The best way to Make Lavender Important Oil in Three Straightforward Steps

overview

• Working time:
  
  

  45 minutes – 1 hour
  

• Total time:
  
  

  1 minute – 1 hour, 30 minutes
  

• Yield:
  
  

  1.5-2 cups
  

• Skill level:
  
  

  Beginner
  

• Estimated costs:
  
  

  $ 10-20
  

Adding a little lavender essential oil to your hair and skin care routine is an easy way to harness the power of natural botanicals while avoiding harsh chemicals. And you can feel good about the environmental sustainability of the lavender essential oil as the plant doesn’t rely on large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides.

Some of the benefits of lavender essential oil include its antimicrobial properties. Diluting lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and massaging it into the hair can help prevent scalp problems like dandruff. Laboratory studies have also shown that lavender essential oil can stimulate hair growth. The oils found in lavender can also help reduce inflammation and irritation to the skin.

The light purple flower comes from a plant that belongs to the mint family. The most commonly grown species is Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, but there are many varieties that are grown around the world. It’s easy to make your own essential oil from this if you follow our basic recipe that only requires dried flowers and a carrier oil.

Which carrier oil should you use?

There are a number of carrier oils that you can use to make your lavender oil. The type of oil you choose will depend on what benefits you are looking for and what type of skin or hair you have. Cold-pressed oils with no additives or preservatives are best for beauty treatments.

Depending on the skin type and the comedogenic properties of the oil, different carrier oils have different effects on the skin. It may be necessary to try a few types of oil before finding one that is best for your skin and hair. Some oils can irritate the skin and scalp and should be avoided on sensitive skin.

Olive oil contains a wide variety of vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids. It tends to have a strong scent, so it may not be the best option if you really want to let the lavender scent shine through. However, if you intend to use the lavender oil in cooking instead of beauty treatments, olive oil is a wonderful option.

Unrefined coconut oil is not processed with any chemicals. It contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as useful fatty acids.

Sweet almond oil is light and a great option for skin treatments. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

Jojoba oil is rich in vitamins B, C, and E and can moisturize both hair and skin. It doesn’t clog pores and is easily absorbed.

It’s a good idea to look at the pros and cons of each carrier oil before purchasing. Most can be bought from a grocery or specialty grocery store.

What you will need

ingredients

• 1 cup of carrier oil (any type)

• 2 cups of dried lavender buds or dried flowers (organic is preferable)

instructions

1. Heat your carrier oil

   Use a measuring cup to add the desired carrier oil to the pot and place the pot on a burner.

   Heat the carrier oil on medium heat until it begins to bubble slightly. Be careful not to get moisture into the oil as the oil can splash.

2. Add the lavender

   Add the dried lavender to the pot of carrier oil and stir. Simmer without a lid for 30 minutes (you may need to reduce the heat to a low level).

   Cool the mixture to room temperature.

3. Stress

   Pour the cooled mixture over a medium-sized bowl into a nut bag or cheesecloth to sieve off the lavender flowers. You may need to strain twice if you want the oil to be less particulate.

   Store your oil in the pint glass in a cool, dark place.

Keep in mind

Always do a patch test to see if an oil is right for you before applying a large amount to your skin. You can do a patch test by applying a small amount of the oil to a discreet area such as the inside of your wrist. Cover the oil and leave it on for 24 hours before checking for irritation. If you experience redness or tenderness, avoid using this oil as a carrier for your products.