I used peppermint EO in a batch. Only .05 oz total for a 2lb loaf and it complimented the scrubbiness of the bar nicely. But I love the cooling, tingling effect of peppermint on my skin.
I infuse oils primarily for massage and usage in spa treatments. I always have infused comfrey and calendula on hand. They're great to use in massage and blend with EOs, clays, salts and other herbs for body wraps, scrubs and soaks. Haven't used any for soaping yet (latest shipment of soaping oils just came in yesterday), but I do want to make some calendula bars with infused oil and petals. Trying to decide on a complementary scent as well.
I do a warm infusion if I need the oil right away (am close to running out). Otherwise I like to fill a quart sized mason jar, I kinda just eyeball it, but I generally put in a handful or so of the herb then fill the jar with oil and put it in the window sill, shaking it every few days making sure the herbs remain covered by the oils. I tend to leave it like that for two or three months before straining into a clean, sanitized jar for usage. For warm infusion I bring a pot of water to simmer, then reduce the temperature, put a towel on the bottom of the pot, place the jars on it and let it sit for probably 6 to 8 hours. I'll usually double infuse it when I do it this way though (strain the oil over more dried herbs and infuse again in the same manner). No particular reason for this other than it makes me feel better!
I strain it with cheesecloth, a nylon stocking, whatever is handy that'll work. I know someone who uses ground herbs in heat sealable tea bags, which omits the necessary straining and that makes great sense! I'm planning to make some bath tea blends, so I'll have to remember to order extra for infusing.
I'm really interested in experimenting with infused oils for color in CP / HP soaping. I know comfrey turns a fabulous green and calendula gives a great yellow, cayenne a nice burnt orange color, so I'm curious to see how that holds up in soap.
