How to Make Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is extracted from the different parts of lavender plant (scientific name Lavandula latifolia). It contains various phytochemicals, out of which linalool and linalyl acetateare are the key ingredients. Based on the plant portion and type that are used for obtaining lavender essential oils, they are basically of two types, namely, lavender flower oil and lavender spike oil. The process used for obtaining lavender essential oils is more or less similar to other methods of making essential oils. Following is a brief information on how to make lavender oil and its uses.

Making Lavender Essential Oil

Steam distillation is a common procedure followed for making essential oils, including lavender essential oils. For carrying out this distillation method, the requirements are lavender flower stems, essential oil still (distillation column), gas stove, pure water and clean storage bottles with airtight lids. The lavender flower stems should be harvested immediately as the flower buds are opened. Make sure, you select only the healthy stems without disease infestations and store them in cool places.

While speaking about the distillation apparatus, you can either purchase or build an essential oil still. It consists of three major parts, the furnace (for heating), holding tank (for adding water and plant material), condenser (for collecting and cooling the raised steam after heating) and the separator (for separating essential oils from water vapor). With the correct essential oil still and proper operation, the process of making pure lavender essential oil can be carried out successfully.

Once all the requirements are ready, you can start with extraction of lavender oil. First of all, fill the holding tank (or pot in a homemade essential oil still) with pure water devoid of contaminates (preferably filter water) and arrange the lavender flower stems in stacks. Do not cut or chop the lavender flower stems and ensure that they do not touch the water or the sides of the tank. Close the still and turn on the gas stove. Heat the water gently on a low heat; allow the water to boil for about 30-45 minutes by maintaining low heat.

The essential oils will pass through the condenser and then the separator. After the completion of distillation process, collect the essential oils carefully from the separator. You can filter the extracted lavender essential oil by using a cheesecloth. This is how you can make a pure lavender essential oil. After filtration, store the pure oil in clean storage bottles for future usage.

Uses of Lavender Essential Oil

Initially, lavender oil is primarily used in the perfume industry, whereby lavender fragrance oil is added to make a variety of superior quality perfumes. The usage of lavender oil as the first aid for burns, minor injuries, insect bites and stings has been known since a long time ago. In recent times, medical researches on lavender essential oil have found out that its active ingredients have therapeutic potential to combat certain health conditions.

In the present scenario, pure lavender oil and organic lavender essential oil are used as an alternative medicine for relaxation, pain, cough, blood circulation problems and respiratory tract infections. Commercially, lavender massage oil is available, which is specially formulated for using in massage and aromatherapy. Other uses of lavender essential oil is in preparation of soaps, lotion, cosmetics products and hair gels. As lavender oil blends well with other major essential oils, it is often used in combination while making skin care and hair care products.