If you had a chance to read “All Things Lavender,” you know I’m passionate about lavender and use it almost daily. Here are some of my favorite ways to work with lavender.
When I feel a cold sore coming on, I immediately reach for lavender essential oil and apply it directly to the affected area. This essential oil can also be dabbed-on to skin blemishes or acne spots, if you experience troubled skin.
Full moon baths are a regular indulgence, and I make bath salts around the time of the New Moon to prepare in advance. For this, you will need a decorative storage jar, or skip the aesthetics and go directly for a muslin or cheesecloth “teabag” to steep the bathwater and prevent the plant matter from going down the drain. If you have a fine mesh, removable drain filter, feel free to forego the teabag and add the plant matter directly to your bath. My favorite bath salt recipes by need:
Base Recipe
- 1 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup pink Himalayan sea salt
- 2 Tbsp dried Lavender flower buds
- 8 drops of Lavender essential oil
For eczema, add:
- 1 Tbsp Oat powder
- 1 Tbsp Calendula flower petals
- 6 drops Melissa oil
For relaxation, add:
- 2 Tbsp Cornflower petals (a.k.a. Bachelor Buttons)
- 8 drops Grapefruit or Sweet Orange essential oil
For menses, add:
When it comes to culinary uses, of the varieties that we grow, I prefer to used Munstead Lavender. It is incredibly important to use only 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils whenever you are ingesting anything, and a small amount goes a very long way. I generally will just add a drop of oil or a pinch of dried flower to tea to relax, but I love to keep Lavender simple syrup around as as an addition to any cup of tea, cocktail, or mocktail. A basic recipe to follow:
- Simmer 1/4 cup dried Lavender bud with 1 quart of water over low heat for about 30 minutes, or until reduced down to half of what it was–approximately 1 pint.
- Add 2 cups of organic honey and stir until smooth and well combined.
- Remove from heat, bring to room temperature before using.
- Bottle and store refrigerated for up to three months.
One of my favorite summertime refreshments is fresh Lavender lemonade, which truly makes for a gorgeous and delicious medicine for the body and soul. In a large pitcher, combine:
- 2 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup of Lavender syrup
- Feel free to adjust the ratio to your flavor preference. Serve over ice with fresh mint, a slice of lemon, and a sprig of fresh Lavender.
Stay tuned for more ways to make lavender part of your daily life and please, let us know your favorite recipes!
