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You can make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves by infusing them in a carrier oil.
The process is simple, but it takes a little patience and the right technique to get a fragrant result.
If you’ve been wondering how to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, you’re in the right place.
Fresh leaves contain aromatic compounds that can be drawn out into a base oil through a gentle infusion.
While lavender flowers are the more common choice for oil making, the leaves are also fragrant and useful.
In this post, we will walk through how to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves step by step, and cover the best methods, tips, and ways to store your finished oil.
Let’s get started.
How to Make Lavender Oil from Fresh Lavender Leaves
Making lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves is a straightforward process that anyone can do at home.
The idea is to coax the natural oils out of the leaves and into a carrier oil that you can use for skincare, massage, or aromatherapy.
Here is what you need to know to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves successfully.
1. Choose the Right Carrier Oil
To make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves, you need a carrier oil that is mild and stable.
Good options include sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or fractionated coconut oil.
These oils are gentle on the skin and they absorb the scent of lavender leaves well.
Avoid heavy or strongly scented oils because they can overpower the delicate lavender aroma.
2. Harvest and Prepare the Leaves
Fresh lavender leaves should be harvested in the morning when the essential oil content is highest.
Pick healthy leaves and rinse them gently under cool water to remove dust and insects.
Pat the leaves dry with a clean towel and let them air dry completely.
Any water left on the leaves can cause mold when you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
You can chop the leaves roughly or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Chopping helps release more of the aromatic compounds when you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
3. Use the Cold Infusion Method
The cold infusion method is the best way to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves at home.
Fill a clean glass jar about halfway with your prepared lavender leaves.
Pour your chosen carrier oil over the leaves until they are completely covered.
Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
Seal the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix the leaves and oil.
Place the jar in a cool, dark spot for two to four weeks.
Shake the jar every day or two to help the oil absorb the lavender goodness.
This slow process is what makes lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves so fragrant and effective.
4. Strain the Oil
After two to four weeks, your lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves is ready to strain.
Place a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a clean bowl.
Pour the oil and leaf mixture through the strainer.
Squeeze the leaves gently to get every last drop of oil.
Discard the used leaves and pour the strained oil into a clean glass bottle.
Your homemade lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves is now ready to use.
Other Methods to Make Lavender Oil from Fresh Lavender Leaves
If you want to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves faster, there are a few other methods you can try.
Each method has its own pros and cons, so pick the one that fits your time and tools.
1. The Warm Infusion Method
The warm infusion method is a quicker way to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
Place your leaves and carrier oil in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water.
Keep the heat low and let the mixture warm for two to three hours.
Stir occasionally and make sure the oil never gets too hot.
High heat can damage the delicate compounds in lavender leaves.
After warming, strain the oil the same way you would with the cold infusion method.
This method lets you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves in just a few hours.
2. The Slow Cooker Method
A slow cooker on the lowest setting can also be used to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
Put the leaves and oil in the slow cooker and let it warm for four to six hours.
Check the temperature often to make sure it stays low.
Strain the oil once it has cooled down.
This is a hands-off way to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
3. The Blender Method
For a fast and simple option, you can use a blender to make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
Put the leaves and carrier oil in a blender and pulse a few times.
Don’t blend too long or the heat from the blades can damage the oil.
Pour the mixture into a jar and let it sit for a day or two.
Then strain the oil and bottle it.
This method is quick but the oil may not be as strong as with slower infusions.
Tips for Making Lavender Oil from Fresh Lavender Leaves
Here are a few tips to help you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves that smells amazing and lasts long.
1. Use Fresh, Healthy Leaves
The quality of your leaves matters when you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
Choose leaves that are vibrant, clean, and free of spots or damage.
Older or wilted leaves won’t give you the same strong fragrance.
2. Keep Everything Clean and Dry
Always use clean, dry jars and tools when you make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.
Any moisture can cause mold and spoil your oil.
Sterilize your jars with hot water and let them dry completely before use.
3. Store Your Oil Properly
Store your finished lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves in a dark glass bottle.
Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Properly stored, your oil can last for six months to a year.
If you want it to last longer, keep it in the refrigerator.
4. Test for Allergies
Before using your lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves on your skin, do a patch test.
Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
If you see redness or irritation, don’t use it.
This is especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
So, How Do You Make Lavender Oil from Fresh Lavender Leaves?
You can make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves by infusing them in a carrier oil using the cold, warm, slow cooker, or blender method.
The cold infusion takes the longest but gives the best fragrance.
The warm and blender methods are faster but may produce a lighter scent.
Whichever method you choose, the key is to use clean, dry leaves and a gentle, stable carrier oil.
With a little patience, you can make lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves that you’ll love using in your homemade skincare and aromatherapy products.
Have fun making your own lavender oil from fresh lavender leaves.