Lavender essential oil is one of the best-known essential oils. In addition, it also stands out for being one of those that offer the best aroma and for allowing many uses.
Here, you will learn how to obtain DIY lavender oil at home in a quick and easy way through two different procedures. But first, let’s take a look at some of the more outstanding uses of this wonderful essential oil.
Home Uses of Lavender Oil
Depending on the type of oil you have made, its uses may vary. Among the most popular and effective are the following:
Natural calming
One of the main properties of lavender oil is its calming capacity. Hence, it is used to treat stress, anxiety, and even insomnia.
Antiallergic
For hundreds of years, lavender oil has been used as an anti-allergenic and antihistamine, especially to treat symptoms related to the well-known hay fever.
It’s also been effective in managing allergies to dust, dogs, and cats.
Anti-inflammatory and soothing
For skin irritation caused by wounds, burns, scratches, or even small cuts.
Just a few drops of lavender oil, always diluted in carrier oil, will be enough to soothe inflammation and have a relaxing effect. Some combine it with almond oil.
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How to Make Lavender Oil at Home: Recipes
Depending on your needs, as well as available tools and ingredients, you will have two different options. The first one has alcohol, while the second one will use some vegetable oil.
Lavender Oil Extraction with Alcohol
Making lavender oil with alcohol is a delightful DIY project. Not only results in a fragrant and versatile oil but also allows you to customize its potency according to your preferences.
Here’s a simple recipe to create your own lavender-infused vodka oil:
You will need
Ingredients
- 1 cup of organic lavender flowers or buds, can be dried or fresh
- 1 cup of alcohol, preferably high proof vodka
Instructions
Ensure that the lavender buds are clean and free from any debris.
If you’ve collected fresh lavender, allow it to air dry completely before using it in the recipe. Just be sure to separate the flowers from the stems before starting.
With the help of a mortar and pestle, crush the lavender flowers to release the oil.
Once it is well crushed, and you have a sufficient amount, place it in the glass container that you have prepared.
Add the amount of alcohol corresponding according to how much lavender you have added so that the lavender is submerged.
Cover and let stand for 4 to 5 days. Increasing the duration of maceration will yield a more intense infusion.
It is important to shake the container several times a day during this time. In this way, you help in the release of the plant’s own oils.
Once the days have elapsed, prepare the other container with a cloth strainer, and strain the liquid.
Next, place the coffee filter, which will serve as a lid. This allows the alcohol to evaporate.
After 3 or 4 days, the alcohol will have evaporated, and you will have your lavender essential oil ready to use. This time frame may vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
Transfer the oil into a dark glass bottle for storage. Dark glass helps to protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality for longer periods.
Store the lavender oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months to a year.
Usage Tips
— Lavender oil extracted with vodka can be used in many ways. It is a lovely addition to homemade beauty products such as soaps, lotions, and bath oils.
— If you plan to apply the resulting oil to your skin, ensure that the alcohol used is safe for topical use. Do a patch test before using it for the first time.
— Remember that a little goes a long way with lavender oil, so start with small amounts and adjust according to your preferences.
— Label your bottle with the date of creation for reference.
Enjoy the process of creating your own lavender-infused vodka oil and experiment with different applications to fully appreciate its aromatic qualities!
Maceration with Vegetable Oil
Creating lavender-infused oil through maceration with vegetable oil is a delightful way to capture the soothing fragrance and beneficial properties of lavender.
This is one of the most used recipes by naturopaths and apothecaries, thanks to its ease and durability.
Follow these steps to craft your own lavender oil maceration:
You will need
- cheesecloth o fine mesh strainer
- 1 dark glass bottle
Ingredients
- organic lavender flowers
- vegetable oil (such as soybean oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil)
Instructions
Make sure the lavender flowers are dry, clean, and free of any debris.
Take all your lavender flowers and place them inside the glass container you have set up. The amount will depend on your taste, if you prefer it more or less concentrated, as there is no exact measure.
Fill the container with the chosen vegetable oil. We recommend not to use those that are very aromatic, such as coconut oil, as the scent of lavender tends to be lost in the end.
Close your container tightly and leave it in a cool place for at least 30 to 45 days.
It is important to keep it in an area where the sun does not shine directly on it.
After this time and with the help of your cheesecloth o fine mesh strainer, pour the oil into the second glass jar, making sure that there are no traces of lavender.
Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to extract as much infused oil as possible.
Transfer the strained lavender-infused oil into a dark glass bottle for storage. Dark glass helps to protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality.
Store the lavender oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months to a year.
Usage Tips
— Lavender-infused oil is versatile and can be used in various ways, including massage, skincare, and aromatherapy applications.
— Label your bottle with the date of creation for reference.
— Test the oil on a small patch of skin before using it extensively, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Crafting lavender oil through maceration with vegetable oil allows you to create a natural, fragrant, and multipurpose product that enhances your well-being and brings the calming essence of lavender into your daily life.
Enjoy the process and the wonderful benefits of your homemade lavender-infused oil!
Recipe # 1 - Lavender Oil Extraction with Alcohol
You will need
- 2 Glass jars with tight-fitting lids
- Coffee filter
- Cloth strainer
- 1 Dark glass bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic lavender flowers or buds, can be dried or fresh
- 1 cup alcohol, preferably high proof vodka
Instructions
- Ensure that the lavender buds are clean and free from any debris.
- If you've collected fresh lavender, allow it to air dry completely before using it in the recipe. Just be sure to separate the flowers from the stems before starting.
- With the help of a mortar and pestle, crush the lavender flowers to release the oil.
- Once it is well crushed, and you have a sufficient amount, place it in the glass container that you have prepared.
- Add the amount of alcohol corresponding according to how much lavender you have added so that the lavender is submerged.
- Cover and let stand for 4 to 5 days. Increasing the duration of maceration will yield a more intense infusion.
- It is important to shake the container several times a day during this time. In this way, you help in the release of the plant's own oils.
- Once the days have elapsed, prepare the other container with a cloth strainer, and strain the liquid.
- Next, place the coffee filter, which will serve as a lid. This allows the alcohol to evaporate.
- After 3 or 4 days, the alcohol will have evaporated, and you will have your lavender essential oil ready to use. This time frame may vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
- Transfer the oil into a dark glass bottle for storage. Dark glass helps to protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality for longer periods.
- Store the lavender oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months to a year.
Notes
Recipe # 2 - Maceration with Vegetable Oil
You will need
- 2 Glass jars with tight-fitting lids
- Cheesecloth o fine mesh strainer
- 1 Dark glass bottle
Ingredients
- Organic lavender flowers
- Vegetable oil (such as soybean oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, or sesame oil)
Instructions
- Make sure the lavender flowers are dry, clean and free of any debris.
- Take all your lavender flowers and place them inside the glass container you have set up. The amount will depend on your taste, if you prefer it more or less concentrated, as there is no exact measure.
- Fill the container with the chosen vegetable oil. We recommend not to use those that are very aromatic, such as coconut oil, as the scent of lavender tends to be lost in the end.
- Close your container tightly and leave it in a cool place for at least 30 to 45 days.
- It is important to keep it in an area where the sun does not shine directly on it.
- After this time and with the help of your fine mesh strainer or sieve, pour the oil into the second glass jar, making sure that there are no traces of lavender.
- Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to extract as much infused oil as possible.
- Transfer the strained lavender-infused oil into a dark glass bottle for storage. Dark glass helps to protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality.
- Store the lavender oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months to a year.
Notes
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