Ever wonder what to do with dried lavender? Let’s discover dried lavender uses, recipes and more in this informative lavender post.
With dried lavender flowers and buds, you can create and do a seemingly endless number of things. Let’s examine just a few of the numerous applications for dried lavender.
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What is Lavender?
Lavender is a flowering plant of the Lamiaceae family that is calming, healing, and has a beautiful, deep floral scent that can be used in a wide range of applications.
Both Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) and Lavandula stoechas (French lavender) are frequently found in foods, beverages, personal care, and home goods. Both are edible, but some people prefer one over the other due to the slight differences in their aromas and flavors.
English lavender has a delicate, floral aroma and a mildly sweet flavor, whereas French lavender has a stronger, more pine-like aroma and a more earthy flavor.
For the best results when attempting some of the fun ideas below, I do suggest growing or obtaining dried lavender that is organic and free of pesticides.
Related Post: How to Dry Lavendar?
13 Dried Lavender Uses
Here are the most common uses of dried lavender.
1. Facial Cleansing Grains
Lavender is an excellent addition to facial care products because of its inherent anti-bacterial and soothing properties for the skin. These lavender facial cleansing grains not only smell heavenly, but leave your skin silky smooth.
2. Bath Salts
Not only do bath salts relieve stress, but they also make wonderful presents for friends or family members who could use a little self-care. To make lavender bath salts, you can simply mix 2 cups epsom salt with one cup of baking soda, then mix in 2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds (optionally, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil as well). Add 1/2 cup of bath salts to the tub’s warm running water, then soak and enjoy!
3. Lavender Simple Syrup
Simple syrup made from lavender is a fantastic way to preserve the flavor of lavender in a bottle. You can use lavender simple syrup to flavor a variety of hot and cold drinks, to replace maple syrup in breakfast dishes, to soak baked goods, and more! To make it, check out my favorite lavender simple syrup recipe.
4. Lavender Lemonade
The sweeter side of lavender tastes great in lavender lemonade. This lavender lemonade recipe is easy, tasty and super refreshing.
5. Dryer Bags
This is one of my favorite methods for savoring the scent of lavender! To make DIY lavender dryer bags, simply fill a small muslin drawstring bag with dried lavender flowers, tie it tightly a few times, then throw it into the dryer before your next dryer cycle. It will never be the same again doing laundry!
6. Lavender Sachets
Filling a small, cute fabric bag with dried lavender to make a lavender sachet is a great use for a bunch of lavender you may have on hand. The sachets can be used for their natural fragrance by putting them under your pillow for a more restful night’s sleep, in bedside tables, clothing drawers, or wrapped gifts. This is the most heavenly way to experience lavender’s fragrance.
7. Lavender as Decoration
As a striking addition to your living space, you can dry your own lavender harvest in bundles (or buy them) and store the bundles in vases. Dry lavender bunches hold both their form and scent for some time to come.
8. Homemade All Purpose Cleaner
To make a natural cleaner, fill a jar halfway with dried lavender buds, then cover with white distilled or apple cider vinegar and allow it to steep for at least 2 weeks. To use the lavender vinegar for household cleaning, strain it and pour it into a spray bottle. Alternately, you can add lavender to Four Thieves vinegar to make it more cleansing.
9. Lavender Moon Milk
When it comes to soothing lavender, a warm, comforting beverage just fits, and moon milk is no exception. Check out this lavender moon milk recipe to destress and unwind.
10. Insect Repellent
To use lavender as a bug repellent, simmer one part dried lavender and one part water for 20 minutes. Pour the water into a spray bottle after cooling and straining it. Spray this lavender tea on your skin or anywhere you are trying to keep the bugs away.
11. Infused Oil
Infused oils are a wonderful way to enjoy nearly any herb. To make lavender infused oil, mix one part dried lavender flowers with 2 parts carrier oil of choice and allow to infuse for at least a few weeks before straining and using. Try using high-quality olive oil for cooking; jojoba or sweet almond oil is better for external use. It works great as a moisturizer after showering.
12. Lavender Potpourri
To make your own lavender potpourri, combine dried lavender buds with another favorite fragrant dried flower, such as rose buds or jasmine flowers, as well as a few drops of lavender essential oil. Place in a decorative bowl wherever a space could use a little levity after tossing to coat.
13. Baked Goods
By incorporating dried lavender buds into your upcoming baking project, you can take advantage of all the flavor that lavender has to offer. For inspiration, check out these gluten-free vegan lavender shortbread cookies.
Also Read: What is Lavender Tea Good For?
Benefits of Lavender
You might not be aware of all the advantages that lavender has.
It Has Healing Properties
Long used as a medicine, lavender is a herb that has a long history of being beneficial. Given that it can prevent the growth of bacteria on food, lavender’s antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a fantastic kitchen tool.
It has been demonstrated that the smell of lavender alone can lower blood pressure and heart rate, both of which aid in stress relief, making it a great plant to have around when you are ill.
Helps Promote Sleep and Relaxation
Because the scent of lavender encourages the brain to produce more melatonin, a hormone that controls sleep cycles, lavender is well known for promoting restful sleep.
It has been shown that smelling lavender can lower blood pressure and heart rate which both help with stress relief.
Final Thoughts on What to Do With Dried Lavender
Lavender is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of applications, including aromatherapy, body care products, cooking, and the home. It is one of my favorite herbs for preparing my own skincare products and is a wonderful addition to any home garden.
The herb’s adaptability really appeals to me, and I also adore how wonderful its aroma is.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to Display Dried Lavender?
Put the lavender dried flowers in a vase without water as home decoration. Lavender flowers will retain their color and shape the best if you cut them before they fully open.
How Long Does Dried Lavender Last?
Most lavender will keep a very strong fragrance for an entire season when dried, but when you store and care for it correctly you can extend that life upwards of 10 years.
How Can Dried Lavender Be Kept Fresh?
Dried lavender should be kept in an airtight container and kept out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location to get the most out of it.
