32 Uses of Lavender

Photo by Lexipexi, via Wikimedia Commons

Lavender is one of the most useful herbs you can grow and use.  Here are a 32 uses:

1. Mix into a sleep pillow
2. Dab lavender essential oil (EO) on your pulse points to combat anxiety.
3. Medieval monks used to wear lavender to banish evil spirits, bring that into modern use by pinning on a sprig to keep negativity away.
4. Lavender placed under the bed of newlyweds is said to keep passion fresh through the marriage.
5. Ease period pain by diluting lavender essential oil in a carrier oil (try olive oil) and massaging it onto your tummy.
6. Have oily hair?  Make a hair rinse from a gallon of water, a few drops of lavender EO and the juice of a lemon.  Pour over hair after shampooing and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.  
7. Treat minor cuts, bruises, bug bites or sprains by soaking a cloth in a pan of warm water with a few drops of lavender EO added.  Wrap cloth loosely over injury until it cools.  Repeat.
8. Mix lavender flowers with jasmine and chamomile and crush together in a mortar and pestle.  Burn over self-lighting charcoal to create calm, loving vibrations in your home.
9. Pour hot water over a bowl of lavender flowers; let steep 5 minutes; strain.  Add water to your bath for a relaxing, calming bath after a hard day or before going to sleep.
10. Add lavender flowers to sugar cookies for a delicious twist.
11. The smell of burning lavender is said to ease the pain of childbirth.
12. Add lavender flowers to lemonade.
13. Wrap flowers in a scrap of cloth or old hankie and place into dresser drawers to infuse your clothing with a wonderful, subtle scent.
14. Add lavender to a bottle of witch hazel.  Let set for a week, strain.  Apply to face with cotton ball to remove dirt and oil.
15. Sprinkle lavender flowers on vanilla ice cream.
16. Drink lavender tea on a day you know will be full of stress.
17.  Lavender tea can also help with gas, nausea, insomnia, dabbed on acne or sunburn.
18. Carry lavender when you are ghost hunting - it's said to help you see ghosts.
19.  Add lavender flowers and water to a pan on the stove and bring to a boil.  Turn down to a simmer and let it fill the house with it's scent and moisture - great for the dry days of winter! (Never leave pot unattended on stove!)
20. Rub lavender EO on your temples to help with headaches.
21. Add lavender EO to a foot soak to help kill fungus such as athlete's foot.
22. Dab lavender EO onto your vacuum bag to help spread the scent around while you clean.
23. Create a lavender body powder by grinding 1/2 cup lavender flowers into a fine powder.  Add to 1 1/2 cups cornstarch.  Optionally add 15 drops of EO.  Place in an air-tight container.
24. Place lavender into a piece of cheesecloth and tie closed with a piece of string. Add to a jar of sugar (get it down into the middle).  Seal the jar and let sit for a month, shaking occasionally.  Remove lavender and used the lavender sugar for baking or in drinks.
25. Make lavender jelly (scroll down this page for a recipe)
26. Add lavender and oatmeal to a piece of cheesecloth, tie shut and add to bath to combat dry, itchy skin.
27. Use lavender as an offering, or to honor, any of the following deities: Hekate, Hestia, Hypnos, Saturn, Cernunnos, Circe, Medea
28. Add a few lavender flowers to the envelope of a love letter.
29. Lavender flowers are a traditional ingredient in love spells.
30. Use lavender in protection charms or spells.
31. Place a mojo bag of lavender in the central part of your home to promote love, contentment and health.
32. Make lavender simple syrup

Please note: Do not ingest lavender essential oil.  If you are pregnant, nursing, trying to become pregnant or taking prescription medication, ask your medical professional before using lavender.  The above information is for education and entertainment use only.  It should not be taken as medical advice.

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