 minutes, or overnight for deeper nourishment. Then wash and style as usual.
Storage
Store your rosemary sage oil in a cool, dark place away from sunlight — a pantry or cupboard works well. It will stay fresh for about 1–2 months at room temperature. For longer shelf life, keep it refrigerated for up to 3 months.
If you notice any cloudiness, off smells, or mold, discard and make a new batch. For hair use, make sure your dropper bottle stays clean and tightly sealed between uses.
FAQ
Massage a few drops into your scalp 2–3 times per week. Leave on for 30–60 minutes, or overnight for deeper nourishment, then wash and style as usual.
No — the hair dropper contains castor oil (and possibly essential oils), which is not recommended for consumption. Only use the jar portion of plain infused olive oil for cooking.
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