How Do You Make Lavender Oil At Home

You can make lavender oil at home using two main methods: a quick carrier oil infusion or a more involved steam distillation process.
 
If you’ve been wondering how do you make lavender oil at home, the answer depends on what you plan to do with it.
 
For massage oils, bath blends, and skincare, the carrier oil infusion is simple and safe.
 
For pure essential oil, you’ll need steam distillation equipment and a bit more patience.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through both ways to make lavender oil at home, plus tips on harvesting and storing your finished oil.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How Do You Make Lavender Oil at Home Using the Carrier Oil Method

The easiest way to make lavender oil at home is by infusing dried lavender buds into a carrier oil.
 
This method doesn’t produce a true essential oil, but it creates a beautifully scented oil that’s perfect for everyday use.
 
Here’s how to do it step by step.
 

1. Harvest and Dry Your Lavender

Start by cutting lavender stems in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
 
This is when the essential oils in the buds are most concentrated.
 
Bundle the stems and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry place for about two weeks.
 
Once the buds are completely dry, strip them from the stems.
 
You’ll need about one cup of dried buds for every cup of carrier oil you plan to use.
 

2. Choose Your Carrier Oil

When you make lavender oil at home, the carrier oil you pick matters.
 
Jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut, and olive oil all work well.
 
Jojoba and fractionated coconut oil are great because they have a long shelf life and don’t go rancid quickly.
 
Olive oil is easy to find but has a stronger scent that can compete with the lavender.
 

3. Combine and Infuse

Place your dried lavender buds in a clean glass jar and pour the carrier oil over them.
 
Make sure the oil covers the buds completely to prevent mold.
 
Seal the jar and give it a good shake.
 
Now set it in a warm, sunny spot like a windowsill for three to six weeks.
 
Shake the jar every day or two to help the oils blend.
 

4. Strain and Store

After the infusion period, your lavender oil at home is almost ready.
 
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a clean bottle.
 
Squeeze the cheesecloth to get every last drop of oil.
 
Store your finished oil in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight.
 
It will keep for about six months to a year.
 

How Do You Make Lavender Oil at Home Using Steam Distillation

If you want true lavender essential oil, you’ll need to use steam distillation.
 
This is how do you make lavender oil at home on a larger scale and get that concentrated, potent oil.
 
You’ll need a still or a DIY setup with a pot, a steamer basket, and a condenser coil.
 

1. Set Up Your Distillation Equipment

Fill the bottom of your still with water and place the dried lavender buds in the steamer basket above it.
 
As the water heats, steam rises through the buds, pulling the essential oils out with it.
 
The steam then travels through a condenser where it cools back into liquid.
 

2. Collect the Hydrosol and Oil

The liquid you collect is a mix of hydrosol and essential oil.
 
The oil floats on top and the hydrosol, also called lavender water, sits below.
 
Use a separator funnel to separate the two.
 
The oil you’re left with is pure lavender essential oil, and the hydrosol is a lovely bonus you can use in sprays and toners.
 

3. Store Your Essential Oil

Pour the essential oil into a small dark glass bottle with a dropper cap.
 
Keep it in a cool, dark place and it will last for years.
 
Just a few drops go a long way, so this small batch will serve you well.
 

Tips for Making Lavender Oil at Home

Making lavender oil at home is rewarding, but a few tips can make the process smoother.
 
Always use dried lavender, not fresh, because fresh buds contain water that can cause mold in your oil.
 
If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the carrier oil infusion by using a double boiler on low heat for two to three hours.
 
Just keep the heat low so you don’t cook the oil.
 
Label your bottles with the date so you know when to replace them.
 
And don’t forget to test your oil on a small patch of skin before using it widely, especially if you’re making it for skincare.
 

So, How Do You Make Lavender Oil at Home?

You can make lavender oil at home by infusing dried lavender buds in a carrier oil or by steam distilling them for pure essential oil.
 
The carrier oil method is simple and perfect for beginners who want a scented oil for massage or bath use.
 
Steam distillation takes more effort but gives you a concentrated essential oil that lasts for years.
 
Either way, making lavender oil at home is a satisfying way to use your lavender harvest and enjoy its calming scent all year long.
 
Give it a try and see which method works best for you.