The soap would be very pretty though, with those bits included. Another cool idea, though this is with stems, is to use them as kebab skewers when you grill. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Here's how to use it safely. The fresh or dried leaves are more commonly used in cooking (rubs, herbes de Provence, etc.). The soap would be very pretty though, … 99 ($5.54/Ounce) Save 5% more with Subscribe & Save. Lavender oil has a calming effect, is used in the treatment of tense headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety and stress. The antifungal and antimicrobial properties of lavender oil help kill off any unwanted bacteria, dirt and product buildup. Try finely chopping the smaller leaves and sprinkling over potato dishes, or include in marinades, herbal spice blends, or vinaigrettes. Hi Kindra, Yay! FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Let me count the ways! It’s also enjoyable just to pick a handful of leaves to rub between my fingers and sniff when I’m walking around my garden – they smell so good! How to Harvest and Dry Flowers & Herbs from Your Garden, Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home, Bookshop.org (supports local bookstores! While the leaves haven’t been studied as specifically or extensively as the flowers, “Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) flowers, leaves and oil contain linaloyl acetate, linalool, perillyl alcohol, 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol), and at least 100 other known compounds.” (source). Stir a few times to release air bubbles. I use the leaves to make tea. To enjoy the fragrance of lavender year-round, dry and preserve this beloved herb by hanging small bunches upside down in a dark, dry room until the moisture has evaporated. The most common type of lavender is the narrow-leaved kind that may grow from 1 ft up to 3 ft. Its stem has a large number of … 6. Even More Uses for Lavender Leaves Lavender has been known to ease headaches, anxiety, toothaches, sore joints, and coughs, and to calm digestive troubles. 1 of 30. Check out my Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health & Home! $4.99 $ 4. This lovely and aromatic herb is prized for being anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory 1. Any time a project or recipe calls for lavender flowers or rosemary, there’s a possibility it might also do well with lavender leaves. To make it: Fill a canning jar about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with dried leaves. Diluted oil can be applied to … 11. She lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family and a menagerie of animals, where she enjoys brainstorming creative things to make with the flowers and weeds that grow around her. You can use the infused oil to make lip balms, bath bombs, lotions, creams, and soap. Thank you very much. Stored dried lavender leaves may be used or kept until there is still color or scent left in them. If desired, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to help soften the water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, for scent. I do mot want to know about lavender oil. However, if you notice the color or scent of your lavender leaves has faded, then it’s time to compost them. Purification: Burn lavender or use the fresh sprigs to sprinkle blessed water in your home to remove harmful energies. Use lavender leaf infused oil to make this easy DIY sinus and headache balm. #1 For starters, fresh lavender will last up to ten days arranged in a container of water. (Like these Herbal Scouring Powders.). Once dry, store them in a brown paper bag, or a glass jar tucked into a dark cabinet. Patients using lavender aromatherapy showed significantly higher improvements. How many herbs can claim to have flowers which inspired the name of a color?! Apr 8, 2020 - Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! Lavender Tea health benefits includes supporting tired muscles, treating insomnia, working as an antiseptic, maintaining cardiovascular health, treating indigestion, fighting inflammation, work as a detoxifier, improves respiratory health, treating acne, treating headache, restore body cells. Her use of this herb influenced other women of class to use lavender to perfume themselves. Such a neat way to infuse meats and vegetables with a light taste of lavender. Try finely chopping the smaller leaves and sprinkling over potato dishes, or include in marinades, herbal spice blends, or vinaigrettes. -- Lavender Magical Properties and Uses Please log in again. Tiesta Tea - Lavender Chamomile, Loose Leaf Soft Chamomile Herbal Tea, Non-Caffeinated, Hot & Iced Tea, 0.9 oz Pouch - 25 Cups, Natural, Stress Relief & Health Support, Herbal Tea Loose Leaf. Previous post: Reader Question: Does lavender attract bees? Pour apple cider vinegar into the jar until filled. It is also used in the treatment of insomnia, this essential oil stimulates sleep. Use organic lavender blooms as a garnish to add beautiful a purple hue to your cooking Make lavender scented soap bars and give it for a wonderful homemade Christmas gift A few drops of lavender essential oil on the skin can help soothe bug bites Next, spread the leaves out on a clean dish towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry for several days. It is well known for its ability to relax the mind and improve quality of sleep. :). As with any fresh ingredient you’ll want to use it quickly. Harvesting and drying lavender leaves is super easy! You could use dried leaves as well. Fill the jar with your favorite oil, such as sunflower, sweet almond, rice bran, etc. As I dry lavender, I leave it on the stem and so sometimes leaves get mixed in with the buds, or I will snip the stems with leaves and dry those on their own. Very soothing for my scalp. Just add a few drops into a diffuser or four to six drops in a bowl of hot water, and let the steam help open up your airways. The flower buds, leaves, and stems of lavender can be used fresh or dried in dishes ranging from sweet floral desserts to heartier meat dishes. What are the benefits of lavender leaves and flowers for the haie and scalp! One of the easiest uses for Lavender leaves is making Lavender oil. The Romans used its scent to ward off insects as well as mice and other pests in the house. Lavender is a very versatile plant, with many aromatic, culinary, and home uses. Thanks so much for buying the book & signing up for the course! Or, try including the dried leaves in bath teas or home cleaning recipes. Jun 17, 2019 - Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! You can find the full recipe for bug bite sticks on my site. In one 2006 study, sleep-deprived college students inhaled either lavender or a placebo. Add a half batch, or the whole amount, into a comfortably warm bath while the water is running. As long as they have a noticeable color and scent, they’re good to use. An isolated lavender leaf against a blurred blue background. Reader Question: Does lavender attract bees. If a recipe calls just for lavender, it's probably safe to assume it's the leaves. So happy you found the information on using lavender leaves helpful! Thank you for sharing. Steep for at least 3 or 4 weeks, then strain. Although the taste is going to be even stronger than rosemary, so less is more, if you choose to put the leaves into a recipe. These properties make it a great addition to body products and the smell makes it a delight to wear. For a quick infusion: Set the uncovered jar down into a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. I want to use the leaves to make an infused oil that I can use in alcohol mixtures to spray linen. Smooth the mask over your clean, damp face and neck, then rinse it off with warm water after 15 minutes. This also prompted an increase in sales of this product throughout that land. I love this….My husband and I are starting a lavender farm in Iowa next spring….I am in love with all your ideas and have purchased your book…taking your online class about making soap!!! Lavender oil has many uses for treating the skin. Remember to keep a light hand though, so as not to overpower the dish. Increase intelligence: Drink the tea, make a sachet, or eat food crafted from lavender to increase your brain power. I have 3ft high lavender plants, but no buds after the 1st bloom. Because of the association with clothes-washing, medieval English washerwomen were referred to as lavenders. Remember to keep a light hand though, so as not to overpower the dish. Since then, English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has become the most popular choice for culinary purposes, given its mild, peppery floral flavor. Stir a few times to release air bubbles. The plant produces flowers on shoots or spikes which can be 20–40 cm (8–16 in) long. Thomas Keller Teaches Cooking Techniques Start with a very small amount and add more as you taste, to ensure you don’t ruin your dish! Lavender is in the mint family (Lamiaceae), as evidenced by its bilabiate flowers, aromatic oils, opposite leaves and square stem. Lavenders require low to medium fertility soil. You can make lavender oil from lavender leaves in the very same way that you make an infused oil with the flowers. The flowers are lilac or blue in color. Lavender existed for centuries and has been of use in many ways since time immemorial. These easy DIY bug bite sticks can be made with lavender leaf infused oil to help relieve the itchiness of pesky bug bites. One … A curling lavender leaf fading into an abstract blue background. Two yellow flowers of lavender leaf sundrops at Bryce Canyon National Park trail with hoodoos. :), Hi Betty, I’m so happy to hear that! Jan Berry is a writer, herbalist, soapmaker, and bestselling author of The Big Book of Homemade Products, Simple & Natural Soapmaking, and Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps. Those who used lavender slept more soundly and felt more refreshed upon waking up. Lavender is grown in northern Africa and the Mediterranean mountains, often for extraction of its essential oils. Lavender is one of the budding herbalists’ best friends. In China lavender is used in a medicinal oil called White Flower Oil (2). The flower and the oil of lavender are used to make medicine. It naturally reduces inflammation, lessens pain, and cleans the surface of the skin. Lavender and chamomile tea straight from the garden is divine. There’s a reason lavender is used in so many of my DIY creations. Lavender is commonly used for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Looking for more creative ways to use flowers and herbs? The dried flowers are used for infusions: herb tea, flavouring honey or cream, etc. You could make a soap for hair and scalp and include bits of flowers and leaves in that, but it’s really the oil that is being extracted from those leaves and flowers that’s going to bring you the benefit of lavender. Blend equal parts of fresh chopped green herbs and Epsom salt in a mini food processor. Available from your favorite bookstore or the following book sellers: Lavender Face Cream with Lilacs & Violets {3 recipes! You’ll need lavender leaves, sunflower (or other) oil, beeswax, and lavender essential oil to make these handy itchy sticks. Cap with a plastic lid, or if using a metal lid, place a few layers of wax paper or plastic wrap between the lid and jar to avoid corrosion. Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! The fresh flowers are usually used for garnishing. In addition to the tastiest lemonade you’ll ever drink, Richelle Reilly (pictured here) has come up with lots of uses for fresh lavender, which she grows and sells along with fresh cut flowers at McReilly Farms, open weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dot from NC writes: What are some uses of lavender leaves? Spread the green colored salt over a sheet of wax paper and allow to air dry for a day or two, then crumble or re-blend the mix to an even texture. You can also place a drop of oil on the back of your tongue, or behind each ear to help reduce nausea and motion sickness. Use lavender leaves for tea, use lavender essential oil to relax, or use it to attract pollinators! Fresh Lavender Uses: What can you do with fresh cut lavender? Some of the earliest recorded uses of lavender are by the Roman soldiers who used the wild-growing plant to perfume their bathwater and wash their clothes. Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects. How to Make Lavender Tea English lavender, Lavendula angustifolia, is the most widely cultivated species of lavender and the type used in most recipes. My favorite way to use lavender leaves, though, is to dry them and put them in sachets. Love this I made a hair oil out of this and rosemary. 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,853. When the infusing time has passed, strain. Lavender comes from the same family as mint but shares the fragrant characteristic of citronella. To make, fill a jar about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with fresh lavender leaves. Subscribe to my newsletter and receive my latest natural soap ideas, herbal projects and DIY body care recipes sent straight to your inbox once or twice per month! You can actually use fresh leaves similarly to how you would use rosemary. From soaps to scones to sprays, we rounded up several lovely ways to put your lavender to good use. Whether you’re just learning about herbalism, or are looking for a way to get more use out of these easy-to-grow herb, so I’m sharing 9 awesome ideas for how to use lavender around the homestead. They’re perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on the go! The powerful aroma of the leaves indicates that they doubtless have overlapping benefits with the flowers, which is why I enjoy including them in salves, balms, soaks, and other DIY projects. :). Dye Fabric With Lavender Leaves. Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects. Drying lavender is easy, and doesn’t take much time. Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects. :). You could make a soap for hair and scalp and include bits of flowers and leaves in that, but it’s really the oil that is being extracted from those leaves and flowers that’s going to bring you the benefit of lavender. Cooking with Lavender Leaves. Reader Question: When is the best time to plant/harvest lavender in North Carolina? Every part of the plant may be used to make distilled Lavender oil. Hi Nita! Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae.It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India.. And of course, make sure the lavender you’re using is safe for cooking. Hi Mia, So happy to hear you enjoyed reading about ways to use lavender leaves & flowers! Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic. A curling lavender leaf on the right, in the foreground, fading into an abstract blue background . :). Aug 28, 2018 - Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! That sounds like a wonderful combination! Much like the smell has a soothing effect on the brain, lavender can have the same calming effects when taken internally. I loved reading all the uses of lavender leaves n flowers The information on this site is for idea-sharing only. But, most people still focus on just the buds. Remove from heat and strain. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Visit my article on Sinus & Headache Balm for the full recipe! All content © The Nerdy Farm Wife - All Rights Reserved. In many recipes, lavender leaves can be used in place of fresh rosemary. The leaves have the same scent as the buds, just stronger – which is nice for closets and dressers. View Gallery 30 Photos Getty Images . Therefore turn to any one of these fresh lavender uses. READ ALSO: How to Store Dried Lavender. Know the different types and the advantages you get for growing them. To harvest, snip off the top tips of the plant while the leaves are green, avoiding the tougher woody section found further down the stem. All recipes are made and used at your own risk. Thanks for the kind comment! Lavender has been used medicinally for centuries as a remedy for digestive issues, headaches, grief and stress. Next post: Reader Question: When is the best time to plant/harvest lavender in North Carolina? When properly dried and stored, lavender leaves may be kept in storage for up to a year. This oil can be used for massage, or cooking depending on what base oil you choose. The poorest of these women were reputedly also prostitutes, and so the word came to have a double-meaning. Long Life: Use lavender in your beauty routine or carry the flower on you to promote longevity. In many recipes, lavender leaves can be used in place of fresh rosemary. Lavender leaf sundrops at Bryce Canyon National Park trail. For easier cleanup, pour the bath soak into a muslin tea bag or old sock before adding to the tub. LOVE THE BLOG!, Hi Aleatra! The login page will open in a new tab. If collecting a larger amount of lavender leaves, soon after the flowers bloom is a good time to do so. Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects. First though, you may wonder – what are the health benefits of lavender leaves? The scent of fresh lavender has the ability to transport us to a place of utter serenity and refreshing calm. This site rocks the Classic Responsive Skin for Thesis. Lavender plants are small, branching and spreading shrubs with grey-green leaves and long flowering shoots. (Learn more about my drying methods by visiting my article, “How to Harvest and Dry Flowers & Herbs from Your Garden“.). You can always add more, if needed! For a slower, but stronger infusion: Cap the jar of dried leaves and oil and tuck away in a cabinet for around 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember to. It’s an all-natural remedy that helps relieve stuffy noses, allergies, and headaches. Best of luck with your lavender farm; it sounds amazing! You can always add more, if needed! Use sprigs of lavender leaves to create a natural gray dye suitable for cotton, wool, and linen fabrics. Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects. What is Lavender? Nourishing a dry scalp. If nitrogen fertilizer is added or materials such as manure or enriched compost are used lavender leaves will turn yellow and the plant will often grow leggy with fewer blooms. Get it as soon as Tue, Jan 12. }, Lavender Rose Balm Recipe {with calendula}, After Bath Sleepy Time Lotion Recipe {for kids, or all ages!}. If potted lavender leaves are turning yellow it’s most likely a sign of stress due to excess nitrogen in the soil. The leaves can be simple or pinnate measuring 30–50 mm (1–2 in) in length. They also cultivated lavender and used it as trimmings for their lawns. If you enjoyed learning more about some of the uses for lavender leaves, let’s stay in touch! As an Amazon Asssociate we earn from qualifiying purchases. Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! Hi Chere, Thanks for the tip! So happy to hear that – the hair oil combination sounds lovely! Lavender leaves and flowers are usually used in sachets (closets, wardrobe drawers and pillows) and the oil is most commonly used in hair and skin products. This lovely bath soak features lavender leaves and other fresh green herbs from your garden, such as mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, plantain, violet leaves, or pine needles. The website thenerdyfarmwife.com, operating under Honey Bee Hill Creatives LLC, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Great article. For centuries, many a culture have taken the opportunity to use this herb of tranquility to invite soothing, peaceful energies and usher in a cleansing air. Learn all about how to dry lavender, with step-by-step instructions for five different drying methods. ), a hair rinse after shampooing (dilute up to 1/2 with water), diluted to make an after-bath rinse for a dog, or spritzed on to repel fleas & ticks, mixed with an equal amount of water + pinch of cornstarch to make a glass & window cleaner, add 1/2 to 1 cup infused vinegar + 1/2 to 1 cup of Epsom salt for a detox bath. What is the best procedure to harvest the plants and get the infused oil please ..?? If you just want a handful here and there for a project, then you can snip them any time during the growing season. Lavender leaves and flowers are usually used in sachets (closets, wardrobe drawers and pillows) and the oil is most commonly used in hair and skin products. You can make an infused oil using both the leaves and the flowers. I’m off to pick my lavender. To use lavender, try mixing 3 drops lavender oil with 1 tablespoon of raw honey for an easy DIY face mask. Heat over a low burner for a few hours, keeping a close eye that the water doesn’t evaporate out.