Homemade DIY Lavender Massage Oil for Body & Mind
Indulge in the healing powers of lavender with this DIY lavender massage oil recipe that will soothe your body and calm your mind
If you have any kind of interest in wellness, you have probably come across multiple remedies boasting about the benefits of Lavender, and not for nothing. Lavender is a versatile herb known for its calming properties. I personally am still in awe of its ability to soothe both body and mind. In fact, I have a plan already booked in my calendar to visit a nearby lavender farm this Spring. I will probably have to be pulled out of that farm, because I already see myself lying spread-eagled and refusing to move from between the rows of those delicious-smelling plants!
Imagine my joy when we moved into our new home 12 months ago (oh my! How time flies!) and saw a decent-sized lavender bush in the backyard! I am not ashamed to admit that I spent entire mornings, sitting in the backyard simply staring and enjoying the fact that I had my own lavender plants!!!!! Obviously, I am still not over it. It does not hurt that I find the smell of lavender particularly pleasant, and I would be a fan even if it had no calming properties. In this post, we will explore the therapeutic benefits of lavender oil and how you can harness its power by creating your own lavender massage oil right there at home! From easing muscle tension to promoting relaxation, lavender oil has a myriad of uses that can enhance your self-care routine. With this versatility, lavender oil should be a staple in your home, which is why it makes sense to make yours. Who wants to spend a ton of money on products that you only need 2 ingredients for?
Understanding the Benefits of Lavender Oil
Everyone says lavender oil can positively impact your body and mind and yes this sounds a bit far fetched to the unconverted, but what does that really mean? Lavender oil is renowned for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a popular choice for aromatherapy and massage. Chances are if you walk into your naturopath’s office or your local spa, there is some lavender infused in whatever blend is wafting through the diffusers. And there is a reason for this. The soothing scent of lavender can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and even alleviate headaches. Aside from its therapeutic benefits, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help ease muscle tension and pain. So add this to your massage routine for post-workouts and injuries (massage oils), as well as to your sleep routines (pillow sprays), skin and hair care routines (infused in skin lotions and hair oils), and mindfulness routines (infused scents for meditation). Keep reading for more detailed descriptions of how to incorporate lavender oil into your self-care routine.
Making Lavender Oil from the Fresh Lavender Herb:
Step 1 - Harvesting: Most essential oil concentration in lavender can be found just before the flowers fully bloom, when most of them are still in their buds but you can start to see the color of the inflorescences; typically sometime around July and August. Select lavender stems in the morning after any dew has evaporated but before the sun is directly overhead. This is when the oil concentration is at its peak in the 24 hour cycle. Gently cut the stems with garden shears, including both the flowers and the greenery.
Step 2 - Drying: After harvesting, bind the stems together and hang them in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. This process, which usually takes around 2 weeks, allows the lavender to dry out and makes the extraction of the essential oil easier.
Step 3 - Crushing: Once the lavender is dry, separate the blooms from the stems and crush them lightly to enhance oil extraction. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a rolling pin.
Step 4 - Steeping: Place the crushed lavender blooms in a jar and cover them with a carrier oil (like olive oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil). You can adjust the strength of the scent by adding more or fewer crushed lavender according to your preference. Seal the jar and leave it in a warm, sunny spot for at least 48 hours to allow the lavender's essential oils to infuse into the carrier oil.
Step 5 - Storing: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the oil from the plant matter. Store this oil in a dark glass bottle away from sunlight to maintain its potency and preserve the integrity of the oils.
Please note that the resulting oil is not "pure" lavender essential oil, but rather an infusion of lavender's oils into a carrier oil. Pure lavender essential oil, traditionally obtained through steam distillation, is much more concentrated and requires special equipment to produce.
Incorporating Lavender Oil into Your Self-Care Routine
Incorporating lavender oil into your self-care routine is a simple and effective way to promote relaxation and well-being. By taking the time to pamper yourself with lavender oil, you can create a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation in your daily routine. This small act of self-care can have a big impact on your overall mood and mindset, making it an essential addition to your wellness regimen.
Besides using lavender oil in massage oils, there are several other ways you can enjoy its calming effects. Add a few drops to a hot bath for a relaxing soak, or mix it with water in a spray bottle for a soothing room spray. You can also dab a drop or two behind your ears or on your wrists as a natural perfume, allowing the calming scent to follow you throughout the day. Experiment with different ways of incorporating lavender oil into your routine to find what works best for you and your lifestyle.
Enhancing your self-care routine with lavender oil can provide a holistic approach to relaxation and wellness, benefiting both your body and mind. Discover the versatility of this fragrant oil and unlock its full potential in promoting a sense of peace and tranquility in your everyday life.,
The DIY lavender massage oil discussed in this article offers a natural and effective way to unlock the healing powers of lavender for both your body and mind. By understanding the benefits of lavender oil, creating your own blend, and incorporating it into your daily self-care routine, you can experience the rejuvenating effects of this versatile essential oil.