Can You Make Lavender Oil From French Lavender

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ah, the intoxicating scent of lavender! If you’ve ever walked through a field of these beautiful purple blooms, you know the calming, soothing magic they possess. Perhaps you’ve even grown your own vibrant French lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and wondered, “can you make lavender oil from French lavender right here at home?” The answer, my friend, is a resounding yes!

You’re not alone in wanting to capture that fragrant essence. Many gardeners dream of transforming their beautiful harvest into something tangible and useful, whether for aromatherapy, skincare, or simply to infuse their home with a touch of tranquility. This article is your comprehensive guide to doing just that.

We’ll explore why French lavender is particularly suited for oil making, delve into different methods you can use, provide step-by-step instructions for creating your own aromatic infusions, and share expert tips for harvesting and storing your precious homemade oil. Get ready to unlock the secrets to bottling your garden’s serene beauty!

Why French Lavender is Perfect for Homemade Oil

When it comes to making your own aromatic oils, not all lavender varieties are created equal. French lavender, often referred to as English lavender (despite its French moniker), is truly a star. It’s botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia, and it’s cherished for its sweet, floral, and less camphoraceous scent compared to its bolder cousins like lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia).

This variety is prized for its high concentration of beneficial compounds, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which contribute to its renowned calming and therapeutic properties. These are the very compounds that make it ideal for creating soothing oils.

The Aromatic Power of Lavandula angustifolia

The delicate, yet potent, fragrance of Lavandula angustifolia is what makes it a top choice for essential oil production and home infusions. Its aroma is widely recognized for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and even aiding in sleep.

When you choose French lavender from your garden, you’re selecting a plant known globally for its superior aromatic qualities. This ensures that your homemade oil will carry that authentic, beloved lavender scent.

Plus, Lavandula angustifolia tends to have a more balanced chemical profile, making it gentler for topical applications when properly diluted in a carrier oil.

Can You Make Lavender Oil From French Lavender? Absolutely!

Yes, you absolutely can you make lavender oil from French lavender! In fact, it’s one of the best varieties to use for homemade preparations. The key is understanding that “lavender oil” can refer to a couple of different products: an infused oil or a true essential oil.

For the home gardener, creating an infused oil is incredibly accessible and rewarding. This involves steeping lavender flowers in a carrier oil (like olive, almond, or jojoba) to transfer the plant’s aromatic compounds and beneficial properties into the oil.

Making true essential oil via steam distillation is a more complex process, requiring specialized equipment. However, the infused oil offers many of the same delightful benefits for personal use, without the need for a large initial investment.

Choosing Your Method: Infusion vs. Distillation

Before you dive in, it’s helpful to understand the two primary ways to extract the goodness from your lavender. Both have their merits, but one is far more suited for the home gardener.

Oil Infusion: The Beginner-Friendly Path

Oil infusion is the method we’ll focus on for most home gardeners. It’s straightforward, uses common kitchen items, and results in a wonderfully fragrant oil perfect for massage, skincare, or homemade salves.

In this process, the lavender’s aromatic compounds slowly release into a chosen carrier oil. While it doesn’t yield a pure “essential oil,” it creates a potent and beneficial lavender-infused oil that’s ready for immediate use.

This method is safe, requires minimal expertise, and is highly effective for capturing the scent and properties of your French lavender harvest.

Steam Distillation: For the Dedicated Artisan

Steam distillation is how true lavender essential oil is made. This process involves passing steam through the lavender plant material, which causes the volatile aromatic compounds to evaporate.

The steam, now carrying the essential oil, is then cooled and condensed back into liquid. The essential oil separates from the water (known as hydrosol or floral water) and floats on top, where it can be collected.

This method requires an alembic still or similar distillation apparatus, and it’s a more involved process. While fascinating, it’s typically undertaken by those with a serious interest in essential oil production rather than a casual home gardener looking to utilize a small harvest.

Harvesting and Preparing Your French Lavender

The quality of your homemade lavender oil begins long before you even think about infusion. Proper harvesting and drying are crucial steps to ensure a potent and aromatic end product.

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When to Harvest French Lavender Buds

Timing is everything! The best time to harvest your French lavender for oil making is when the flower buds are just opening, but before they are fully bloomed.

This is when the concentration of essential oils in the plant is at its peak. You’ll typically see vibrant purple buds with only a few flowers starting to unfurl.

Harvest on a dry, sunny morning after the dew has evaporated. Use sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the stems, leaving about two sets of leaves on the plant to encourage new growth.

Drying Your Lavender Properly

For infused oils, using dried lavender is highly recommended. Fresh lavender contains water, which can introduce moisture into your oil and lead to spoilage or mold growth. Drying removes this excess water.

  1. Bundle: Gather small bunches of lavender stems (about 10-15 stems per bundle).
  2. Hang: Secure the bundles with rubber bands or twine and hang them upside down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area. A closet, attic, or unused corner of a room works well.
  3. Monitor: Allow them to dry for 2-4 weeks, or until the flowers are brittle to the touch and easily crumble when gently squeezed.
  4. Strip: Once fully dry, gently strip the flowers and small leaves from the stems. Discard the woody stems.

Store your dried lavender in an airtight container away from direct sunlight until you’re ready to make your oil. This preserves its fragrance and potency.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Lavender Infused Oil

Now for the fun part! Creating your own lavender-infused oil is a rewarding project. Here’s how to do it, using a simple and effective method.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

  • Approximately 1 cup of dried French lavender buds (more or less depending on jar size)
  • 2 cups of a good quality carrier oil (e.g., organic olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil)
  • A clean, dry glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (pint or quart size)
  • Cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve
  • Dark glass bottles for storage (amber or cobalt blue are best)
  • Labels

The Infusion Process: Two Methods

You have a couple of options for infusing your oil:

Method 1: The Slow Sun Infusion (My Favorite!)

This gentle method uses the warmth of the sun to slowly coax the aromatic compounds from the lavender.

  1. Fill the Jar: Loosely fill your clean, dry glass jar about halfway with dried lavender buds.
  2. Add Oil: Pour your chosen carrier oil over the lavender, ensuring the flowers are completely submerged. You may need to gently tap the jar or stir with a clean utensil to release any air bubbles.
  3. Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly with the lid.
  4. Sun Bathe: Place the jar in a sunny window or a warm spot where it will receive indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, intense sun, which can degrade the oil.
  5. Daily Agitation: Shake the jar gently once a day for 4-6 weeks. This helps to distribute the lavender and ensure an even infusion.

Method 2: The Quick Double Boiler Method

If you’re short on time, this method speeds up the infusion process using gentle heat.

  1. Combine: Place your dried lavender buds and carrier oil in the top of a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Gentle Heat: Heat the mixture over low heat for 2-4 hours. The water in the bottom pot should simmer gently, not boil rapidly. Ensure the oil never gets too hot – you want a warm infusion, not frying.
  3. Monitor: Stir occasionally. Keep a close eye on the water level in the bottom pot and refill as needed.
  4. Cool: Remove from heat and allow the oil to cool completely before straining.

Straining and Bottling Your Lavender Oil

Once your infusion is complete (after 4-6 weeks for sun infusion, or cooled for double boiler), it’s time to separate the oil from the plant material.

  1. Prepare: Place a piece of cheesecloth (folded into several layers) over a fine-mesh sieve, and set it over a clean bowl or measuring cup.
  2. Strain: Pour the infused oil and lavender mixture through the cheesecloth-lined sieve. Allow all the oil to drip through. You can gently squeeze the cheesecloth to extract every last drop of precious oil.
  3. Bottle: Pour the strained lavender-infused oil into clean, dry, dark glass bottles. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light degradation, extending its shelf life.
  4. Label: Label your bottles with the contents (“Homemade Lavender Infused Oil”), the date it was made, and the carrier oil used.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your own lavender oil from French lavender. Now, let’s talk about how to keep it fresh.

Storing Your Homemade Lavender Oil for Longevity

Proper storage is essential to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of your beautiful homemade lavender oil.

Best Practices for Storage

To keep your infused oil at its best, follow these guidelines:

  • Darkness is Key: Always store your oil in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue) to protect it from light, which can cause oxidation and degrade the oil’s beneficial properties.
  • Cool, Dry Place: Keep bottles in a cool, dry, dark cupboard or pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Heat can also accelerate spoilage.
  • Tight Seal: Ensure the lids are tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can also lead to oxidation.
  • Avoid Contamination: Use clean hands and utensils when handling your oil to prevent introducing bacteria or mold.
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Shelf Life Expectations

The shelf life of your homemade lavender-infused oil largely depends on the carrier oil you used. Generally:

  • Olive Oil: 1-2 years
  • Sweet Almond Oil: 1 year
  • Jojoba Oil: 2-3 years (jojoba is technically a wax, very stable)
  • Grapeseed Oil: 6 months to 1 year (more prone to oxidation)

Always trust your senses. If your oil develops an “off” smell, looks cloudy, or shows any signs of mold, it’s best to discard it. With proper care, your homemade lavender oil can bring you joy for many months!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Lavender Oil

Here are some common questions gardeners ask about making their own lavender oil.

Can I use fresh lavender for oil infusion?

While tempting, it’s generally not recommended to use fresh lavender for oil infusion. Fresh plant material contains water, which can introduce moisture into your oil. This moisture creates an environment where mold and bacteria can thrive, leading to spoilage. Always dry your lavender thoroughly before infusing it in oil for the best and safest results.

What’s the best carrier oil for lavender?

The “best” carrier oil depends on your intended use and personal preference. Olive oil is a popular and economical choice, readily available, and great for general use. Sweet almond oil is lighter and easily absorbed, ideal for massage and skincare. Jojoba oil is very stable and closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it excellent for facial applications. Grapeseed oil is light and non-greasy, but has a shorter shelf life. Choose a high-quality, cold-pressed, organic option for the best results.

How long does homemade lavender oil last?

The shelf life of your homemade lavender-infused oil typically mirrors the shelf life of the carrier oil you used, usually ranging from 6 months to 2-3 years. Factors like proper storage (dark, cool, airtight) significantly impact its longevity. Always check for any changes in scent or appearance before use.

Is homemade lavender oil as potent as store-bought essential oil?

No, homemade lavender-infused oil is not as potent as commercially distilled essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts, containing the pure volatile compounds of the plant. Infused oils, while wonderfully aromatic and beneficial, are a gentler product where the plant’s properties are “infused” into a carrier oil. They are fantastic for topical use but should not be confused with pure essential oils in terms of concentration or therapeutic application.

Can I use other lavender varieties besides French lavender?

While Lavandula angustifolia (French or English lavender) is highly recommended for its sweet, therapeutic aroma, you can certainly experiment with other varieties! Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), for example, has a more camphoraceous scent and is often used for cleaning products or muscle rubs. Just be aware that the aromatic profile and potential uses of your infused oil will change depending on the lavender species you choose.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Aromatic Journey

There’s immense satisfaction in nurturing a plant from seed to bloom, and even more so in transforming its fragrant harvest into something truly special. By following these steps, you now know how to confidently make lavender oil from French lavender, capturing the essence of your garden’s beauty in a bottle.

Whether you use it for a soothing massage, a calming bath, or to enhance your homemade skincare products, your homegrown lavender oil will be a testament to your gardening passion. Remember, gardening is a journey of learning and discovery, and creating your own botanical products is a beautiful extension of that.

So, gather your dried blooms, choose your favorite carrier oil, and embark on this fragrant adventure. Go forth and create your own aromatic masterpieces, enjoying the tranquil rewards of your labor!

Rimon Chowdhury
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