Did you know that lavender oil was used to dress wounds during the First World War due to the shortage of antiseptics? This oil is used not just for aromatherapy, but for various healing purposes as well. So, try making lavender oil at home and enjoy its benefits.
Lavender oil is one of the most commonly used multipurpose oils. This oil can be added to the bathtub, some drops can be sprinkled on a pillow, or it can be used for a massage. It has relaxing properties and can also be mixed with a carrier oil and used over burns and cuts as it has antibacterial properties too.
Lavender oil not only heals the skin but also provides a scar-free healing! Lavender also helps in sinus problems, and this oil can be inhaled deeply to reduce congestion.
It is not possible to make lavender essential oil at home, but the process of making infused lavender oil is fairly easy and can be done at home. In this process, you just have to let the lavender herb soak in a carrier oil, and then strain it. A carrier oil is a base oil, which is usually used to dilute pure essential oils.
Mass Producing Lavender Oil
Commercial manufacturers use the steam distillation process to make lavender essential oil. This process is a type of distillation process used for natural aromatic materials, wherein steam or water is added to the aromatic compounds to lower their boiling point. They are then allowed to evaporate at lower temperatures, because such compounds tend to decompose at high temperatures.
Steps to Make Lavender Oil
Here are the things you require and the procedure you should follow:
Things you will need:
◆ One big bottle of carrier oil
◆ Bunch of lavender flowers
◆ A small glass jar
◆ Rubber band
◆ Plastic cling film
◆ Strainer
◆ Saucepan
◆ Spoon
Step #1: The process of making lavender oil from dried lavender plant is also possible in case you don't have fresh lavender flowers. Take the twigs of lavender and run your fingers along the stem to take out the flowers. Collect enough flowers in this way and then fill them up in the jar.
Step #2: Now, take the carrier oil in a saucepan. The quantity of the oil should be enough to fill the glass jar. Slightly warm this oil and then pour it slowly in the jar till it has nicely covered the jar. You can choose from a range of carrier oils available. The most suitable is olive oil, as it can be used for skin care and massage as well. My favorite choice of oil is jojoba oil, as it is non-greasy and gets absorbed by the skin easily. But, jojoba oil is not a preferred massage oil, as it doesn't have the slippery effect. Another good choice for a carrier oil is almond oil, as it is good for skin care and has a high amount of vitamin E in it.
Step #3: Take a piece of cling film and wrap it around the opening of the jar. Secure the plastic cling film using a rubber band.
Step #4: Let this essential oil mixture steep for a month. Keep shaking the bottle lightly everyday to let all the ingredients mix well. Store the bottle in a cool and dark place.
Step #5: After a month's period, take out the jar and strain the mixture and use a spoon to press the lavender flowers to completely separate the precious oil from the flowers.
Step #6: Pour this oil in an amber-colored glass bottle and close it using a cap. There you have it; your own homemade lavender oil.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab all the things you need and follow the above steps for making this essential oil, and enjoy all the benefits and uses of it!
source:http://www.buzzle.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment