How to Make Lavender Oil

Lavender plants are easy to grow and you don’t need a large number of lavender cuttings in order to create your own oil. This post will walk you through the steps on how to create your own.

There are a few things you’ll need in order to create your own lavender oil at home. The quality of your oil will depend on your fresh lavender flowers as well as the type of carrier oil you choose to use when creating the lavender essential oil.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to create infused lavender oil:

• Lavender Buds

  Use an industrial scale to measure out an ounce of dry lavender buds. Make sure that they are clean and that there isn’t anything else mixed in with them. 

• Carrier Oil

  Choose a carrier oil that is closest to how you want to use the homemade lavender oil. For instance, sunflower oil contains a lot of vitamin E which works as an antioxidant to fight free radicals. If you are wanting to create an oil for medical purposes, it may be your best bet. 

  Another popular carrier oil is extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) which can help hydrate your dry skin. You will want to use the oil sparingly until you know that you won’t have an allergic reaction to it. 

  There are many types of carrier oils to choose from, so do your research and pick the best one for your needs. 

Supplies

You will also need a few supplies when creating your own lavender oil. These will include the following: 

• Glass Jars

  You will need one larger jar (such as a mason jar) or a glass container with a lid to create the lavender oil and at least one dark bottle to store the oil in after it has been created. 

• Cheesecloth or strainer

  After a few days, you will need to strain the lavender buds out of your lavender-infused oil. You may also be able to use a clean coffee filter to separate the flowers from the liquid contents if the oil is thin enough. 

Note: In order to create a “true” lavender essential oil that isn’t diluted with a carrier oil, you will need to use a process of steam distilling. You will also need to use the correct equipment to heat the fresh lavender, add pressure and capture the steamy to create the oil.

While you can do the process at home, it does take a lot more effort and you’ll need quite a bit of lavender in order to create a decent amount of oil. For those reasons, we have focused on creating a diluted oil in this post. 

This post will cover two different ways you can create your own oil from flowers you harvested from your lavender plants. You will need to ensure that you have dried and cleaned your lavender flowers before moving on to one of the following processes.

Slow-Infuse

If you have the time, use this method to infuse your own lavender oil. It is better to take your time with the process to create a better quality product. Here’s what to do: 

1. Step 1

   Place your lavender buds at the bottom of a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. You should measure out a 1:10 ratio of flowers to oil. For instance, if you plan to make 10 ounces of oil, measure out 1 ounce of lavender pieces of buds and flowers. 

2. Step 2

   Pour your carrier oil over the buds. Whether you chose sweet almond oil or sunflower seed oil, you will likely be able to experience a few health benefits from the finished product. 

3. Step 3

   Close the jar and gently shake it or swirl it to mix the contents. Place it in a sunny location in your home where you will see it often. The sun will naturally heat the oil, releasing the natural oils.

4. Step 4

   Shake the jar once or twice a day over the next three to four weeks until you have created your lavender-infused oil. 

5. Step 5

   Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or strainer, then funnel it into a dark glass bottle. Make sure to store it in a dark location that remains cool. The beneficial properties of the oil should remain for about a year. 

Crock-Pot Infuse

If you don’t have a lot of time or you want to create a large batch of homemade lavender oil, you can use a slow cooker. Add the ingredients, then set the machine on low and allow it to warm up and infuse for three or four hours. Strain it and store it as you would the other method. 

There are many benefits of lavender oil. Whether you purchase an oil from a reputable seller or create your own owl from the lavender you’ve harvested, here are a few of the more popular ways you can use this lavender extract:

1. Makeup Remover

   If you use a gentle oil as your carrier, you may be able to use your lavender oil as a makeup remover. Make sure that you avoid any sensitive areas on your face (such as your eyes) and try it out on a test portion of your skin to ensure you don’t have a negative reaction (such as skin irritation). Lavender oil can also be used to prevent acne, making it a good option for people with sensitive skin. 

2. Soothe Skin Wounds

   Lavender essential oil is often used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, sunburn, insect bites, general itchy skin, etc. It may take longer than other treatments because it penetrates deeper into the layers of the skin. However, once applied, lavender essential oil should work quickly to calm irritated skin. Apply a few drops directly to the affected area and allow to dry. Lavender is also commonly used on skin infections as well. 

3. Relaxing Bath Salts

   Lavender bath salts make relaxing baths even better! Simply mix 1/4 cup sea salt into 2 cups water along with 3 drops of lavender essential oil per gallon of warm water. Add some Epsom Salt too if desired. Let sit overnight before using. 

4. Hair Care Products

   Lavender essential oil can be added to hair care products like shampoo and conditioners to provide soothing properties. Some shampoos already come with lavender extracts included, but adding a drop or two of lavender oil to your regular routine could really condition hair and benefit your locks. Lavender can also help to stimulate hair growth and improve overall hair health.

5. Essential Oils Diffuser

   A diffusing candle filled with lavender essential oil provides a pleasant aroma throughout your house. Just place a small dab of the oil inside each wick hole and light them all simultaneously. When finished burning down, remove the candles and replace them with new ones. 

6. Room Freshener

   Lavender essential oil works wonderfully as a room freshener. Place several drops directly on surfaces where you want to eliminate odors. Alternatively, you can diffuse the fragrance through a humidifier or vaporizer. The scent of lavender can be very calming and even having fresh lavender sprigs around your home can do a lot to keep the lovely scent in your home.