Bring the calming essence of the garden into your daily routine with lavender-infused oil. Unlike concentrated essential oils, this gentle infusion is made by slowly soaking lavender blossoms in a carrier oil to extract their natural softness and scent.
Whether you’re looking for a light body oil or a way to unwind after a long day, a homemade infusion is a beautiful place to start. All it takes are clean ingredients, the right proportions, and a little bit of time to let the magic happen.
Ingredients and Tools We Need (With Exact Amounts)
For one standard batch, we prepare:
Ingredients:
- Dried lavender flowers: 25 to 30 grams (about 1 loosely packed cup)
- Carrier oil (almond oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil): 250 ml
- Vitamin E oil (optional): 5 drops
Tools:
- 1 clean glass jar with lid (at least 300 ml capacity)
- 1 dry glass bottle for storage
- Clean cloth or fine filter cloth
- Measuring cup or kitchen scale
- Clean spoon or stick for mixing
It is important that all tools are completely dry to avoid affecting quality.
Step 1: Preparing the Lavender
1. We start by using dried lavender flowers. If fresh lavender is used, we must dry it first for about 7 to 14 days in a dry, well-ventilated space.
2. Once dried, we measure about 25 to 30 grams. We gently crush the flowers using clean hands. This helps release natural aroma oils and improves infusion strength.
3. We avoid turning it into powder. Light crushing is enough.
Step 2: Filling the Jar
1. We place the crushed lavender into a clean glass jar.
2. We make sure the jar is filled only about one-third with lavender. This space is important because it allows the oil to fully circulate between the flowers.
3. A good ratio is:
- 1 part lavender
- 3 to 4 parts oil
Step 3: Adding the Carrier Oil
1. We slowly pour 250 ml of carrier oil into the jar until all lavender is fully covered.
2. We gently stir with a clean spoon or stick to remove trapped air bubbles.
3. The lavender must be fully submerged. Any exposed plant material may affect freshness.
4. We leave about 1.5 cm space at the top of the jar before closing it.
Step 4: Infusion Process (Slow Natural Method)
1. We seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm, bright indoor area.
2. The infusion time is:
- Minimum: 48 hours
- Recommended: 3 to 6 weeks
3. We gently shake the jar once every 2 to 3 days to help the mixture blend evenly.
4. The longer it sits, the stronger the aroma becomes.
Step 5: Optional Gentle Warm Infusion Method
1. If we want faster results, we can use a low-heat infusion method.
2. We place the jar in a heat-safe bowl over warm water. The temperature should stay low and stable, around warm but never boiling.
3. We keep it like this for 2 to 5 hours, checking occasionally.
4. This method is faster, but the slow method usually gives a richer aroma.
Step 6: Filtering the Oil
1. After infusion is complete, we separate the oil from the lavender.
2. We place a clean cloth over a bowl and slowly pour the mixture through it.
3. We gently press the lavender to extract remaining oil, but we avoid squeezing too hard.
4. The leftover plant material can be discarded or composted.
Step 7: Improving and Preserving the Oil
1. At this stage, we can add 5 drops of vitamin E oil. This helps extend shelf life and keeps the oil stable.
2. We stir gently to mix evenly.
Step 8: Storing the Finished Oil
1. We pour the final oil into a dark glass bottle.
2. We store it in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
3. When stored properly, the oil can last several months while keeping its soft floral scent.
Final Thoughts for Lykkers
Lykkers, making lavender infused oil is a slow but rewarding process. With simple ingredients and careful steps, we create something natural, gentle, and useful for daily life.
We do not rush the process. Instead, we let time and nature do the work. The result is a calming homemade oil that fits easily into our everyday routine.
