How to Make Oil From Fresh Lavender

Soothing, fragrant lavender oil boasts moisturizing properties, acts as a natural, mild antibacterial and has even demonstrated effectiveness as a sleep aid in studies performed at University of Southampton and Wesleyan University, notes "Prevention" magazine. Blended with flowers fresh from your own garden, homemade lavender oil smells delicious as a bath oil, hair treatment or dabbed onto pulse points and makes a delightful gift for any occasion--just be sure to keep a batch for yourself.

2 cups fresh lavender flowers and buds
1 1/2 cups high-quality olive oil
7 capsules Vitamin E
Paper towels
Heatproof glass or ceramic pot
Heatproof glass or ceramic bowl
Fine mesh strainer
Jar with about 3 1/2-cup capacity
Decorative glass jars
Stock pot

Instructions

- 1
  Head to the garden and pick enough fresh lavender for about 2 cups of flowers and buds. Remove the floral heads from the lavender by firmly running the stems between your index finger and thunb.
- 2
  Lay fresh-picked lavender flowers and buds onto the paper towels and let them rest in a bright, sunny spot for a few hours. Allowing the fresh plants to air-dry a bit prevents them from going rancid inside the oil.
- 3
  Heat the olive oil in a pot made of a nonreactive material such as heatproof glass or ceramic.
- 4
  
  Use a high-quality olive oil to ensure that the oil's odor doesn't overpower the lavender.
  
  While the olive oil is warming up, transfer the lavender to a nonreactive container or bowl, preferably one made of heatproof glass or ceramic.
- 5
  Pierce the vitamin E capsules with a needle and drizzle the liquid contents over the lavender.
- 6
  Gently pour the heated oil over the lavender. The olive oil is ready to join the lavender once it begins to bubble at the edges of the pot.
- 7
  Allow the oil to cool down to room temperature before pouring the blend into the jar. Seal the lid tightly.
- 8
  Tuck the jar away safely somewhere warm but protected from direct sunlight, which could spoil the fresh flowers. For optimum scent infusion, you'll have to patiently wait at least two weeks--a full month would be even better. Shake the jar daily while the oil seasons.
- 9
  Sterilize your decorative jars to remove any residue or contaminants that could corrupt the scent of your homemade lavender oil. Wash the jars and their lids thoroughly with soap and water, then place them upright in a large stock pot. Place the lids in the pot as well. Fill the pot with water until the jars are submerged, then bring to a boil for at least 10 minutes.
- 10
  Strain the infusion through the fine mesh cloth to separate the oil from the solid flowers and buds.
- 11
  Transfer the oil to your decorative jars, seal tightly and store in the refrigerator between uses.

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