How To Make Lavender Oil With Leaves

You can make lavender oil with leaves, and it’s a lovely way to use more of your plant instead of just the flower buds.
 
While lavender flowers are the most common part used for oil, the leaves actually contain aromatic compounds too.
 
The scent from the leaves is a bit greener, more herbal, and less sweet than the floral version, but it’s still very usable.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make lavender oil with leaves, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through a few simple methods for making lavender oil with leaves, plus tips to get the best results.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Can Make Lavender Oil With Leaves

Yes, you can absolutely make lavender oil with leaves because the leaves contain essential oils too.
 
They’re just in lower concentrations than the flower buds, so the final product is milder.
 
Here’s what makes it work:
 

1. Lavender Leaves Contain Aromatic Compounds

Lavender leaves hold compounds like linalool and camphor, which give the plant its scent.
 
These compounds are present in the flowers at higher levels, but the leaves still carry enough to infuse oil.
 
That’s why making lavender oil with leaves is totally possible, especially for home use.
 

2. Infusion Extracts the Oil Slowly

When you make lavender oil with leaves, you’re basically infusing a carrier oil with the plant’s natural oils.
 
This isn’t the same as steam distillation, which produces pure essential oil.
 
Instead, it’s a gentle method that pulls out the scent and some of the plant’s beneficial properties.
 

3. It’s a Great Way to Use Pruned Leaves

If you trim your lavender plant, you end up with lots of leaves.
 
Rather than tossing them, you can make lavender oil with leaves and get extra value from your plant.
 
It’s a simple, frugal way to enjoy your lavender harvest.
 

How to Make Lavender Oil With Leaves Using the Infusion Method

The most beginner-friendly way to make lavender oil with leaves is the cold infusion method.
 
It takes time, but it’s hard to mess up.
 
Here’s how to do it:
 

1. Harvest and Dry the Leaves

Pick healthy lavender leaves in the morning after the dew has dried.
 
Rinse them gently and pat them dry.
 
Then let them air-dry for a day or two so there’s no moisture left.
 
Moisture can cause mold in your oil, so don’t skip this step.
 

2. Choose a Carrier Oil

Use a light, unscented carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, or sunflower oil.
 
Olive oil works too, but its scent can overpower the lavender.
 
Pour enough oil into a clean jar to cover the leaves completely.
 

3. Combine Leaves and Oil

Fill your jar about halfway with dried lavender leaves.
 
Pour the carrier oil over them until the leaves are fully submerged.
 
Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake.
 

4. Let It Infuse

Place the jar in a warm, dark spot for 4 to 6 weeks.
 
Shake it every few days to help the oils mix.
 
The longer it sits, the stronger the scent will be.
 

5. Strain and Store

After infusing, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
 
Squeeze the leaves to get every last drop.
 
Store your lavender oil with leaves in a cool, dark place, and it’ll last for months.
 

How to Make Lavender Oil With Leaves Faster

If you don’t want to wait weeks, you can make lavender oil with leaves using heat.
 
This speeds up the infusion process significantly.
 
Here’s a quick method:
 

1. Use a Double Boiler

Place your leaves and carrier oil in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
 
Keep the heat low so the oil doesn’t cook.
 
Let it warm gently for 2 to 3 hours.
 

2. Keep the Temperature Low

You want the oil warm, not hot.
 
If it’s too hot, you’ll lose the delicate scent of the lavender leaves.
 
A thermometer helps, but your nose works too.
 

3. Strain and Bottle It

Once the oil smells strongly of lavender, strain it through cheesecloth.
 
Pour it into a dark glass bottle and label it.
 
This faster method still gives you a nice lavender oil with leaves in just one afternoon.
 

Tips for Making Lavender Oil With Leaves

A few small tweaks make a big difference when you make lavender oil with leaves.
 
Here’s what to keep in mind:
 

1. Use More Leaves for a Stronger Scent

Since leaves have less oil than flowers, use a generous amount.
 
Packing the jar loosely with leaves gives you a better chance of a fragrant result.
 

2. Mix Leaves With a Few Flowers

If you want a more balanced scent, add a small handful of dried lavender flowers.
 
You’ll still be making lavender oil with leaves, just with a floral boost.
 

3. Label and Date Your Bottles

Infused oils can go rancid over time.
 
Write the date on your bottle so you know when to use it up.
 

4. Store Away From Sunlight

Light breaks down the oils and fades the scent.
 
Keep your lavender oil with leaves in a cupboard or dark shelf.
 

So, How to Make Lavender Oil With Leaves?

You can make lavender oil with leaves by infusing dried leaves in a carrier oil, either slowly over weeks or quickly with gentle heat.
 
It won’t smell exactly like flower-based lavender oil, but it’s a lovely herbal version you can make at home.
 
Use it for massage, bath oils, or DIY skincare, and enjoy the fresh green scent of your lavender plant.
 
Now you know how to make lavender oil with leaves, so give it a try with your next harvest.