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You can make lavender oil from dried flowers by infusing them in a carrier oil, and the process is simpler than you might think.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make lavender oil from dried flowers at home, you’re in the right place because it’s a rewarding DIY project that fills your space with a calming scent.
Making lavender oil from dried flowers lets you capture the soothing essence of lavender without needing a chemistry lab.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender oil from dried flowers step by step, including the tools you need, the best methods, and tips for getting a potent, fragrant result.
Let’s dive in.
Why Making Lavender Oil from Dried Flowers Works So Well
When you make lavender oil from dried flowers, you’re extracting the plant’s natural oils into a carrier oil through a slow infusion process.
Dried flowers work beautifully for this because they have less water content than fresh ones, which means less risk of mold or spoilage in your finished oil.
Here’s why this method is so effective:
1. Dried Lavender Is Concentrated
Dried lavender flowers retain a high concentration of the aromatic compounds that give lavender its signature scent.
When you make lavender oil from dried flowers, those compounds slowly leach into the carrier oil, creating a fragrant infusion.
This is why dried buds often outperform fresh ones for oil making.
2. Carrier Oils Absorb Plant Essences
Carrier oils like olive, jojoba, sweet almond, or sunflower oil are excellent at pulling out fat-soluble plant compounds.
When you combine dried flowers with a carrier oil, the oil acts as a solvent that captures lavender’s beneficial properties.
So making lavender oil from dried flowers is really about letting time and the right oil do the work.
3. No Special Equipment Required
Unlike steam distillation, which requires a still, making lavender oil from dried flowers needs only a jar, oil, and patience.
That accessibility is why so many people love this method.
You can make lavender oil from dried flowers right in your kitchen with items you probably already have.
How to Make Lavender Oil from Dried Flowers: Step-by-Step
Now let’s get into the actual process of making lavender oil from dried flowers.
Follow these steps for a rich, fragrant oil:
1. Gather Your Supplies
To make lavender oil from dried flowers, you’ll need about one cup of dried lavender buds and one to two cups of your chosen carrier oil.
You’ll also need a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, and a dark glass bottle for storage.
Using high-quality dried flowers makes a big difference in the final scent.
2. Fill Your Jar with Dried Flowers
Place your dried lavender buds into the glass jar, filling it about halfway to two-thirds full.
Don’t pack them too tightly because the oil needs to circulate around every bud.
This step is the foundation of making lavender oil from dried flowers successfully.
3. Pour the Carrier Oil Over the Flowers
Slowly pour your carrier oil over the dried flowers until they’re completely submerged.
Leave about an inch of space at the top of the jar.
Make sure all the flowers are covered because exposed buds can grow mold.
When making lavender oil from dried flowers, fully submerging the buds is crucial.
4. Seal and Store the Jar
Close the jar tightly and give it a gentle shake to mix the flowers and oil together.
Place the jar in a warm, dark spot like a cupboard or pantry.
Let it sit for four to six weeks, shaking it gently every day or two.
This waiting period is where the magic of making lavender oil from dried flowers really happens.
5. Strain the Oil
After four to six weeks, your oil should smell strongly of lavender.
Line your strainer with cheesecloth and pour the mixture through, catching the oil in a clean bowl.
Squeeze the cheesecloth gently to get every last drop.
Now you’ve officially made lavender oil from dried flowers.
6. Bottle and Store Your Finished Oil
Pour your homemade lavender oil into a dark glass bottle with a dropper or cap.
Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will keep for six months to a year.
Label your bottle so you remember when you made it.
Tips for Making Lavender Oil from Dried Flowers Even Better
Want to get the most out of making lavender oil from dried flowers?
Try these tips:
1. Use the Double Infusion Method
For a stronger scent, strain your oil and then pour it over a fresh batch of dried lavender buds.
Let it infuse for another four weeks.
This double infusion technique intensifies the fragrance when making lavender oil from dried flowers.
2. Add Heat for Faster Results
If you’re short on time, you can speed things up by placing your jar in a warm water bath on low heat for two to three hours.
Keep the temperature low, around 100 to 120°F, so you don’t damage the oil.
This shortcut still lets you make lavender oil from dried flowers in a day.
3. Choose the Right Carrier Oil
Jojoba and sweet almond oil are light and absorb quickly, making them great for skincare.
Olive oil is heavier but works well for massage oils.
The carrier you choose affects how you’ll use your finished lavender oil.
So, Can You Make Lavender Oil from Dried Flowers?
You can make lavender oil from dried flowers, and it’s a wonderfully simple process that rewards you with a fragrant, versatile oil.
By infusing dried lavender buds in a carrier oil for several weeks, you extract the plant’s soothing essence without any complicated equipment.
Whether you use it for relaxation, skincare, or homemade gifts, making lavender oil from dried flowers is a skill worth having.
Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making lavender oil from dried flowers sooner.