Well-loved for its aroma, lavender oil can also be used to soothe injured or itchy skin, aid sleep, or as a soothing massage oil. The lavender infused oil or balm below is a great choice for a home recipe, easy to make, and can be made with any amount of lavender you have, and the finished product is ready to use right away. You can choose to make lavender essential oil, but note that the process for making essential oils is difficult and produces only a small amount of concentrated oil that must be mixed with other oils before use.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Lavender Infused Oil
Step 1. Cut the stems of fresh lavender or buy dried lavender
Cut the lavender stems along with the flowers to 15 cm or more lengths. New leaves and stems and lavender flowers can be used to make lavender infused oil, although thick stems near the base of this plant should be avoided. You can use flower buds or flowers that smell very strong.
You may need to pick more lavender than you think. So if the oil you're making isn't strong enough for you, you don't have to wait for the other lavender to dry
Step 2. Let the lavender dry
If you're using fresh lavender, dry it first to amplify the aroma and reduce the chances of the oil you're making from going rancid. Tie a lavender stem with a rubber band or string and hang it upside down in a dry, warm area. Drying lavender in the sun will speed it up, but it can damage some of its aromatic oils. Fresh lavender may take up to two weeks to dry completely. Some makers of infused oils dry them for as little as three days, only until they are shriveled but not crispy; this will reduce the chance of the oil being damaged but not completely remove it.
Step 3. Mash the lavender slowly and place it in a container
Mash the lavender with clean hands, or press it down with a heavy object until the aroma comes out. If using flower buds, open them with a knife or finger first. Then place it in a clean container.
Wash your hands and the container you use first if they get dirty, and dry thoroughly before touching the lavender. The remaining water will interfere with the oil infusion process
Step 4. Pour water over the flowers
Pour the odorless or weak-smelling oil into the container, until it completely covers the lavender, but still leaves 1.25–2.5 cm (1.25–2.5 cm) of space to accommodate the added volume. Almond oil, olive oil, or safflower oil are widely used oils for lavender infusions, although you may want to smell them first and avoid strong-smelling bottles that might spoil the lavender scent.
Step 5. Soak the lavender if you have time and sunlight
Close the container tightly and allow the mixture to soak in a sunny location. Usually the time it takes for your oil to become sufficiently scented is 48 hours, and it is even stronger if the oil is left for three to six weeks. If you live in a place where there isn't enough sunlight or you don't have much time to do this step, then move on to the next step immediately.
Step 6. If you don't have time or sunlight, heat the oil slowly
A quicker way to use the sun's rays is to heat the oil and lavender in a double pan for 2 - 5 hours, keeping the temperature between 38–49ºC. This method is only recommended if you have a cooking thermometer, and the heat source is low, as overheating can ruin the lavender scent and the oil's shelf life.
Step 7. Strain the oil
Place a muslin or cheesecloth over a bowl and pour the lavender oil over it. Dispose of lavender flowers and stems in compost or in the garden.
Step 8. Repeat this process if you want to make a stronger oil
The same oil can be put back into the container containing the new lavender. As described above, leave the container in the sun, or heat it on low to make a stronger infusion. This method can be repeated up to eight times if you want to make a very strong oil.
Step 9. Add a few drops of vitamin E (optional)
Vitamin E can be added at the end of the infusion process to extend the life of the oil. Vitamin E is recommended if you do not have a cool dark place to store the oil, or if you are using an old oil with a short shelf life. Add a few drops of vitamin E, or open a vitamin E capsule and pour the contents into the oil and mix well.
Step 10. Store your homemade oil in a dark container or bottle
Press the muslin to get as much oil as possible. Transfer the oil from the bowl to a dark glass bottle or container to prevent the oil from being exposed to the sun and damaging the aroma of the oil. The shelf life of lavender oil depends on the type and freshness of the oil you use, but it can usually last several months if stored in a dry, dark place.
Method 2 of 2: Making Lavender Balsam or Ointment
Step 1. Follow the instructions to make the infused oil first
This method will then turn the lavender-infused oil into an ointment that you can apply to your skin to relieve inflammation and reduce pain. First of all, you will need to make lavender infused oil according to the steps in the previous section, or buy it from a herbal store.
Step 2. Scrape the beeswax using a knife or cheese grater
You may need to use an inexpensive, separate grater from the one you normally use, as beeswax can be difficult to clean completely. Measure the wax before you grate it into small pieces, you will need about 1 part wax for every 8 parts oil. Use more wax if you want a tougher balm and less wax if you want a softer ointment.
If your beeswax is sold by weight, you can use the following approximate weight-to-volume conversion: 1/8 cup of liquid = 28 grams
Step 3. Heat the beeswax and oil on low heat
Place the beeswax pieces in the pan. Pour lavender infused oil into it. Heat on low heat until it melts together. It usually takes about 15 minutes or so for all the wax to melt. Stir with a wooden spoon or other heat-resistant material, especially one that doesn't pose a problem if it's damaged by beeswax.
Step 4. Pour this mixture into a container
Pour the melted balsam into a metal container, making sure it is clean and dry first. Cover until airtight.
Step 5. Cool the wax mixture until it hardens
After 10 or 15 minutes in the refrigerator, check the hardness of the balsam or ointment you made. If it's still liquid or difficult to pick up with your fingers, you may need to re-melt it. Add more wax to harden or more oil to make it soft.
Step 6. Clean your pan and stirrer
Bring the soapy water to a boil in a saucepan after the balsam is completely poured. Remove and let cool for a few minutes, then remove any excess wax by brushing while the water is still hot enough (wear rubber gloves to protect your hands). Place the stirrer in the water after the water has finished boiling to avoid damaging it. Scrub utensils and pans with a rough sponge or cleaning brush.
Tips
- You can mix lavender along with other herbs such as witchhazel, peppermin, or orange or lemon zest.
- Making lavender essential oil that contains only the aromatic part of the plant and does not use the oil as a base, is usually done with steam.
- You may need to put a layer of paper between the container and the lid of the container before closing it to prevent the rubber or other materials from spoiling the aroma of the oil.
