How To Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

You can make lavender extract from dried lavender by steeping the dried buds in a solvent like alcohol, glycerin, or oil to pull out their fragrance and flavor.
 
It’s a simple kitchen project that takes just a few minutes of hands-on time, and the hardest part is waiting while the dried lavender infuses.
 
Whether you want to make lavender extract from dried lavender for baking, DIY skincare, or natural cleaning products, the process stays pretty much the same.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender extract from dried lavender, the best solvents to use, and how to store your finished extract so it lasts.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

Making lavender extract from dried lavender is one of the easiest ways to preserve that calming floral scent and flavor for months.
 
Here’s why so many people love doing it at home:
 

1. Dried Lavender Is Concentrated

Dried lavender buds hold a much higher concentration of essential oils than fresh ones because the moisture has been removed.
 
That means when you make lavender extract from dried lavender, you get a stronger, more consistent result every single time.
 
Fresh lavender can also introduce mold if there’s any lingering moisture, so dried lavender is simply the safer bet.
 

2. You Control the Ingredients

Store-bought lavender extract often contains additives, preservatives, or artificial flavorings you don’t need.
 
When you make lavender extract from dried lavender at home, you know exactly what’s inside.
 
Just dried buds and your chosen solvent, nothing else.
 

3. It’s Cheaper Than Buying Extract

A small bottle of culinary lavender extract can cost quite a bit at specialty stores.
 
But dried lavender in bulk is affordable, and one batch of homemade lavender extract from dried lavender goes a long way.
 
You’ll save money and end up with a more fragrant product.
 

How to Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

Learning how to make lavender extract from dried lavender comes down to three main steps: choosing a solvent, combining it with the buds, and letting time do the work.
 
Here’s how to do each part right.
 

1. Pick Your Solvent

The solvent you choose determines what your lavender extract from dried lavender can be used for.
 
Alcohol like vodka or everclear works best for culinary extract because it extracts flavor quickly and preserves well.
 
Glycerin makes a sweet, alcohol-free version that’s great for skincare, though it extracts more slowly.
 
And carrier oils like jojoba or sweet almond oil are perfect when you want a lavender oil infusion for massage or bath products.
 

2. Combine Dried Lavender and Solvent

Use about one part dried lavender buds to five parts solvent by volume.
 
So for a small batch, that’s roughly a quarter cup of dried lavender to one and a quarter cups of vodka.
 
Place the dried lavender in a clean glass jar, pour the solvent over it, and seal the lid tightly.
 
Give the jar a gentle shake to make sure all the buds are fully submerged.
 

3. Let It Infuse

Store the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry cupboard away from direct sunlight.
 
Shake it once a day for the first week to help the dried lavender release its oils.
 
For alcohol-based extract, two to four weeks is usually enough.
 
Glycerin and oil infusions take longer, often four to six weeks, so patience is key when you make lavender extract from dried lavender with these solvents.
 

4. Strain and Bottle

Once the infusion smells strongly of lavender, strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
 
Squeeze the buds gently to get every last drop of your lavender extract from dried lavender.
 
Pour the finished extract into a dark glass bottle with a dropper or tight cap.
 
Label it with the date so you know when it was made.
 

Tips for the Best Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender

A few small details make a big difference in how your lavender extract from dried lavender turns out.
 
Use culinary-grade dried lavender if you plan to bake with it, since ornamental varieties may be treated with chemicals.
 
Taste or smell your extract as it infuses, and strain it once the flavor feels strong enough for your liking.
 
Keep in mind that a longer steep means a bolder extract, so you can always let it sit another week.
 
Store your finished lavender extract from dried lavender in a cool, dark spot, where it will keep for up to a year.
 

So, How Do You Make Lavender Extract From Dried Lavender?

You make lavender extract from dried lavender by steeping the buds in alcohol, glycerin, or oil for several weeks, then straining and bottling the liquid.
 
It’s a simple process that rewards you with a fragrant, versatile extract you can use in baking, skincare, and home remedies.
 
Just pick your solvent, give it time to infuse, and store it properly once it’s done.
 
Once you’ve made lavender extract from dried lavender at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.