How to make a homemade lavender infused oil using the oil infusion method for use in aromatherapy, skin care, hair care, as a massage oil, to remove makeup, and more. Below is a step-by-step process of making lavender-infused oil, exploring its uses and benefits, too, along the way.

I’ve always wanted to be able to make my own homemade essential oils, but as I don’t have the proper distilling equipment necessary to separate the essential oil and floral hydrosol from the plant material using steam distillation, herbal infused oils are the next best thing.

Lavender infused oil is made by steeping dried lavender buds in a carrier oil such as extra virgin olive oil, rosehip oil, or jojoba oil for four to six weeks. Whole dry flower heads or just the petals can be used, but it is important that they’re completely dry before they are placed in the oil to steep. While fresh flowers can technically be used to create lavender oil, this increases the risk for bacterial growth or for the oil to go rancid due to the moisture content found in the fresh flowers.

While the flowers are steeping, the natural active resins within the lavender buds are extracted and drawn into the oil, making it a concentrated oil full of the herb’s healing properties. Herb infused oils are a more gentle version of the therapeutic properties found in essential oils, as they come in a more diluted form.

The finished lavender oil can either be used on its own, or used as an ingredient to create other products like natural salves, ointments, or creams. Depending on the type of oil you choose to infuse the lavender buds with, this will likely dictate the uses for your finished lavender oil. For example, some oils are inedible, while others may not be great for skin.

Uses for Lavender Infused Oil

Herbal infused oils are commonly used in natural skincare, aromatherapy, and in cooking and food preparations due to their unique therapeutic properties. Depending on the herbs chosen, these oils can offer a range of benefits like moisturising or soothing properties when incorporated into various products or applied on their own.

Some wonderful uses for lavender oil:

• Stress Relief: Lavender is well-known for its calming properties, making this herbal infused oil a wonderful choice for aromatherapy and promoting relaxation.
• Skin Care: Lavender oil is a natural antimicrobial and contains antioxidant properties, which may help to soothe and nourish the skin. It’s often used to treat acne, eczema, and minor burns such as a light sunburn, or to soothe bug bites and other minor skin irritations. Applying a few drops of lavender infused oil to the skin may help to moisturise, soothe minor inflammation, and promote a healthy complexion.
• Massage Oil: Lavender infused oil can also be used as a relaxing massage oil to help soothe sore muscles.
• Hair Care: Lavender oil may help to encourage hair growth and improve scalp health. Incorporating lavender into your hair care routine can help to promote soft, shiny, healthy hair. Massaging a few drops of lavender infused oil into the scalp and hair may help to nourish and strengthen hair strands.
• Aromatherapy: A few drops of lavender infused oil can be applied to the skin when feeling anxious or to a warm bath to promote relaxation. It also makes a wonderful addition to homemade products such as salves, lotions, balms, creams, body butters, soaps, and more.
• Pain Relief: When lavender oil is massaged onto sore muscles or joints, it may help in providing some relief from pain and inflammation.
• Sleeping Aid: Diffusing lavender essential oil or applying lavender infused oil to pulse points on the body before bed can help in promoting relaxation and improve the quality of sleep.
• May Soothe Allergy Symptoms: During allergy season, lavender may help to reduce minor symptoms of allergic inflammation and the enlargement of mucous cells thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Soothes Headaches: Lavender may also assist in soothing headaches related to stress and anxiety.

How to Dry Fresh Lavender for Use in Lavender Infused Oil

To harvest the blooms, cut the lavender flowers off the plant, tie them into a bunch and hang them upside-down to dry in a dark dry place for four weeks, or until completely dry. They take anywhere between two to four weeks to fully dry. The lavender flowers will feel brittle once they’re ready.

Using two rubber bands per dried lavender bunch, tie one band just beneath the flower heads and one at the base of stems, then hang the bundles upside-down to dry in a dark, warm spot. To retain the best colour, protect the drying lavender from sunlight, and place a sheet beneath the bundles to catch any buds or blooms that might fall.

Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade lavender infused oil, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Homemade Lavender Infused Oil

Over the course of several weeks, the carrier oil extracts the natural plant properties found in the lavender, including traces of lavender essential oil. Lavender infused oil, therefore, carries the medicinal benefits of lavender as well as its scent.

I love using this lavender infused herbal oil in my body butters, salves, ointments, creams, and lip balm recipes. This oil can also be applied alone as a massage oil to help soothe sore muscles and relieve muscle tension, or to soothe irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (4 oz) dried lavender flowers
• 2 cup (16 oz) extra virgin olive oil (or jojoba oil or sweet almond oil)
• Glass quart-sized mason jar
• Cheesecloth or a nut milk bag

To Make:

1. Start by crushing the dried lavender flowers gently with the back of a spoon or with a mortar and pestle. This will help to release the aromatic oils found in the lavender, and make for a better extraction.
2. Place the crushed lavender flowers in a glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil of your choice. Ensure that the flowers are completely submerged in the oil to prevent any mould or bacteria contaminating the oil.
3. Seal the jar tightly with the lid and place it in a cool, dark place to infuse. Allow the lavender flowers to steep in the oil for at least 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to help with the infusion.
4. Once the infusion time is complete, strain the lavender flowers from the oil using a cheesecloth, fine mesh strainer, or a nut milk bag. Squeeze the cloth with the plant material inside to extract as much of the infused oil as possible.
5. Transfer the strained lavender infused oil into dark glass bottles for storage. Amber or cobalt blue bottles are excellent choices as the dark glass helps protect the oil from light exposure, which can degrade the oil over time and cause it to lose its potency.
6. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry.
7. This lavender infused oil will have a mild aroma to it. It will not be as strong as a true essential oil. To give the oil extra fragrance, you can add a few drops of your favourite organic lavender essential oil if you choose.
8. Over time, oil can become rancid, developing a stale or unpleasant odour. If the infused oil smells unpleasant or has changed colour, it should be discarded and a fresh batch can be made. The shelf life of lavender infused oil is approximately one year.

Lavender-infused oil recipe

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Have you made infused oils before? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa