It's important to note that lavender oil is primarily made from the flowers of the lavender plant, not the leaves. While you might extract some aromatic compounds from the leaves, the yield and quality of the oil will be significantly lower compared to using the flowers. That said, here's how you can make a lavender-infused oil (more accurately a lavender-infused oil, not true essential oil) using lavender material (including leaves if you choose):
Infusing Lavender Oil (Using Flowers and/or Leaves)
This method involves infusing a carrier oil (like coconut oil) with the scent and properties of lavender.
Materials Needed:
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers (and/or leaves)
- Carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil) - Coconut oil is suggested in the reference, but others will work as well.
- Clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve
- Dark glass bottle (for storing the infused oil)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Lavender: If using fresh lavender, allow it to dry slightly for a day or two. This reduces the water content, which can prevent spoilage. Completely drying is also acceptable.
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Fill the Jar: Loosely fill the glass jar with lavender flowers (and/or leaves). Don't pack it too tightly.
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Add Carrier Oil: Pour the carrier oil over the lavender, ensuring that all the plant material is completely submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
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Infuse the Oil:
- Secure the lid tightly on the jar.
- Shake the jar well.
- Place the jar in a warm, sunny location (but avoid direct sunlight, which can degrade the oil) for 7-10 days. A window sill is a good option.
- Shake the jar gently every day or so. This helps to distribute the lavender's compounds into the oil.
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Strain the Oil: After the infusion period, strain the oil using cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the plant material. Gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract as much oil as possible.
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Store the Oil: Pour the strained lavender-infused oil into a dark glass bottle. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light, which can cause it to degrade. Store in a cool, dark place.
Important Considerations:
- Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight during the infusion process, as it can break down the oil.
- Moisture: Ensure that the lavender is relatively dry to prevent mold growth in the oil.
- Shelf Life: Properly stored lavender-infused oil can last for several months. Watch for any changes in smell or appearance, which could indicate spoilage.
- Concentration: The strength of the lavender scent will depend on the amount of lavender used and the length of the infusion.
- Purity: Be aware this is an infusion, not a true essential oil created through distillation. The concentration of lavender compounds will be much lower.
Using Lavender Leaves
While flowers are preferred, you can use leaves as part of the material. The scent profile will be different (more herbaceous), and the overall potency may be less, but you'll still extract some aroma.
