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Oil macerates

Lavender oil macerate (evening oil)

The scent of lavender is traditionally associated with relaxation and sleep. Macerated in oil, it is an evening companion, a caress for restless nights and knotted temples.

The flowers of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) contain linalool and linalyl acetate, two compounds with a calming and mildly sedative action documented in preclinical studies. The oil macerate concentrates these molecules in a vegetable oil, without the aggressive concentration of the essential oil. An ideal preparation for the evening massage, for relaxation, and for sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Equipment

  • •1 clear glass jar
  • •1 fine muslin
  • •1 tinted glass bottle

Steps

  1. 1

    Prepare the flowers

    If using fresh flowers, dry them for 1 week in the shade, in a bunch hanging head down. Dry flowers concentrate the aromas better and avoid the risk of mould. Strip the spikes with your fingers to keep only the flowers.

    1 week if drying

  2. 2

    Pack into the jar

    Fill the jar 2/3 full with dry flowers. Pour the oil in a stream to cover all the flowers well. Pack gently with a stick to remove the bubbles. Leave 1 cm of space at the top.

    5 min

  3. 3

    Solar maceration

    Place the jar in the sun for 3 weeks. Shake each day. The oil takes on a golden hue and becomes fragrant. The gentle solar warmth gradually extracts the aromatic compounds.

    3 weeks

  4. 4

    Strain

    Strain through a muslin, press gently. Decant into a tinted bottle. The oil keeps its scent for 8 to 12 months.

    20 min

Storage

1 year, cool and away from light.

How to use it

EXTERNAL USE. As an evening massage: a few drops on the temples, the nape, the inner wrists or the soles of the feet, 30 minutes before bed. On the skin: for sensitive, nervous skin, for redness from fatigue. An ideal base for an evening balm with a little beeswax. On the pillow: 2-3 drops to scent the room.

Health properties

  • Linalool and linalyl acetate: anxiolytic and mild sedative effect documented by preclinical studies (Linck et al. 2010, animal study) and a few clinical trials on the standardised essential oil (Silexan/Lasea)
  • To aid sleep: a traditional use recognised by the EMA for lavender flower taken orally (herbal tea); the monograph does not cover an oil macerate used in massage
  • Traditionally used to soothe sensitive skin
  • Traditionally reputed to be mildly antiseptic (linalool)

These preparations belong to cooking and herbal tradition: they nourish and support, do not “cure” anything and replace no treatment. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before prolonged use, if under treatment, pregnant or breastfeeding, or for a child. Follow the stated storage precautions strictly.

Precautions

Mainly external use (ingestion is not the aim of this preparation). Caution in pregnant women in the 1st trimester (lavender at high doses is an emmenagogue), though the doses in a skin massage are very low. Possibility of an allergy to linalool (test in the crook of the elbow 24 h before). Keep out of reach of infants; for young children, seek the advice of a health professional before any skin use.

Sources & tradition

  • · ESCOP Monographs, Lavandulae flos
  • · European Pharmacopoeia, Lavandulae flos
  • · EMA/HMPC, Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Mill., flos (2012): traditional use for relief of mild symptoms of mental stress and exhaustion and to aid sleep
  • · Clinical studies on linalool and anxiolysis (Linck et al., 2010)
  • · Marie-Antoinette Mulot, Secrets d'une herboriste

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