How To Make Lavender Oil From Leaves

You can make lavender oil from leaves, and while the flowers are the most popular part of the plant for oil-making, the leaves actually carry plenty of that signature calming aroma too.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make lavender oil from leaves because your plant has more foliage than blooms, you’re in the right place.
 
Making lavender oil from leaves is a fun, simple project that lets you capture that fresh, herbaceous scent without waiting for the flowering season.
 
The leaves contain essential oils, just in smaller amounts than the buds, so with a little patience you’ll end up with a lovely infused oil you can use for massage, bath blends, or homemade skincare.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender oil from leaves using two easy methods, plus some tips to get the best results.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Can Make Lavender Oil From Leaves

Lavender oil can be made from leaves because the plant’s essential oils aren’t only stored in the flowers—they’re present in the foliage too.
 
Here’s why leaves work for this project:
 

1. Leaves Contain Essential Oils

The tiny glands that produce lavender’s aromatic compounds are found on the leaves as well as the buds.
 
That’s why simply brushing against a lavender bush releases that instantly recognizable scent.
 
So when you make lavender oil from leaves, you’re extracting those same aromatic molecules, just in a gentler concentration.
 

2. Leaves Are Available Year-Round

Flowers only show up for a short window each year, but leaves are there all season long.
 
This makes leaves a practical choice if you want to make lavender oil from leaves any time you feel like it.
 
You don’t have to wait for your plant to bloom to enjoy the process.
 

3. It’s a Great Way to Use Prunings

When you trim your lavender plant to keep it healthy and bushy, you end up with handfuls of leaves.
 
Instead of tossing them, you can turn those clippings into homemade lavender oil from leaves.
 
It’s a smart way to waste less and get more out of your garden.
 

4. The Scent Is Fresh and Herbaceous

Oil made from leaves has a slightly greener, more herbal aroma than the floral version.
 
Some people actually prefer it for certain uses because it feels lighter and more refreshing.
 
So if you want a different take on classic lavender, making lavender oil from leaves is worth a try.
 

How to Make Lavender Oil From Leaves: Two Simple Methods

There are two main ways to make lavender oil from leaves at home, and both are beginner-friendly.
 
Let’s go through each one.
 

1. The Cold Infusion Method

This is the easiest way to make lavender oil from leaves, and it uses just two ingredients.
 
You’ll need fresh or dried lavender leaves and a carrier oil like olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or sunflower oil.
 
Start by gently crushing the leaves with your fingers or a mortar and pestle to help release their oils.
 
Fill a clean jar about halfway with the leaves, then pour the carrier oil over them until they’re fully covered.
 
Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot for two to four weeks, shaking it every day or two.
 
When the time is up, strain the oil through a fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
 
That’s it—you’ve just made lavender oil from leaves using the cold infusion method.
 

2. The Heat Infusion Method

If you don’t want to wait weeks, this quicker method will show you how to make lavender oil from leaves in just a few hours.
 
Combine your crushed leaves and carrier oil in a heat-safe bowl or double boiler.
 
Gently warm the mixture over low heat, keeping it between 100–120°F, for about two to three hours.
 
Never let it boil, as high heat can destroy the delicate aromatic compounds.
 
Strain the oil once it has cooled, then store it in a dark glass bottle.
 
The result is a fresh batch of lavender oil from leaves that’s ready to use right away.
 

Tips for the Best Lavender Oil From Leaves

To get the most out of your batch, keep these pointers in mind when you make lavender oil from leaves.
 

1. Choose the Right Leaves

Pick leaves that are healthy, vibrant, and free of pests or disease.
 
Morning is the best time to harvest, right after the dew dries, when the oils are most concentrated.
 

2. Dry Them Slightly for a Stronger Scent

Wilted leaves actually work better than bone-dry ones because some moisture helps the extraction process.
 
Let them sit for a few hours before starting your lavender oil from leaves project.
 

3. Use a High-Quality Carrier Oil

Since the carrier oil makes up most of your final product, choose one that’s fresh and unscented.
 
This keeps the focus on the lavender and gives you a smoother, longer-lasting oil.
 

4. Store It Properly

Keep your finished lavender oil from leaves in a cool, dark place in an amber or dark glass bottle.
 
It will stay fresh for about six months to a year if stored correctly.
 

So, Can You Make Lavender Oil From Leaves?

You can make lavender oil from leaves, and it’s a rewarding project that turns simple garden clippings into something useful and fragrant.
 
While the scent is a bit softer than oil made from flowers, the leaves still deliver plenty of that soothing lavender aroma.
 
Whether you choose the slow cold infusion or the faster heat method, making lavender oil from leaves is easy, affordable, and fun.
 
So grab some leaves from your plant and give it a try—your homemade lavender oil from leaves will be ready before you know it.