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You can make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves by infusing them in a carrier oil, and it’s a simple process that anyone can do at home.
Fresh lavender leaves contain aromatic compounds that can be extracted into oil, giving you a lovely lavender-infused oil for relaxation, skincare, and homemade products.
If you’ve been wondering how to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll walk through the steps to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, the best methods to use, and tips to get the most out of your infusion.
Let’s get started.
How to Make Lavender Oil From Fresh Lavender Leaves
Making lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves is all about extracting those wonderful oils into a carrier oil you can use.
The process is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy equipment.
Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it.
1. Gather Your Fresh Lavender Leaves
Start by harvesting fresh lavender leaves from your plant.
You can pick them any time during the growing season when the plant is healthy.
The best time to harvest lavender leaves for oil is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot.
This is when the essential oils in the leaves are at their peak.
You’ll want about two to three cups of fresh lavender leaves for every cup of carrier oil you plan to use.
Rinse the leaves gently with water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Make sure they’re completely dry before you start.
2. Choose Your Carrier Oil
The carrier oil you choose matters because it’s what will hold the lavender goodness.
Good options for making lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves include olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and sunflower oil.
Olive oil is a popular choice because it’s easy to find and has a long shelf life.
If you want a lighter scent, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil works beautifully.
Just pick one that suits your needs and that you enjoy using on your skin.
3. Gently Crush the Leaves
To help release the oils from the fresh lavender leaves, gently crush or bruise them.
You can do this with a mortar and pestle or simply tear the leaves with your hands.
This step isn’t absolutely necessary, but it does help the infusion process along.
The more you break down the leaves, the more surface area you create for the oil to pull out those aromatic compounds.
4. Combine Leaves and Oil
Place your crushed lavender leaves into a clean glass jar.
Pour your chosen carrier oil over the leaves until they’re completely covered.
You want the oil to sit about an inch above the leaves so nothing dries out.
Stir gently with a clean spoon to make sure all the leaves are coated and there are no air bubbles trapped inside.
5. Let It Infuse
Now comes the waiting part.
Seal your jar with a tight-fitting lid and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
A windowsill works great for this.
Let the lavender leaves and oil infuse for about four to six weeks.
Shake the jar gently every day or two to help the process along.
The longer you let it sit, the stronger the lavender scent will be in your finished oil.
6. Strain and Store
Once your oil has infused long enough, it’s time to strain out the leaves.
Line a fine mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a clean bowl.
Pour the oil and leaves through the strainer.
Squeeze the cheesecloth to get every last drop of oil.
Transfer your finished lavender oil into a clean glass bottle or jar with a tight lid.
Store it in a cool, dark place, and it should keep for six months to a year.
Tips for Making Lavender Oil From Fresh Lavender Leaves
Getting the best results when you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves comes down to a few simple tips.
First, always use dry leaves.
Any water left on the leaves can cause mold to grow in your oil.
Second, use a high-quality carrier oil.
Since the oil is the base of your final product, you want something that smells and feels good.
Third, be patient.
Infusing takes time, and rushing it won’t give you the same rich lavender aroma.
If you want a stronger oil, you can repeat the process by adding fresh leaves to the already-infused oil and letting it sit again for another few weeks.
This double-infusion method creates a more potent lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
1. Use Fresh Leaves Within a Day or Two
Fresh lavender leaves start losing their aromatic oils shortly after picking.
For the best results when making lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, use them within a day or two of harvesting.
If you can’t use them right away, you can store them in a sealed bag in the fridge for a short time.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight During Storage
While you want a warm spot for infusing, you should store your finished lavender oil away from direct sunlight.
UV rays can break down the oil and cause it to go rancid faster.
A dark cabinet or pantry shelf is perfect for storing your homemade lavender oil.
Ways to Use Lavender Oil From Fresh Lavender Leaves
Once you’ve made lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, you’ll find plenty of ways to use it.
You can add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing soak.
Use it as a massage oil to help you unwind after a long day.
Mix it into homemade lotions, salves, or lip balms for a natural lavender scent.
You can also use it in DIY cleaning products or as a natural room freshener.
Just remember that this is an infused oil, not a true essential oil, so it’s gentler and ready to use directly on your skin.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Oil From Fresh Lavender Leaves?
You make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves by infusing them in a carrier oil over several weeks.
It’s a slow process, but it’s rewarding and gives you a beautiful, fragrant oil you can use in so many ways.
Gather fresh leaves, pick a good carrier oil, combine them, and let time do the work.
Before you know it, you’ll have your own homemade lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves that you can enjoy for months.
Give it a try and see how easy it is to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves yourself.