6+ Uses for Lavender Leaves
- Infused Oil. You can make lavender oil from lavender leaves in the very same way that you make an infused oil with the flowers.
- Headache Salve.
- Bug Bite Itchy Sticks.
- Green Lavender Bath Soak.
- Infused Vinegar.
- Cooking with Lavender Leaves.
- 21 Comments.
What can be done with lavender leaves?
Lavender Leaves :: Ideas and Recipes
- Vinegar. Steep in vinegar and use in vinaigrettes or as a cleaning product.
- Simple Syrup. Simmer a couple stems in a simple syrup and add to lemonade, iced tea or cocktails.
- Tea.
- Mixed with Fresh Cheese.
- Scented Sugar.
- Cookies.
- Cake.
- Dried Herb Mixture.
Can you eat French lavender leaves?
All types of lavender are safe to eat, including French lavender. If you plan to cook with lavender, purchase culinary grade lavender if you aren’t growing it yourself. You can use dry or fresh lavender in cooking, but use moderate amounts so the flavor doesn’t overpower the dish.
Can you consume lavender leaves?
Lavender basics
Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavor.
What can French lavender be used for?
Plant Uses
French lavender is not generally used in cooking, but the flower buds can be used in baking, desserts, with fresh fruit, and to make lavender tea. It is used for its oil, flowers, and strong lavender scent that is very relaxing and soothing.
How do you dry fresh lavender leaves?
Hang bundles upside down to dry in a dark, warm spot. Protect drying lavender from sunlight to retain best color, and place a sheet beneath the bundles to catch any buds or blooms that might fall. You should have dried lavender bunches in about seven to 10 days, depending on humidity.
Do dried lavender leaves smell?
Lavender leaves smell wonderful, and are just as easy to dry as the flowers.
Can I make tea from lavender leaves?
Yes! While you can drink cold or hot lavender tea, if you let lavender steep for too long it can add a soapy taste to your tea. Lavender leaves however are often added to lemonade for a delicious treat! Experiment with it!
Can you burn French lavender?
The stems as well as the flowers of both English and French lavender can be bundled together and lit to fill your home with soothing and vibrant lavender smoke. Not only is lavender grown and harvested at a much more sustainable rate, it is also a “zero waste” herb.
What part of lavender is used for medicine?
Its flower and oil have a popular scent and are also used as medicine. Lavender contains an oil that seems to have calming effects and might relax certain muscles. It also seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Can you use lavender leaves in cooking?
“Lavender pairs really well with rich and fatty foods because it cuts through and lifts the overall flavor,” Cheney says. Popularly used in herbes de Provence alongside herbs like marjoram, rosemary, savory, and oregano, lavender is often paired with chicken, turkey, lamb, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
How do you use fresh lavender for sleep?
Under your sheets
To maximize lavender’s potential sleep-inducing properties, use dried lavender flowers (Mountain Rose Herbs always offers quality options) in a sachet and place underneath your bed linens to create a soft, relaxing scent that emanantes the more you snooze atop it.
Can you drink lavender water?
DIY lavender water has many benefits for skincare and can be used for drinks, too.
Does French lavender have medicinal properties?
The flowers, and the essential oil derived from them, are antiasthmatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, digestive and expectorant. It is used internally to alleviate nausea. Externally, the essential oil is used as an antiseptic wash for wounds, ulcers, sores etc and as a relaxing oil for massage.
What is the difference between lavender and French lavender?
English lavender is typically the most appealing variety when it comes to scent and is similar to rosemary. French lavender has a stronger fragrance with more pine notes, making it a popular choice for cleaning and home products. No smell is “better” than the other, it is largely based on individual preference.
Should I cut back French lavender after flowering?
Pruning, Watering & Care
As the plants fade out of bloom towards the end of summer, you should look to remove the heads by cutting the stem below the spent flower, ideally just above the first healthy set of leaves. This is known as ‘deadheading’.
Can you dry just lavender leaves?
As for how to dry lavender, it’s easy! Of the different types of lavender, go for the English or French varieties, since they contain plenty of oils. You can dry either the flowers, or the leaves and sprigs. Make sure you cut the lavender buds from the plant before the flowers open.
Should you wash lavender before drying?
Make sure that the lavender is free from dirt and any bugs. Spread them out on the trays and place in the dehydrator. Make sure that they are not touching for the best results. Set on the lowest setting.
How do you dry lavender and keep the color?
Hang the lavender bunches in a warm, dry location with good air circulation. An open window or fan nearby will help. Drying lavender in a dark place (out of direct sunlight) will improve color retention. The time it takes to fully dry can vary from a couple of weeks to over a month, depending on your climate.
How do you harvest French lavender?
Harvesting and drying lavender is simple – simply snip off the stems just before the flowers open and when you’ve gathered enough for your needs, tie the stems together and hang them up to dry somewhere sheltered.
How do you extract the oil from lavender leaves?
- Harvest. Cut and dry enough lavender to make at least 1 oz. of dried lavender.
- Infuse. Pour coconut oil over the lavender in the glass jar until lavender is covered completely. Secure lid tightly and shake well.
- Strain. Strain using a strainer or cheesecloth. Pour the mixture through a funnel into a clean glass jar.