Lavender has got to be my all-time favorite herbal scent. I purposely brush my legs against the plants when I walk along my garden so I can catch a whiff of their glorious fragrance. With a little work, I can preserve and enjoy the smell and its healing properties long after the blooms have died off.
Although not as strong as a distilled essential oil, a lavender oil infusion produces the same fragrance and can serve the same purpose without the need for dilution. Here's how I made mine:
You'll need:
Directions:
1. Place the lavender heads in the Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Green leaves and stems can be added too, but keep anything woodsy or branch-like out.
Although not as strong as a distilled essential oil, a lavender oil infusion produces the same fragrance and can serve the same purpose without the need for dilution. Here's how I made mine:
You'll need:
- a pale colored oil with a mild scent (olive, almond, or jojoba work well)
- fresh lavender blooms, not completely opened
- a plastic (Ziploc) bag and wooden spoon or mallet (or a mortar and pestle)
- a glass jar with lid
- a piece of cheesecloth or muslin, large enough to cover the mouth of your jar
- a smaller jar in which to pour the strained oil
Directions:
2. Tap the flowers lightly with the wooden mallet or spoon to bruise them so they can release their fragrance.
3. Stuff the large glass jar full and pour in enough oil until they are covered.
4. Seal the jar and shake well. Set aside for 48 hours for the flowers to steep.
5. After 48 hours, strain the oil with a cheesecloth into a dark colored jar and discard the flowers and stems. Store in a cool, dark place.
You'll find the aroma to be quite subtle, but it will become more pronounced when it's warmed or rubbed into your skin. Stay tuned for a luxurious, all-natural hand cream recipe that uses the oil we've just created.
You'll find the aroma to be quite subtle, but it will become more pronounced when it's warmed or rubbed into your skin. Stay tuned for a luxurious, all-natural hand cream recipe that uses the oil we've just created.
Hi Jacinda,
ReplyDeleteMy mom has a bunch of lavender in her garden so I was intrigued by this recipe - but I have no idea what one would use it for?
Stephanie
Thank you for this tutorial. I usually don't bruise the lavender when I do it so I will try that next time.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried setting it in strong sunlight in a crockpot turned to the low setting? Heat will draw out more properties in the lavender. I always do this! (You may want to put a towel or a jar ring under the jar in the crockpot so it isn't in direct contact with the heat). I also let it sit for up to a week when I am using heat because the heat keeps it from getting moldy or mildewy!
Jill Farris
www.generationalwomanhood.wordpress.com
www.jillcampbellfarris.com
I love making Lavender Oil. I use grapeseed oil with mine and it works so well! My baby food jars come in handy with my homemade oils! Great post! I also put mine in the window to get sunlight, and it works and smells great as well!
ReplyDeleteMandy @ http://faithfullyliving-homemaking.blogspot.com
Oh thank you so much for posting how to do this!! I am just starting to make my own oil infusions. I adore lavender...
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post! Can't wait for the hand cream recipe! Thanks for sharing on Wildcrafting Wednesday! :)
ReplyDeleteKathy @ Mind Body and Sole
Thanks so much for sharing this! It's just what I was looking for!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for such simple instructions. I didn't get around to growing lavendar this year, but I'm going to pick up a plant at the herb store in town. Can't wait to try this. My gorwn son has eczema really bad, so he will be thrilled. And I love that you are a christian. God bless.
ReplyDelete