Pages

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Lavender, lavender and more lavender! How to use it.

Lavender is one of the most popular aromatic herbs.


Everybody loves the aroma of lavender. It is one of the most used aromatherapy oils for relaxation. It is popular in aromatherapy candles and soap to help with relaxation. There are a lot of ways to use lavender. I thought I'd share a few ways with you today.

Lavender in the kitchen
Lavender Lemonade is one of the easiest ways to use lavender into the kitchen. Steep 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers in 1 quart homemade or store bought lemonade for a couple of hours. Use room temperature, not cold lemonade. Strain before drinking.

Lavender powder for scenting linens

A simple lavender sachet placed in the linen closet will infuse the sheets (or sweaters) with the lovely, complex smell of the summer garden. Find muslin bags online or at craft stores. One of my favorite ways to use lavender is to finely grind and sprinkle it on clean sheets and pillows. Using an impeccably clean spice/coffee grinder, process the flowers until they are a fine powder. Mix 1 part flowers with 2 parts baking soda. It is nice to buy a powder container to store the powder, but simply storing in a small jar is sufficient. Sprinkle a small amount either on the mattress or over clean sheets. Also sprinkle on pillows before putting on a new pillowcase.

Lavender as medicine
Lavender is an effective remedy for nervous exhaustion, headaches and mild depression. To make a soothing tea, simply pour 1 cup of water over 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers, cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day. For a therapeutic lavender bath, make a decoction by adding 2 tablespoons lavender to 2 cups water, bring to a boil, remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes. Add this to the bath and relax!

Lavender infused oil
I am a big fan of infused oils because they are easy to make and can be used many ways. Lavender infused oil can be used on rashes, cuts, minor burns or as a moisturizing skin oil. Simply fill a small jar with dried lavender flowers and cover with a good quality oil, like almond, apricot kernel or extra virgin olive. Let sit in a warm place for 10-14 days, strain and this fragrant oil is ready to go.

I hope you enjoy these! Oh and don't forget to enter to win a free soap from me in the post below.

If you are reading this in a Facebook note, a reader or some other format then go to my blog at DeShawn's Blog to see the original post.


Bookmark and Share


  • DeShawnMarie.com





  • Lush Skin Care Products

    16 comments:

    Vegiegail said...

    I just made lavender lemonade this morning! It's wonderful! And that lavender photo is gorgeous!

    DeShawn Marie said...

    Delicious right? and good for you ;-)

    Me said...

    These are great ideas, I can't wait to try them. Thank you!

    DeShawn Marie said...

    Yea the powdered lavender on sheets is awesome. I'm sure you'd love it Lucie! By the way the post below this one is a giveaway..don't forget to enter ;-)

    AJ at OFLBlog said...

    I looove lavender and just bought some of your wonderful soap! It's SUPER! Thanks for all of these great tips....will try them for sure!

    DeShawn Marie said...

    Hey great! Happy to hear you are enjoying your new soap. Also happy you like these ideas....hope you enjoy them as well.

    Катерина said...

    Thank you, very interesting! I am a fan of lavender ;) *blush* I will try in the kitchen
    My favorite is lavender distillate, used for skin care...

    I love this photo!

    Anonymous said...

    Interesting ideas, I'll try both. Thank you for sharing. Btw, I love the lavender photo :)

    Lady Steel said...

    Have been ready to grow some lavender, now I have a reaoson, great info!
    88links.etsy.com

    LynnAnne said...

    Out of all the types of soap I do, Lavender is always a top seller. Once thought of as 'an old lady' smell, men & younger women are loving it too. Personally, there can never be too much lavender for me!! LynnAnne

    DeShawn Marie said...

    Yes, I think the English lavender is the one that is more associated with the old lady smell. It is the French lavender that is so popular today. there is a big difference in the aroma's of each.

    Juli~Comfuzzled said...

    I am a lavender addict and have never heard of lavender lemonade...can't wait to try!!

    Patinaware said...

    We went for a drive to southern Vermont today...i had fresh grown lavender in my hands; walked into the shop to purchased other things, and 4got my lavender! lol

    Nice blog ~ gorgeous photo!!

    Thanks for changing yr settings :)

    Sharon said...

    Lavender is so easy to grow everywhere around the U.S. Ask your local nursery for the best variety for your weather and one plant will keep you supplied for a year.

    Sharon of Rose of Sharon Jewelry
    http://www.roseofsharonjewelry.com/blog

    ComfyPaws said...

    I love lavender! One of my favorite things is a lavender syrup I made - is wonderful added to Earl Grey tea. I also infused sugar with lavender for yummy sugar cookies.
    :-)

    Brenda Salzano said...

    just found your blog from twitter! Great tips, and your followers comments have some good tips too! ;-)