Harvesting Lavender Oils

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is revered for its medicinal properties and for its aromatic fragrance. It is used in many products ranging from candles to aromatherapy oil. Lavender's name comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash," which may be because it was used in baths to purify the spirit and the body, says the University of Maryland. The scent of lavender may provide calming effects, and its oil is being studied for antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can make your own lavender oil at home with the harvested flowers.

Two large glass mason jars with a air-tight lids
Fresh lavender flowers and stems
Extra virgin olive or almond oil
Fine mesh strainer
Dark glass bottle with stopper

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a mason jar with slightly crushed lavender flowers and stems until the jar is densely filled.
- 2
  Pour olive or almond oil into the jar until it is almost full. Put the lid on tightly and set the jar in a warm area for at least two days, shaking it about about five to seven times per day. This allows the oil to soak up the lavender extract.
- 3
  Strain the oil from the lavender jar through the mesh strainer into a second mason jar. Fill the first mason jar once again with freshly crushed lavender flowers and stems. Pour the oil back into this jar and place back in the warm area for another two days, then strain once again.
- 4
  Repeat this process until the lavender oil is as strong as you desire.
- 5
  Pour the finished lavender oil after the final straining into a dark glass bottle. Store it in a cool dim area out of direct light.

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