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Making lavender oil is easier than most people think, and you can do it right at home with just a few simple supplies.
Whether you grow your own lavender or buy dried buds, learning how to make lavender oil gives you a beautiful, calming product you can use for relaxation, skincare, and even natural cleaning.
There are actually a few different ways to make lavender oil, so you can pick the method that fits your time, budget, and patience level.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender oil step by step, which method works best for your needs, and a few tips to get the most out of your homemade batch.
Let’s get started.
How to Make Lavender Oil: The Two Main Methods
When you learn how to make lavender oil, you’ll quickly find that there are two main approaches, and both give you wonderful results depending on what you want.
The first method is the infusion method, which is the easiest way to make lavender oil at home.
The second is steam distillation, which is how to make lavender essential oil, a much more concentrated product.
Let’s break both down so you can choose the right one for you.
1. The Infusion Method (Lavender Oil)
If you want to know how to make lavender oil for massage, cooking, or skincare, the infusion method is your best bet.
You’ll need dried lavender buds and a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or sweet almond oil.
Fill a clean jar about halfway with dried lavender buds, then pour your carrier oil over them until they’re fully covered.
Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot for two to six weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
After the steeping period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
That’s it, you’ve just made lavender oil the simple, old-fashioned way.
2. Steam Distillation (Lavender Essential Oil)
If you’re wondering how to make lavender essential oil, this is the method that gets you that potent, aromatic oil.
Steam distillation requires a still, which passes steam through the lavender buds to pull out the volatile oils.
The steam and oil vapor then condense back into liquid, and the essential oil separates from the water.
This method is more involved and requires special equipment, so it’s not for everyone.
But if you’re serious about how to make lavender oil that’s highly concentrated, it’s worth exploring.
3. The Quick Method Using Heat
If you don’t want to wait weeks, there’s a faster way to make lavender oil using gentle heat.
Place your lavender buds and carrier oil in a double boiler over low heat for two to three hours.
Keep the temperature low so you don’t cook the oil or lose the delicate lavender scent.
Strain the oil once it’s cooled, and you’ll have a lovely infused lavender oil in just one afternoon.
This is a great option when you want to make lavender oil without the long wait.
Tips for Making the Best Lavender Oil
Now that you know how to make lavender oil, here are a few tips to make sure your batch turns out beautifully.
1. Use Dried Lavender, Not Fresh
Fresh lavender contains water, which can cause mold to grow in your oil.
Always use dried lavender buds when you make lavender oil to keep it safe and long-lasting.
2. Choose a Good Carrier Oil
The carrier oil you pick affects how your lavender oil feels and smells.
Sweet almond oil is light and great for skin, while olive oil is heavier but lasts longer.
Coconut oil works well too, especially if you plan to make lavender oil for topical use.
3. Store It Properly
Once you make lavender oil, keep it in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight.
Stored correctly, your homemade lavender oil can last up to a year or even longer.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Oil?
You make lavender oil by infusing dried lavender buds in a carrier oil, either through slow steeping or gentle heat.
If you want essential oil instead, steam distillation is the way to go.
Either way, learning how to make lavender oil at home is a rewarding little project that fills your space with a calming, floral scent.
Whether you use it for relaxation, skincare, or DIY projects, homemade lavender oil is a simple pleasure worth making.