Dried lavender is a versatile and fragrant herb that can be used in a variety of ways. From adding it to your morning cup of tea to incorporating it into your skincare routine, there are plenty of fun and practical things you can do with it.
Lavender has been used for centuries for its calming properties, and its scent is known to promote relaxation and reduce stress. But it can also be used in cooking to flavor your cookies, scones, or muffins and add a unique twist to those traditional baked goods. It can even be infused into syrups and teas for a subtle floral and herbaceous taste.
Whether you have a lavender plant in your garden or have recently purchased some dried lavender, there are a number of creative ways for you to make use of this beautiful flower. From making natural cleaning products to creating beautiful home decor, you will not run out of exciting ideas to explore and try out.
Things to Do With Dried Lavender
Dried Lavender for Home Decor
Lavender’s fragrance is not the only thing that sets it apart from other flowers; its beauty can also be used in a variety of creative ways that will surely add a touch of elegance to your home decor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-
Lavender Wreath
Lavender wreaths are a simple yet elegant way to add a touch of beauty and fragrance to your home, and they’re also extremely easy to make! To make one, you just need a wreath form, some floral wire, and, of course, dried lavender.
By simply attaching the lavender to the wreath form using the wires, you will eventually create a stunning addition to your decor. You can hang the wreath wherever you deem it fits, but it’s usually hung in front of doors, so anyone who enters the room will enjoy its lovely aroma and beauty.
-
Lavender Bouquet
A simple bouquet of dried lavender can add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to any room in your home. To create a lavender bouquet, simply gather a handful of dried lavender and tie it together with a ribbon or twine.
When paired with a beautiful vase or mason jar, you can make any table, shelf, or windowsill at home more aesthetically pleasing. Placing the bouquet near a window will also release a subtle yet calming scent into the air.
-
Lavender Sachets
Lavender sachets are a classic way to use dried lavender for home decor. Placing a sachet in a drawer or closet will keep your clothes smelling fresh and fragrant. You can even place one under your pillow so you can sleep more peacefully and relax at night.
To make a lavender sachet, you simply have to fill a small pouch or bag with dried lavender and closely seal the bag with a ribbon or twine. Using lavender sachets at home will significantly improve your quality of life without much effort.
-
Lavender Candle
Lavender candles are a simple and elegant way to add a touch of relaxation to your home decor. Its gentle aroma will not only soothe your stress but also create a calming and peaceful ambiance inside your home.
To make one, you just need some candle wax, a candle wick, and dried lavender. Melt the wax according to the instructions on the package and stir it together with the flower. Afterward, you can pour the wax into a jar or candle holder and then insert the wick before it hardens.
-
Lavender Dream Catchers
Lavender dream catchers are a beautiful way to incorporate the calming properties of lavender into your home decor. With a hoop, twine, dried lavender buds, and some imagination, you can create an elegant dream catcher that will make your home a lot more beautiful.
You can hang them in your bedroom or meditation space to promote relaxation and peaceful sleep.
Dried Lavender for Cooking and Baking
Lavender is also a fantastic herb that can add a unique flavor to your culinary creations. Adding this ingredient will surely kick things up a notch and allow you to create even better dishes for you and your family to enjoy. Here are a few ideas for incorporating dried lavender into your cooking and baking.
-
Lavender Lemonade
Lavender lemonade is a refreshing and unique twist on traditional lemonade. You can make it by combining fresh lemon juice, sugar, water, and dried lavender buds.
It will taste even better if you let the mixture sit for a few hours to infuse the flavors. Afterward, you can strain out the lavender and serve this refreshing drink over ice.
-
Lavender Syrup
If you want to flavor your drinks and desserts with something unique and delicious, you can infuse them with some homemade lavender syrup.
All that you need to do is combine sugar, water, and dried lavender buds in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Just make sure to gradually reduce the heat and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Doing that will ensure that the sugar won’t burn and the syrup will thicken properly.
Give it a quick taste, and if it is to your liking, you can strain out the rest of the lavender and store the syrup in the refrigerator.
-
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lavender adds a delicate floral note to buttery shortbread cookies. All you need to do is add dried lavender buds to your favorite shortbread recipe before baking. It is best served with tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon treat.
-
Lavender Honey
Lavender-infused honey is another delicious addition to your tea, toast, or yogurt. If you want to try it, you just need to warm both the honey and dried lavender buds in a double boiler until their flavors are infused together.
-
Lavender Gin and Tonic
Lavender adds a unique and refreshing twist to the classic gin and tonic. To make a lavender gin and tonic, simply mix gin, tonic water, and a splash of lavender syrup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender and a slice of lemon for a delicious and sophisticated cocktail.
-
Lavender Tea Blends
Lavender tea blends are a perfect way to enjoy the soothing benefits of lavender. Simply mix dried lavender with the tea blend of your choice and serve hot or iced for a relaxing and refreshing beverage.
It goes best with chamomile or green tea, but you are highly encouraged to try out different combinations with other herbs and spices to create unique and flavorful blends.
Dried Lavender for Bath and Beauty Products
Lavender is a popular ingredient in bath and beauty products due to its soothing and calming properties. So if you have some extra dried lavender at home, you can try out some of the ideas below to make your own lavender-infused self-care products.
-
Lavender Bath Salts
Lavender bath salts are a relaxing and luxurious addition to your bath routine. Just mix some Epsom salt, sea salt, baking soda, and dried lavender buds in a bowl. Then add a few drops of lavender essential oil and mix well.
Afterward, you can store the mixture in an airtight container and use a few spoonfuls whenever you would like to have a relaxing bath.
-
Lavender Soap
Making your own lavender soap is easy and fun. All that you need to do is melt the soap base of your choice in a double boiler and add dried lavender buds. You can also add lavender essential oil if you have it at home to make the soap even more fragrant.
After all that, just pour the mixture into molds and let it set before removing the soap for storage.
-
Lavender Lotion Bars
Lotion bars are a convenient and mess-free way to moisturize your skin. But you can take it to the next level by infusing some dried lavender into the mixture.
If you have an extra budget for the expensive shea butter, just mix it together with beeswax, coconut oil, and dried lavender buds. The result is one magnificent bar that will greatly improve your skincare routine.
-
Lavender Hair Rinse
With its hair growth and anti-thinning properties, using lavender to rinse your hair can help soothe an itchy scalp and promote healthy hair.
Simply put dried lavender buds in boiling water for 30 minutes, then strain out the lavender, add some apple cider vinegar, and you’re completely set. This mixture is best used as a conditioner after using shampoo.
Dried Lavender for Cleaning Products
Lavender’s fresh scent and antibacterial properties make it an ideal ingredient in cleaning products. Here are a few ideas for making your own lavender-infused cleaners.
-
Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner
Combine white vinegar, water, and dried lavender buds in a spray bottle. Let the mixture sit for a few days to infuse the lavender, then use it as an all-purpose cleaner.
-
Lavender Laundry Detergent
Lavender laundry detergent is an excellent alternative to store-bought detergents that are often filled with chemicals. Mix grated Castile soap, washing soda, and dried lavender buds. Use a tablespoon of the mixture per batch of laundry.
-
Lavender Dish Soap
Making your own lavender dish soap is easy and eco-friendly. Mix liquid Castile soap, water, and lavender essential oil in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser. Shake well before each use.
-
Lavender Air Freshener
Instead of using chemical-filled air fresheners, you can also make your own lavender-infused spray. Mix water, vodka, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it as a room spray or linen spray.
Dried Lavender for Health and Wellness
Lavender has numerous health and wellness benefits, including promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Here are a few ideas for incorporating lavender into your self-care routine.
-
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a versatile and popular oil with many uses. You can diffuse it, add it to your bath, or apply it topically with a carrier oil to help promote relaxation and ease stress.
-
Lavender Eye Pillow
A lavender eye pillow can help soothe tired eyes and promote relaxation. Fill a fabric pouch with dried lavender buds and flaxseed, then sew it shut. Place the eye pillow in the fridge or freezer for a cooling effect before use.
-
Lavender Pillow Spray
Spraying your pillow with a lavender-infused spray can help promote relaxation and improve sleep. Mix water, witch hazel, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle, and use the spray before bed.
-
Lavender Foot Soak
A lavender foot soak can help relieve sore and tired feet. Mix Epsom salt, sea salt, baking soda, and dried lavender buds in a bowl. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and mix well. Add the mixture to a warm foot bath and soak for 15-20 minutes.
Other Creative Ideas for Dried Lavender
-
Lavender Infused Vinegar
Lavender-infused vinegar can be used as a natural cleaning product or added to salads for a unique flavor. Add dried lavender buds to white vinegar and let the mixture sit for a few days to infuse the lavender.
-
Lavender Pet Bedding
Lavender can help repel fleas and soothe your pet’s skin. Add dried lavender buds to your pet’s bedding or make a sachet to place in their bed.
-
Lavender Potpourri
You can also create a fragrant and decorative potpourri by mixing dried lavender buds with dried flowers, citrus peel, and other herbs.
-
Lavender Carpet Deodorizer
You can make your own natural carpet deodorizer by mixing baking soda and dried lavender buds. Sprinkle the mixture on your carpets, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up.
Final Thoughts
Dried lavender is a versatile and useful ingredient that can add a touch of relaxation and luxury to your daily life. From home decor to cooking, cleaning, and wellness products, there are numerous ways to incorporate dried lavender into your routine.
With these tips and the ideas presented in this article, you can explore the many benefits and uses of dried lavender and discover new ways to enjoy its soothing and calming properties.
