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Lilacs, with their delicate blossoms and sweet fragrance, are not just a feast for the eyes and nose but also a treasure trove of benefits for the skin and well-being. Infusing lilacs into oil is a wonderful way to capture their essence and harness their therapeutic properties. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of making lilac oil, explore its benefits, and share tips on how to use it effectively.
LILAC INFUSED OIL BENEFITS FOR SKIN
Lilac infused oil offers a myriad of benefits for the skin, thanks to its natural compounds and soothing properties:
Anti-Inflammatory: Lilac oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help calm irritated skin, making it ideal for soothing conditions such as dry skin and sunburns.
Antioxidant: Rich in antioxidants, lilac oil helps combat free radical damage and promotes skin rejuvenation, potentially reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Moisturizing: The emollient properties of lilac oil help hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it soft, supple, and radiant.
BEST CARRIER OILS FOR Making LILAC OIL
While any carrier oil can be used for infusing lilacs, some oils are particularly well-suited for this purpose. Fractionated coconut oil may be preferred because it doesn’t have much scent, preserving the delicate fragrance of lilacs:
Fractionated Coconut Oil: This odorless and lightweight oil is perfect for preserving the delicate scent of lilacs in the infused oil. Its moisturizing properties make it an excellent choice for skincare applications.
Jojoba Oil: Known for its similarities to the skin’s natural oils, jojoba oil is easily absorbed and suitable for all skin types.
Sweet Almond Oil: Lightweight and nourishing, sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin.
Olive Oil: With its moisturizing properties and high levels of antioxidants, olive oil helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Choose your preferred carrier oil based on your skin type and desired benefits, keeping in mind that fractionated coconut oil may help preserve the lilac scent in the infused oil.
How do you infuse lilacs in oil?
Infusing lilacs in oil is a simple process that involves extracting the plant’s aromatic and beneficial compounds into a carrier oil. While dried herbs are typically used for oil infusions, we opt for fresh lilacs to preserve their delicate fragrance as much as possible. However, using fresh lilacs does come with limitations.
Fresh lilacs contain moisture, which can introduce the risk of microbial growth and spoilage during the infusion process. To address this, I let my lilacs wilt overnight before infusing them in oil. This helps remove some moisture while still retaining much of their scent.
After wilting, ensure that the lilacs are fully submerged in the carrier oil and that the infusion jar is properly sealed. Additionally, storing the infusion in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight can help prolong its shelf life.
At the end of the infusion time, consider adding a bit of vitamin E oil for preservation. Vitamin E oil acts as a natural antioxidant, helping to prolong the shelf life of the infused oil and maintain its freshness.
While using fresh lilacs may slightly reduce the shelf life of the infused oil, the trade-off is capturing as much of the aromatic essence of the flowers as possible. With proper storage and handling, your lilac-infused oil can still provide months of enjoyment and skincare benefits.
Here’s how to do it:
Harvest Fresh Lilac Blossoms: Select freshly harvested lilac blossoms, preferably in full bloom, for optimal fragrance and potency. Shake them off to remove any dirt or insects. Do not wash (we don’t want added moisture in the jar).
Prepare the Carrier Oil: Choose a high-quality carrier oil such as fractionated coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil. These oils have their own nourishing properties and act as a base for the infusion.
Fill a Clean Glass Jar: Place the fresh (but wilted overnight) lilac blossoms in a clean glass jar and cover them with the carrier oil, ensuring that the blossoms are fully submerged.
Infusion Process: Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Let the lilacs infuse in the oil for about 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar gently every few days to ensure thorough infusion.
Strain and Store: After the infusion period, strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the plant material. Transfer the infused oil into a clean, airtight glass bottle for storage.
Ways to Use Lilac Oil
Once you’ve successfully infused lilacs into oil, there are several delightful ways to incorporate this nourishing oil into your daily life:
Skin Moisturizer: Apply lilac infused oil directly to the skin as a moisturizer to hydrate and nourish. It’s especially beneficial for dry or irritated skin.
Massage Oil: Use lilac infused oil for a relaxing massage. Its soothing properties can help relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Bath Oil: Add a few drops of lilac oil to your bath for a luxurious experience. It will leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.
Hair Treatment: Massage lilac oil into your scalp and hair to moisturize and condition. It can help improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
DIY Beauty Products: Incorporate lilac oil into homemade skincare products such as lotions, balms, salves, and scrubs for added skin-nourishing benefits.
Explore these various ways to use lilac infused oil and enjoy its lovely skin-loving properties in your daily self-care routine.
Why won’t the oil smell Strongly of Lilacs?
Despite using fresh lilacs and taking measures to preserve their fragrance, you may find that the infused oil doesn’t have a strong scent. There are several reasons for this:
Dilution: The process of infusing lilacs in oil involves diluting their scent in a carrier oil. As a result, the fragrance may become more subtle compared to the concentrated aroma of fresh flowers.
Volatility: The volatile compounds responsible for the intense aroma of fresh lilacs can evaporate during the infusion process, further diminishing the scent of the infused oil.
Time: While fresh lilacs have a strong and immediate scent, the infusion process takes time. As the lilacs steep in the oil, their fragrance gradually releases and disperses throughout the mixture, resulting in a milder aroma.
Storage: Improper storage or exposure to light and heat can also affect the potency of the lilac scent in the infused oil. It’s essential to store the oil in a cool, dark place to preserve its fragrance.
Despite these factors, the therapeutic benefits of lilac-infused oil remain intact, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine. While the scent may not be as strong as that of fresh flowers, the oil still retains the soothing and nourishing properties of lilacs, providing a luxurious and aromatic experience for your skin and senses.
More to Explore
Want to learn more about the health benefits of lilacs or how to use them in food recipes? Check out these popular articles:
Disclaimer:
The Outdoor Apothecary website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is the reader’s responsibility to ensure proper plant identification and usage.
Please be aware that some plants are poisonous or can have serious adverse health effects. We are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is essential to consult with qualified professionals for verification of nutritional information, health benefits, and any potential risks associated with edible and medicinal plants mentioned on this website.
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