How to Make Lavender Oil

This lavender-infused coconut oil has a soothing aroma. The oil can be added to an easy DIY all-purpose cleaner to make stone countertop surfaces and stainless steel sparkle. This recipe comes to us from Stefani Bittner, owner of San Francisco Bay Area’s Homestead Design Collective and co-author of Harvest: Unexpected Projects Using 47 Extraordinary Garden Plants.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus 7 to 10 days infusing time.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 oz. dried lavender
• 10 oz. liquid coconut oil

SUPPLIES:

• Glass jar
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Funnel

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Harvest.Cut and dry enough lavender to make at least 1 oz. of dried lavender. (To dry, hang cut flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks.) Add dried lavender to a clean glass jar.

2. Infuse.Pour coconut oil over the lavender in the glass jar until lavender is covered completely. Secure lid tightly and shake well. Store the jar near a window (but not in direct sunlight) to infuse for 7 to 10 days. Shake every day or so.

3. Strain.Strain using a strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the mixture through a funnel into a clean glass jar. Store in a cool, dark place; the oil will keep for up to 1 year.