Lavender oil is a fragrant, calming essential oil known for its soothing properties, both for the body and mind. Whether you're looking to use it for skincare, massage, stress relief, or natural cleaning, making your own lavender oil at home is a rewarding and simple process. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make lavender oil using fresh or dried lavender.
Why Make Lavender Oil?
Lavender oil is prized for its:
Relaxing aroma — helps relieve stress, anxiety, and promotes better sleep
Skin benefits — known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities
Versatility — perfect for massage oils, bath soaks, homemade candles, and cleaning products
What You’ll Need
Fresh or dried lavender flowers (at least 1 cup)
A carrier oil (like olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil)
A clean glass jar with a lid (mason jar or similar)
A dark glass bottle for storage
Cheesecloth or fine strainer
A sunny windowsill (or a warm spot)
Optional: A mortar and pestle to crush the lavender buds slightly for better infusion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Harvest or Buy Lavender
If you're using fresh lavender, harvest it when the flowers are fully open for maximum fragrance. Make sure to use only the flower buds, as they hold most of the oil.
Allow fresh lavender to dry for a day or two to reduce moisture, which can cause mold.
Step 2: Prepare the Lavender
Lightly crush the dried lavender buds to release the natural oils. You can do this by hand or using a mortar and pestle.
Step 3: Combine with Carrier Oil
Fill your glass jar about halfway with lavender buds.
Pour the carrier oil over the lavender until fully submerged. Leave a small space at the top.
Seal the jar tightly.
Step 4: Infuse the Oil
Place the jar in a sunny window or warm spot.
Let it infuse for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every day to help release the oils.
Step 5: Strain the Oil
After the infusion period, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
Squeeze out every last drop of oil from the lavender buds.
Step 6: Store the Lavender Oil
Pour the finished oil into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light.
Label with the date and type of oil used. Store in a cool, dark place.
Shelf life: Properly stored, your homemade lavender oil can last up to 1 year.
Tips for Best Results
Use dried lavender if you want longer shelf life and less chance of mold.
Avoid water contamination, as moisture can spoil the oil quickly.
Try double infusion for a stronger scent — simply repeat the process with fresh lavender and the already-infused oil.
Bonus: What It’s Not
Note that this method produces lavender-infused oil, not pure lavender essential oil, which requires steam distillation. However, it’s still wonderfully fragrant and packed with beneficial properties for daily use.
