Seamus Hammond
Lilacs are known for their sweet fragrance and therapeutic properties, but capturing their scent is challenging due to their short blooming season and the lack of a true lilac essential oil. Synthetic lilac fragrances often fall short of the real thing and may contain toxic chemicals. However, there are several methods to create natural lilac-scented products, such as infusing lilacs in oil or using the traditional enfleurage technique to transfer their fragrance into solid fat or oil. While the process is time-consuming, the result is a delightful fragrance that can be enjoyed long after the flowers have faded.
How to Make Lilac Fragrance
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Enfleurage |
| Materials | Fresh lilac flowers, solid fat or oil (e.g. coconut oil, babassu oil, shea butter, mango butter) |
| Process | Melt the fat, pour into a glass dish, sprinkle a layer of flowers over the fat or arrange flowers face down, cover the dish, let it infuse for several weeks |
| Preservation | Keep in the fridge or another cool, dark place |
| Notes | It is difficult to capture the scent of lilac, and it can be expensive to buy the natural fragrance. Using fresh flowers is best, but they must be used within a few hours of cutting. |
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What You'll Learn
Infuse lilac in oil
Lilacs have a decadent fragrance that is often used in perfumes, candles, and soaps. However, lilac essential oil does not exist, as lilac flowers do not produce enough essential oil to undergo the process of steam distillation. The good news is that you can make lilac-infused oil at home. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Collect the Lilac Flowers
The best time to collect lilac flowers is in late May and early June when they are in full bloom. Pick 2-3 flowers on a sunny day, in the morning. Do not wash the flowers, simply shake off any insects and remove any dirt. It is best to use the flowers within a few hours of cutting them to allow time for any bugs to leave. You can store them for up to 12 hours in an open plastic zip lock bag in a cool area.
Step 2: Prepare the Flowers
There are different methods for preparing the flowers for infusion. Some people recommend drying the flowers first to avoid the development of mold, as fresh flowers contain moisture that may cause the oil to become rancid. However, others suggest using fresh flowers to capture the unique scent of lilac. If you choose to dry the flowers, spread the blossoms out on a paper towel and let them sit overnight to remove most of the moisture. If you opt for fresh flowers, remove the individual blossoms from the flower head.
Step 3: Infuse the Flowers in Oil
Place the prepared flowers in a glass jar. If you are using dried flowers, you can cover them with honey and infuse overnight. No need to strain the oil, as lilacs are edible. This infused honey can be enjoyed on fruit, toast, or in tea. If you are using fresh flowers, cover them completely with a carrier oil or a blend of alcohol and distilled water. For the carrier oil, you can use jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, sunflower oil, or any other low-to-no-scent oil that suits your skin type and absorbency rate. Push the flowers down with a spoon or chopstick if necessary to ensure they are fully submerged.
Step 4: Allow the Oil to Infuse
Cover and label the jar with the contents and date. Allow the oil to infuse in a warm place for one to six weeks. The longer the infusion time, the stronger the scent. You can also add an antioxidant like vitamin E to the infused oil to help preserve it.
Step 5: Strain and Bottle the Oil
After the infusion period, strain the flowers from the oil and bottle it. Your lilac-infused oil is now ready to be used as a facial, body, or massage oil. You can also add a few drops of lilac absolute to enhance the scent. Store the oil in a cool, dark place, and use it within a few weeks to enjoy the benefits of lilac for your skin and aromatherapy.
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Make lilac toner
Lilacs are a natural astringent, helping to tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and tone the skin. They are also thought to have healing properties, making them great for acne-prone or oily skin.
To make a lilac toner, you will need to create a lilac infusion. You can use fresh or dried lilacs for this. If you are using fresh lilacs, it is recommended to use them within a few hours of cutting them to allow any bugs to leave the blossoms. Place the flowers in a glass jar and cover them with a carrier oil or a blend of alcohol and distilled water. You can also use witch hazel, which is a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory that can help reduce redness and acne.
Make sure the flowers are completely covered by pushing them down with a spoon if necessary. Cover and label the jar with the date and contents. Allow the oil to infuse in a warm place for four to six weeks. Then, strain the flowers from the oil, bottle it, and your lilac toner is ready to use!
You can also make a simple lilac facial spray by filling a jar with lilac blossoms and pouring very hot water over them. Allow the lilacs to steep for 30 minutes, then strain the mixture into a bottle. Transfer to a spray bottle if desired and mist your face and neck. This toner should last about two weeks if kept refrigerated.
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Use the enfleurage method
The enfleurage method is a traditional French perfumery technique that is perfect for capturing the delicate fragrance of lilacs. It is a time-consuming and tedious process but is well worth the effort to preserve the elusive scent of lilacs.
To start, you will need to collect fresh lilac flowers. Pick the flowers on a dry day, ensuring there is no dew or rain on the blossoms. Remove the blossoms from their stems, discarding any leaves, twigs, or brown flowers. You may want to let the flowers sit on a tea towel for around half an hour to remove any remaining moisture.
Next, you will need a solid fat or oil to absorb the fragrance of the lilacs. Traditionally, purified animal fats such as lard or tallow were used, but you can also use vegetable fats like babassu oil, unscented shea or mango butter, or deodorized, unscented coconut oil. Gently melt your chosen fat and pour it into a glass dish to create a shallow layer. Allow the fat to cool and solidify, then sprinkle a layer of flowers over the fat or arrange the flowers face down, pressing them gently into the oil.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap, parchment paper, or a wooden chassis setup to contain the fragrance. Leave the flowers to infuse in the fat for a day, then remove them and repeat the process 5-7 times. Over time, the fat will take on the heavenly scent of lilacs. This scented fat is called a pomade and can be used as a moisturiser or to scent hair.
To turn your pomade into a lilac perfume, place it in pure ethyl alcohol (also known as ethanol or grain alcohol). Leave it to infuse for at least three months, then strain out the fat and add a fixative like cedarwood oil to stabilise the scent. And there you have it—your very own lilac absolute, capturing the magical fragrance of spring!
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$4.75
Add lilac to honey
Lilac flowers are a delightful reminder of spring, and their fragrance is intoxicating. However, their scent is hard to capture and preserve beyond spring. One way to enjoy their essence is by infusing them in honey. Here is a step-by-step guide to making lilac-infused honey:
Preparation:
Firstly, ensure you are using organically grown lilacs, as those sold in grocery stores may be unsafe for consumption. If you are using lilacs from a neighbour's yard, be sure to get their permission and find out if any pesticides or herbicides have been used. Cut a fresh lilac stalk with blossoms and rinse it several times under a faucet or in a bowl of water to remove any pollen.
Infusion:
Gently blot the lilac blossoms with a paper towel to remove excess water, being careful to preserve the aromatics of the delicate flowers. Once the blossoms are dried, pluck off each individual flower and place them in a sanitized jar. Cover the flowers completely with honey, ensuring that all plant material is submerged to prevent mould.
Storage:
Seal the jar and allow the honey to infuse for 4-6 weeks in a warm, dark place. You can flip and shake the jar occasionally to ensure the flowers remain covered with honey. The honey will last up to one year if properly sealed.
Uses:
Lilac-infused honey can be used in various ways. Enjoy it on toast, biscuits, scones, or lilac shortbread. It can also be added to herbal teas, lemonade, or even cocktails for a touch of sweetness and fragrance. For a special treat, make a lilac honey butter by mixing the infused honey with softened butter.
Benefits:
In addition to its delightful flavour and aroma, lilac-infused honey offers several benefits. Lilacs are said to have fever-reducing, astringent, and anxiety-soothing properties. They are also a natural source of antioxidants, promoting skin healing and boosting mood.
Lilac-infused honey is a wonderful way to capture the essence of spring and enjoy the health and beauty benefits of lilac blossoms throughout the year. It makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family, spreading the love and connection that these flowers symbolise.
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Make a lilac facial spray
Lilacs are native to the rocky hill slopes of Eastern Europe and are known for their intoxicating fragrance. The flowers are edible and can also be used externally, as they are beneficial for the skin, similar to aloe vera.
Firstly, harvest some fresh lilac blossoms. It is best to pick blossoms that are in full bloom to ensure optimal fragrance and potency. Shake off any dirt or insects and avoid washing the flowers, as this will add moisture. Place the blossoms in a clean glass jar and cover them with very hot water. Allow the lilacs to steep for 30 minutes, then strain the mixture into a bottle. The facial spray can be applied to the face and neck using a cotton pad, or transferred to a spray bottle and misted onto the skin. To make it last longer, keep it refrigerated.
If you are looking for a more complex recipe with added benefits for your skin, you can create a lilac facial toner by infusing lilac blossoms in witch hazel. Witch hazel has a low alcohol content, typically around 14%, which helps to preserve the solution and prevent it from becoming mouldy, without drying out the skin. To make this toner, follow the same process as above, but instead of using hot water, cover the blossoms with witch hazel and let the mixture steep for a longer period.
Another way to capture the scent of lilacs is by infusing them in oil. This method is more time-consuming, but it allows you to harness the therapeutic properties of lilacs. To create lilac-infused oil, place freshly harvested lilac blossoms in a jar and cover them with your chosen carrier oil. Ensure that the blossoms are completely submerged in the oil and that the jar is properly sealed. Allow the oil to infuse in a warm place for four to six weeks, gently shaking the jar every few days. Finally, strain the oil to remove the plant material and bottle it for use.
It is important to note that lilac-infused oils may not have a strong lilac scent. To enhance the fragrance, you can add lilac absolute, which is a natural lilac aromatic. Alternatively, you can add an antioxidant like vitamin E to the infused oil and store it in the fridge to prolong its shelf life.
Creating authentic lilac fragrances and products can be challenging and time-consuming, but by following these recipes, you can capture the essence of lilacs and enjoy their delightful scent and skin benefits all year round.
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Frequently asked questions
Enfleurage is a traditional method of capturing the scent of lilacs. You'll need a neutral-smelling fat that is solid at room temperature, like coconut oil, and some fresh lilac flowers. First, gently melt your solid fat, then pour it into a glass dish to create a shallow layer. Sprinkle a layer of flowers over the oil or arrange the flowers face down on the fat. Cover the dish to keep the fragrance of the lilacs contained.
You'll need some fresh lilac flowers and a carrier oil like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or olive oil. First, place the flowers in a jar and cover them with oil. Make sure the flowers are completely submerged. Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks. Finally, strain the oil using a fine mesh sieve to remove the flowers.
Remove the individual flowers from the lilac flower head and place them in a jar. Cover them with honey and infuse overnight. You can then use the honey on fruit, toast, or in tea.
You'll need some fresh or dried lilac blossoms and organic witch hazel. Allow the blossoms to dry overnight on a paper towel to remove most of the moisture. Then, follow the same process as the oil infusion method.
