With my flower garden popping with an abundance of lavender lately, I’ve been inspired to utilize some of it for its healing properties! Just as I do with Calendula, I’m making soothing homemade lavender body oil with it. Lavender isn’t just a treat for the senses; it’s packed with numerous benefits for your skin and well-being. This post dives in to the benefits of lavender oil for skin, and how to make your own infused body oil.
NOTE: While this homemade lavender body oil harnesses the natural benefits of dried lavender flowers infused in a carrier oil, it’s important to note that it differs from lavender essential oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing, which capture the pure essence of the plant. It takes A LOT of lavender to create one small bottle of lavender essential oil. In contrast, this infused body oil is a gentler, more diluted blend that’s perfect for moisturizing and soothing the skin without the intensity of essential oils.
The Benefits of Lavender
Lavender is widely known for its calming and healing properties. Here are some amazing benefits of incorporating lavender into your skincare routine:
- Soothes Inflammation: Lavender oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritated skin.
- Promotes Relaxation: The soothing scent of lavender is perfect for reducing stress and promoting better sleep.
- Heals Skin: Lavender oil can aid in healing minor burns, cuts, and scrapes due to its antiseptic properties.
- Moisturizes: Lavender oil can deeply moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
- Combats Acne: The antibacterial properties of lavender oil can help fight acne-causing bacteria.
How to Make Lavender Body Oil
What You’ll Need:
- Dried Lavender Flowers: Fully dried lavender flowers are essential to prevent molding.
- Carrier Oil: Choose an unrefined carrier oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, or almond oil.
- A Mason Jar with a Lid
- A Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: For straining the lavender flowers from the oil once it’s done infusing.
Directions:
- Harvest and Dry Your Lavender Flowers:
- If you’re growing your own lavender, harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom. Cut the flower spikes and hang them upside down in a dry place for about two weeks. You could also use a food dehydrator to speed up the process significantly.
- Alternatively, you can purchase dried lavender flowers online or at health food stores.
- Prepare Your Mason Jar:
- Once your lavender flowers are fully dried, place them in a mason jar, filling it up no more than halfway with the flowers.
- Cover the flowers completely with your chosen carrier oil, ensuring all the flowers are submerged. I personally fill the jar to stretch the recipe, but there’s no exact measurement — just make sure the flowers are fully covered.
- Infusion Process:
- Place the lid on the jar and store it in a sunny location or a warm windowsill. The heat will help infuse the oil with the beneficial properties of the lavender.
- Let the jar sit for about two weeks, gently shaking it every few days to help the infusion process.
- Strain the Oil:
- After two weeks, strain the lavender flowers from the oil using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
- Pour the infused oil back into a clean jar or another airtight container. Your lavender body oil is ready to use!
How to Use Lavender Body Oil
This luxurious oil can be used in various ways to enhance your skincare routine:
- Moisturizer: Apply the lavender oil to your skin after showering for a deeply moisturizing and calming effect.
- Massage Oil: Use it as a massage oil to relieve muscle tension and stress.
- Face Oil: Apply a small amount to your face to help soothe and moisturize your skin.
I hope you enjoy making and using your own lavender body oil as much as I do. It’s a simple yet powerful way to bring a touch of natural luxury into your daily life. Here’s to enjoying the fruits of your garden!
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