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You can absolutely make lavender oil with leaves, and it’s a great way to use more of your plant beyond just the flower buds.
While lavender flowers are the most popular part for oil making, the leaves actually contain aromatic oils too, just in smaller amounts.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make lavender oil with leaves, you’re in the right place.
The process is simple, rewarding, and perfect for anyone who grows lavender at home or has a bunch of fresh leaves on hand.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make lavender oil with leaves, the best methods to use, and a few tips to get the most out of your batch.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Can Make Lavender Oil With Leaves
Making lavender oil with leaves works because the leaves contain the same aromatic compounds found in the flowers.
Here’s why this method is worth trying:
1. Lavender Leaves Contain Essential Oils
Lavender leaves have tiny glands that produce essential oils, just like the flowers do.
The concentration is lower, so the scent is milder, but it’s still there.
This means you can absolutely make lavender oil with leaves and get a lovely, gentle product.
2. It’s a Great Way to Use Prunings
When you prune your lavender plant, you usually end up with a pile of leaves and stems.
Instead of tossing them, you can turn them into lavender oil with leaves in just a few weeks.
It’s a smart way to waste less and get more from your garden.
3. The Scent Is Subtle but Pleasant
Lavender oil made from leaves has a softer, more herbal aroma compared to flower-based oil.
It’s less floral and a bit greener, which some people actually prefer.
If you enjoy a fresh, calming scent, making lavender oil with leaves will give you exactly that.
How to Make Lavender Oil With Leaves Using the Cold Infusion Method
The cold infusion method is the easiest and safest way to make lavender oil with leaves.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
1. Gather and Dry Your Lavender Leaves
Start by harvesting fresh lavender leaves from your plant.
Rinse them gently and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Then spread the leaves out in a single layer and let them air-dry for a day or two.
You want the leaves to be slightly wilted but not completely crispy.
2. Choose Your Carrier Oil
For making lavender oil with leaves, you’ll need a good carrier oil.
Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil all work beautifully.
Pick one that suits your skin type and doesn’t have a strong scent of its own.
3. Fill a Jar With Leaves and Oil
Pack your dried lavender leaves loosely into a clean glass jar.
Fill the jar about halfway with leaves, then pour your carrier oil over them.
Make sure the oil completely covers the leaves so nothing spoils.
4. Let It Sit and Infuse
Seal the jar and place it in a warm, sunny spot like a windowsill.
Shake the jar gently every day to help the oils blend.
Let it sit for about four to six weeks to make lavender oil with leaves properly.
5. Strain and Store
After the infusion period, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
Squeeze the leaves to get every last drop of your homemade lavender oil.
Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for up to a year.
How to Make Lavender Oil With Leaves Faster Using Heat
If you don’t want to wait weeks, you can make lavender oil with leaves using gentle heat.
This method speeds up the infusion process significantly.
1. Use a Double Boiler Setup
Place your leaves and carrier oil in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Keep the heat low so the oil never bubbles or smokes.
2. Simmer for Two to Three Hours
Let the mixture warm gently for a few hours, stirring occasionally.
This helps the leaves release their oils into the carrier oil faster.
3. Cool, Strain, and Bottle
Once done, let the oil cool completely before straining out the leaves.
Pour your finished lavender oil into a dark glass bottle for storage.
You’ve now made lavender oil with leaves in just one afternoon.
Tips for Making Lavender Oil With Leaves
A few smart tips will help you get the best results every time you make lavender oil with leaves.
1. Use English Lavender for the Best Scent
English lavender varieties like Hidcote and Munstead have the most fragrant leaves.
If you’re serious about making lavender oil with leaves, these are your best bet.
2. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
Fresh leaves contain water, which can cause mold in your oil.
Wilt them for a day or two before making lavender oil with leaves to avoid spoilage.
3. Mix Leaves and Flowers for a Balanced Oil
For a richer scent, combine leaves with a handful of dried lavender buds.
This gives you the best of both worlds when you make lavender oil with leaves.
4. Label and Date Your Bottles
Always write the date on your finished lavender oil bottles.
That way you’ll know when your homemade lavender oil with leaves is at its freshest.
So, Can You Make Lavender Oil With Leaves?
Yes, you can make lavender oil with leaves, and it’s a wonderfully simple project that uses more of your plant.
The leaves contain aromatic oils that infuse beautifully into a carrier oil, giving you a gentle, herbal-scented product.
Whether you choose the slow cold infusion or the quick heat method, making lavender oil with leaves is easy, frugal, and fun.
Grab some leaves from your garden, pick your favorite carrier oil, and get started today.