Crafting your lavender oil at home is a rewarding and aromatic experience, allowing you to capture the essence of this beloved herb in a pure, natural form.
In our previous post, we talked about the intricacies of lavender cultivation from seed to harvest.
Here we will provide you with a simple yet effective recipe for extracting lavender oil using alcohol, which will provide you with a strong and fragrant product. Whether you want to add a relaxing addition to your skincare routine or create a calming scent in your living space, this homemade lavender oil recipe will provide an easy way to infuse your life with the therapeutic benefits of lavender.
Let's dive into the process and transform fresh lavender into a versatile and luxurious oil.
Making Lavender Oil with Alcohol
Lavender oil is cherished for its calming and soothing properties. It can be used in aromatherapy, skincare, and even cleaning products.
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.
Here, we'll guide you through making lavender oil with mostly readily available tools.
Lavender oil can be made through several methods: You can infuse it into a carrier oil or use alcohol as an intermediary. We chose to use alcohol for a number of reasons: Using alcohol to release the fragrance helps avoid molding and it provides a longer shelf life. Also, alcohol helps keep the most of both the fragrance and the color.
Tools needed:
1 oz (28 grams) of sun-dried organic lavender flowers or buds
Mixer or food processor to cut open the buds to release aroma
0.5 oz (14 grams) of alcohol, or high-proof vodka
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep buds in alcohol for 24 hours
8 oz (226 grams) olive oil
Cloth strainer
1 (dark) glass bottle
Coffee filter to release alcohol from the final product
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. You can scale up or down the amounts in this recipe based on how many lavender buds you have.
Using a mixer or a food processor, crush the lavender flowers to release the oil and the aroma. Once it is well crushed, place it in the glass jar and add the alcohol. Mix it well and keep it in a dark place for 24 hours. It is important to shake the container several times during this time. In this way, you help in the release of the plant’s oils.
After 24 hours, put the contents back in the mixer, and add the olive oil. Mix it continuously for 5 minutes. Strain the mixture with the cloth, and squeeze the contents.
Finally, transfer the oil in your preferably dark oil bottle. Dark glass helps to protect the oil from light degradation, preserving its quality for longer periods. Place the coffee filter on the bottle to slowly evaporate some of the alcohol before you close the lid.
Store the lavender oil in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months to a year.
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