How To Make Lavender Oil From Leaves

You can make lavender oil from leaves, and while the flowers usually get all the glory, the leaves actually carry plenty of that same calming aroma.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make lavender oil from leaves, the good news is that it’s totally doable right at home with just a few simple supplies.
 
The leaves contain essential oils too, just in smaller amounts than the buds, so the process takes a little more patience.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make lavender oil from leaves step by step, plus a few tips to get the most fragrance out of every batch.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Can Make Lavender Oil From Leaves

Making lavender oil from leaves works because the leaves are covered in tiny glands that produce aromatic compounds.
 
Those compounds are the same ones that give lavender its famous relaxing scent, just in lower concentrations than the flowers.
 
Here’s why the leaves are worth using:
 

1. The Leaves Contain Essential Oils

Lavender leaves are packed with linalool and linalyl acetate, the two main compounds responsible for that soothing aroma.
 
These oils live in microscopic glands on the surface of the leaves.
 
When you crush or heat the leaves, those glands release their oils, which is exactly what you want.
 
So yes, you can absolutely make lavender oil from leaves and get a lovely scented result.
 

2. Leaves Are Available Even When Flowers Aren’t

One big perk of making lavender oil from leaves is that the foliage sticks around much longer than the blooms.
 
Flowers appear for just a few weeks in summer, but the leaves stay green for most of the year.
 
That means you can harvest leaves and make lavender leaf oil anytime you need it.
 

3. It’s a Great Way to Use Prunings

If you trim your lavender plant, don’t toss those clippings.
 
Those leaves are perfect for making lavender oil from leaves, so nothing goes to waste.
 

How to Make Lavender Oil From Leaves

Now let’s get into how to make lavender oil from leaves using two easy methods.
 

1. The Cold Infusion Method

This is the simplest way to make lavender oil from leaves, and it preserves the delicate scent beautifully.
 
Start by harvesting fresh leaves and rinsing them well.
 
Let them dry completely, because any water can cause mold in your oil.
 
Lightly crush the leaves with your fingers or a mortar and pestle to break open those oil glands.
 
Place the crushed leaves in a clean glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil like jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil.
 
Seal the jar and set it in a warm, sunny spot for about two to four weeks.
 
Shake it gently every day or two to help the oils infuse.
 
When the time’s up, strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean bottle.
 
That’s how to make lavender oil from leaves the slow and steady way.
 

2. The Heat Infusion Method

If you’re in a hurry, this method for making lavender oil from leaves speeds things up.
 
Combine your crushed leaves and carrier oil in a double boiler.
 
Warm it gently over low heat for about two to three hours, keeping the temperature around 100–120°F.
 
Don’t let it simmer or boil, because high heat destroys the aromatic compounds.
 
Once it’s done, strain the oil and pour it into a dark glass bottle.
 

3. Try a Slow Cooker for Hands-Off Infusing

A slow cooker set to the lowest setting is another easy way to make lavender oil from leaves.
 
Add your leaves and oil, then let it steep for four to six hours.
 
Stir occasionally and keep the lid slightly ajar so moisture can escape.
 

Tips for the Best Lavender Leaf Oil

A few small tweaks make a big difference when you make lavender oil from leaves.
 

1. Harvest at the Right Time

For the strongest scent, pick leaves in the morning after the dew dries but before the sun gets intense.
 
This is when the essential oil content in the leaves is at its peak.
 

2. Use Dried Leaves for a Stronger Batch

Drying your leaves first actually concentrates the oils, so you’ll get more fragrance per batch.
 
Spread them out in a cool, dark spot for a week or two until they’re crispy.
 

3. Choose a Light Carrier Oil

Oils like jojoba and sweet almond absorb scent well without overpowering it.
 
Avoid heavy oils like coconut, which can mask the lavender aroma.
 

4. Store It Properly

Keep your finished lavender oil from leaves in a dark glass bottle away from sunlight and heat.
 
Stored this way, it’ll stay fragrant for up to a year.
 

So, Can You Make Lavender Oil From Leaves?

You can make lavender oil from leaves, and it’s a rewarding project that uses every part of your plant.
 
The leaves contain the same soothing compounds as the flowers, just in smaller amounts, so a little patience goes a long way.
 
Whether you choose the slow cold infusion or the faster heat method, you’ll end up with a lovely oil you can use for massage, bath products, or DIY skincare.
 
Hope this post has helped you with exploring how to make lavender oil from leaves and the best ways to get it done.