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You can get oil out of a lavender plant through steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction.
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils in the world, and it’s used for everything from aromatherapy to skincare.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get oil out of a lavender plant, the answer depends on whether you’re working with fresh flowers, dried buds, or a large-scale operation.
The good news is that the process is surprisingly straightforward once you understand the basics.
In this post, we’ll walk through the most effective ways to get oil out of a lavender plant, the tools you’ll need, and some tips to make it easier.
Let’s dive in.
How to Get Oil Out of a Lavender Plant: The Main Methods
Getting oil out of a lavender plant comes down to breaking down the plant material so the essential oils trapped inside can be released.
There are a few different ways to get oil out of a lavender plant, and the method you choose depends on how much you’re working with and what equipment you have on hand.
1. Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is the most common way to get oil out of a lavender plant on a commercial scale.
The process involves passing steam through the plant material, which vaporizes the essential oils.
The steam and oil vapor are then cooled back into liquid form, and because oil and water don’t mix, the lavender oil floats to the top and can be separated.
This is how most store-bought lavender essential oil is made, and it’s also something you can do at home with a distillation kit.
2. Cold Pressing
Cold pressing is another way to get oil out of a lavender plant, though it’s more commonly used for citrus peels.
With lavender, cold pressing involves crushing the plant material to release the oils mechanically.
It’s a gentler method, but it doesn’t extract as much oil as steam distillation, so it’s less efficient for larger batches.
If you’re working with a small amount of lavender, though, cold pressing can still get you some oil.
3. Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction is a method used to get oil out of a lavender plant when you want a more concentrated product, often called a concrete or absolute.
The plant material is soaked in a solvent like hexane, which dissolves the oils.
The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the lavender oil.
This method is effective, but it requires careful handling since the solvents involved can be hazardous.
4. Infusion or Maceration
Infusion, also called maceration, is a simple way to get oil out of a lavender plant at home without fancy equipment.
You soak lavender flowers in a carrier oil like olive or jojoba oil for several weeks.
The carrier oil absorbs the lavender’s scent and some of its therapeutic properties.
This doesn’t give you pure essential oil, but it’s a great way to get oil out of a lavender plant if you want something for massage or skincare.
Tools and Preparation for Extracting Lavender Oil
Before you start trying to get oil out of a lavender plant, it helps to gather the right tools and prepare your plant material properly.
1. Harvest at the Right Time
The best time to harvest lavender for oil extraction is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in.
This is when the oil content in the flowers is at its peak.
Cut the stems when about half the buds have opened, as this is when the lavender plant has the most oil to give.
2. Dry the Flowers
If you’re not using fresh lavender, you’ll want to dry the flowers first.
Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for about two weeks.
Dried lavender is easier to work with and can still yield plenty of oil when you’re trying to get oil out of a lavender plant.
3. Choose Your Equipment
For steam distillation, you’ll need a still.
For infusion, all you need is a clean jar and a carrier oil.
For cold pressing, a simple press or even a mortar and pestle can work for small batches.
The equipment you choose determines how much oil you’ll be able to get out of a lavender plant.
Tips for Getting More Oil Out of a Lavender Plant
If you want to maximize the amount of oil you get out of a lavender plant, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Use the Right Lavender Variety
Not all lavender plants produce the same amount of oil.
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as true lavender, is prized for its high-quality oil.
Lavandula x intermedia, or lavandin, produces more oil but of slightly lower quality.
Choosing the right variety can make a big difference in how much oil you get out of a lavender plant.
2. Don’t Skip the Cooling Step
When using steam distillation to get oil out of a lavender plant, the cooling step is critical.
If the steam isn’t cooled properly, the oil vapor won’t condense back into liquid, and you’ll lose a lot of oil.
Make sure your condenser is working efficiently.
3. Be Patient with Infusions
If you’re using infusion to get oil out of a lavender plant, give it time.
Four to six weeks is ideal for the carrier oil to fully absorb the lavender’s compounds.
Shake the jar every few days to help the process along.
So, How Do You Get Oil Out of a Lavender Plant?
You can get oil out of a lavender plant through steam distillation, cold pressing, solvent extraction, or infusion.
Each method has its own pros and cons, and the best one for you depends on your goals and resources.
Steam distillation is the gold standard for pure essential oil, while infusion is the easiest way to get oil out of a lavender plant at home.
With the right timing, tools, and a little patience, you’ll be able to get oil out of a lavender plant and enjoy its calming, fragrant benefits for months to come.