Lavender infused oil and its uses for body and hair

This highly scented lavender-infused oil soothes minor skin irritation, mild burns, or insect bites.

Made of two ingredients this lavender infusion poses excellent calming and relaxing properties that make it perfect for soothing sore muscles or relaxing lavender bath.

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What is lavender infused oil

Lavender infused oil is made by the maceration of fresh or dried lavender flowers and stems in the carrier oil. Over the course of several weeks, the carrier oil extracts the soluble plant constituents, including traces of lavender essential oil. Lavender infused oil, therefore, carries the medicinal benefits of lavender as well as its scent. 

How to make lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil on the other hand is made of a distillation process that pushes steam of water through the lavender flowers. Steam with valuable oily substances is funneled into a condenser where it turns into a liquid with oil that floats on the surface where it is siphoned off. This process requires specific equipment and a huge amount of lavender flower material which makes it impossible to make at home.

Whereas a simple infusion process is easy to make with 2 handfuls of lavender and a small amount of carrier oil you can create highly scented versatile lavender infusion packed with medicinal benefits. 

Ingredients

Scented Lavender

I love to use lavender in the kitchen as it gives a specific aromatic sweet fragrance to any dish. My favorite is this lavender extract that has a variety of uses and makes an excellent addition to sweet or savory dishes. This summer I experimented with lavender and made this extraordinary strawberry jam with lavender that quickly became our favorite summer jams.

However, when it comes to making lavender infusion one needs to be picky as the fragrance matters.

To make the most scented lavender infusion with a sweet aroma, English lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is the best choice. Dutch lavender (Lavandula intermedia) also makes scented oil however the higher content of camphor gives the lavender infusion fragrance a slightly sharper overtone.  

All lavender types possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for making potent lavender infusion, just some of their medicinal properties as well as scents might differ. Avoid lavender that grows in parks because these are treated with chemicals, use lavender from your own garden or dry in organic quality. 

Fresh or dry lavender?

When it comes to oil infusion, I always suggest using dry material as the moisture from fresh flowers contributes to mold and spoilage. However, If you want to capture the lavender fragrance fresh buds are more aromatic as the fragrance fades with the drying process. Lavender, on the contrary, doesn’t have too much moisture. Wilted flowers might also be a solution. The choice is yours. So you can use Dry or fresh lavender buds, leaves, or stems. Flowers, however, have the sweetest and citrus flavor. 

Carrier oil

Pay attention to the carrier oil. There are many criteria that need to be taken into account. Composition, contraindications, aroma, shelf life, price, and most importantly its benefits. Don’t forget to check its absorption rate. Depending on your desired effect you can use fast absorbing infused oils which are quickly absorbed by the skin and do not leave a greasy residue. Or carrier oils with a slow-absorbing speed which tend to leave skin with a slightly oily residue. Find detailed information about carrier oils here  

Grapeseed oil

Fast absorbing grapeseed oil was my choice. Unscented, ecologic oil that is rich in antioxidants and fights with signs of aging. These are important attributes if you want to use the oil for making salves or facial creams.  The grapeseed oil is also light with a nutrient-rich composition that is an ideal choice for all skin types. Other oils that you want to consider are jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil, or rosehip seed oil

Methods of infusion

When I am not in a hurry I prefer the traditional infusion method. There are several ways you can infuse your oil. I prefer the old-school infusion where you place the mixture (lavender + carrier oil) in a warm place for 4 weeks ( heat is the main factor helping to infuse the oil but not in direct sunlight). Then filter the oil with cheesecloth to get rid of all the lavender and get only pure oil.

However, if you are in a hurry you can use the double boiler method that you can speed up the process of infusion with heat to 5 hours. Place the jar with lavender and carrier oil in a double boiler and bring it to a slow simmer. Make sure the temperature in the oil will not exceed 60 C (122 F). Thus keeping all medicinal properties.

After 5 hours remove the oil from the heat, let it cool down a bit and strain the herbal material. If you want to make the infusion even more potent you add another batch of lavender and repeat the process several times to reach the desired fragrance.

Tools

stainless steel

funnel

Maison glass jar

Cheesecloth

Double boiler

How to make lavender infused oil

First step

Start with lavender. Whether you decide to use dried or fresh lavender chop it into smaller pieces, cut the stems. Smaller pieces make for a better extraction.

Second step

Fill the sterilized glass jar with lavender

Third step

Pour over the grapeseed oil or other carrier oil of your choice so all herbal material is covered completely

Fourth step

Use a sterilized spoon or wooden stick to mix it thoroughly making sure that all pieces of lavender are coated and covered with the oil and all air bubbles are gone.

Fifth step

Cover the jar with a lid, you can use a piece of parchment paper to place it in between the lid and a jar.

Sixth step

Place the jar in the dark warm spot, with no direct sun to infuse for 4 weeks, shake it occasionally, add more oil if it evaporates

Seventh step

after 4 weeks strain the oil with cheesecloth, and pour into dark-colored jar.

I like to add a few drops of vitamin E that helps to slow down the oxidation process.

Lavender infused oil benefits

Known for its soothing and relaxing properties lavender infusion offers many benefits for skin and hair

Lavender oil for skin

For acne

This scented infused oil possesses antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, It can unclog pores and help with acne and irritated skin. 

Anti-aging effect

This infusion in grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants that protects us from the free radicals responsible for wrinkles and fine lines. Similarly works this elderflower oil that I made with the same technique. It makes an excellent addition to salves or creams.

Relaxing and soothing

Well known for its calming and relaxing properties lavender soothe sore muscles and make irritated skin to relax. The scent of lavender oil provides a calming atmosphere, making you relaxed and prepared for bed.

Healing and repairing

This lavender infusion helps repair wounds and damaged skin tissues. It heals rashes, bites, burns or scars.

Lavender oil for hair

It helps promote hair growth

There are studies on mice proving that lavender oil stimulates hair growth. Moreover, their hair grew thicker and faster after the regular application. However, there are no human studies that could prove it. 

May help with itchy scalp or dandruff

Its antimicrobial properties help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing thus preventing itchy scalp or infections. 

Lavender infused oil uses

Masaging oil for sore muscles relief

It is great for a massage of sore and achy muscles. The best use is before you go to sleep, it makes you relax, calm and ready for a bed.

Soothing & Moisturizing

Its soothing and moisturizing properties make wonders with cracked and chapped skin. In the form of lavender salve, DIY deodorant stick, cream, or lip balm soothes your skin and keep it moisturized.

Bath oil

Add a few drops of lavender oil in a bath with a few drops of lavender or mandarin essential oil. Its moisturizing and soothing properties make your skin smooth and soft. It also works for foot massage. Add these lavender bath bombs or lavender vinegar to double the effect.

Make up remover

Use it as a makeup remover or add a few drops into your makeup remover to enjoy the antiaging and nourishing benefits of this oil.