How to make lavender bath oil

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How to make lavender bath oil

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Sunday, 24 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

We show you how to make an aromatic lavender oil for the bath or massages.

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Lavender is well known as a natural, gentle remedy to help us relax. This soothing bath oil is made using both the fresh leaves and flowers of lavender, and light olive oil as the 'carrier' oil.

As the essential oil evaporates into the steam, its sweet aroma is released, promoting relaxation. Simply add five or six drops to your bath water. Instead of olive oil, you could also use almond oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, sunflower oil and lots more.

As well as lavender, you can use this method to create other bath oils with aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, chamomile, rose petals, eucalyptus, lemongrass, palmarosa, bergamot and geranium.

Follow these easy steps to create your own aromatic lavender bath oil.

You Will Need

Lavender flowers (500g fresh or 250g dried)
Light olive oil (750ml)
Saucepan (small)
Wooden spoon
Coffee filter, or muslin bag
Funnel (small)
Container, with lid

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

How to make lavender bath oil - chopping the flowers

Gently wash the lavender flowers and leaves under cold, running water, then pat them dry with a paper towel or leave to dry in a colander. Roughly chop them.

Step 2

How to make lavender bath oil - adding the flowers to the oil

Put the oil into the saucepan. Heat it gently, but do not allow it to boil. Add the chopped flowers and leaves, stir well and then leave the mixture to simmer for three hours, stirring from time to time.

Step 3

How to make lavender bath oil - straining the mixture

Place a coffee filter or muslin bag into the funnel and use it to strain the oil mixture into a container. Allow the mixture to cool, before sealing. This oil will last for up to a year if kept in a cool cupboard out of direct light.

You can also use this as a massage oil, but it is not suitable for human consumption.

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