Important Legal Stuff
The information contained within this ebook is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat,
diagnose, prescribe or cure. Any attempt to diagnose or treat an illness should be done under the
supervision of a health care professional. The author is not responsible for actions taken by the reader in the
use or preparation of any of the information contained within this ebook.
No part of this publication may be sold in whole or in part without the prior written permission of the author.
This is a free ebook, so it is perfectly fine to share with family and friends. However, please do not copy or
duplicate entire recipes or pages from this book onto your blog or website without express prior permission
from the author. Thank you for respecting the author's expended time and effort by abiding by these
guidelines.
There are a few affiliate links in this book. That means that if you click on the link to MountainRoseHerbs or
Bulk Herbs and buy something, the author earns a small commission. This is at no additional cost to you, but
does help fund her blogging hobby and slightly out-of-control heirloom seed collecting habit.
All images © by Jan Berry, 2013
Table of Contents:
Introduction....................................................4
Drying Lavender.............................................5
Infused Lavender Oil......................................6
Lavender Essential Oil...................................7
Lavender Tea.................................................8
Lavender Bath Salts...................................13
Lavender Tincture..........................................9
Lavender Vinegar.......................................14
Lavender Salve............................................10
Lavender Herbal Scouring Powder.............15
Lavender Honey Sugar Scrub......................11
Lavender Soft Scrub...................................16
Lavender Calming Spray..............................12
Favorite Lavender Recipes
End Notes...................................................17
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Introduction:
Lavender is one of the most loved herbs around. Not only
is it pleasing to the senses, it offers a host of health
benefits to its users as well.
In this little book, we're going to explore just what makes
lavender special while I share some of my favorite recipes
and ideas.
Many of these projects make great gifts for the loved ones
in your life!
If you have children, be sure to let them help you, when
appropriate. This helps foster a life long love of herbs and
ensures that the creative art of herbal crafting will live on!
Favorite Lavender Recipes
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Drying Lavender:
The best time to pick lavender for drying is mid-morning, after
the dew has had time to evaporate. It's a good idea to pick
before the buds are fully opened, that way they won't fall off as
they dry. Having said that though, I usually pick whenever the
opportunity presents itself.
Some like to tie lavender in a bunch and hang it upside down to
dry. My daughter does this for me, in fact.
My own method of drying herbs is very unscientific (but still
effective.) I simply gather various leaves and flowers as I'm out
and about the garden, then come inside and spread the freshly
picked treasure out on white paper towels or brown paper
lunch bags.
These collections stays on my kitchen counter until completely
dry. I then place in capped and labeled mason jars and store in
a cool dark cupboard.
Not the fanciest way, but I've been quite happy with this method
for years! The main thing is to make sure your harvest gets
plenty of air circulation and is 100% dry before storing.
If you don't have a source of lavender at home, you can always
order online. Two of my favorite places to buy herbs are
Mountain Rose Herbs and Bulk Herb Store, or you may be able
to get your local health store to order you some.
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Infused Lavender Oil:
By letting herbs and flowers infuse in oil for a certain amount of
time, we're able to extract many of the beneficial properties
into an easy to use and apply form.
In the case of lavender, we are transferring scent along with
anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits.
This is not the same as lavender essential oil which is highly
concentrated and only used a drop at a time. This infused oil
can be used to massage restless legs, as an itchy scalp
treatment (just a few drops) and as an ingredient in some of the
projects in this book.
There are two ways to infuse an oil:
•
•
Quick Way – This is the method I use if I'm dealing with
fresh plant material because their water content can
sometimes make the oil spoil more quickly if it's infused
the slow way.
Slow Way – my preferred method, ideal for dry herbs.
Both ways involve first filling a jar partially with flowers or herbs,
then covering with a light oil such as olive or sweet almond oil.
For the quick method: leaving the jar uncapped, set it down
into a pan half filled with water, forming a makeshift double
boiler. Heat the water until it is warm, but not boiling or even
simmering. Let the oil infuse in this gentle heat for an hour or
two. Make sure that the heat isn't too high. We're not trying to
fry our flowers!
If dealing with fresh plant matter, then fill the jar half to threequarters full of lavender. If dealing with dry plant matter, I
usually just fill about a fourth of a jar. Dry herbs will expand as
they infuse, so need the extra room.
(continued...)
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(infused lavender oil, continued...)
After the allotted time is up, remove the jar from heat and let
cool overnight without capping. You can use a piece of
cheesecloth on top of the jar to keep bugs and dirt out. The
next morning, strain out the flowers and store the remaining oil
in a tightly sealed jar in a dark cabinet for up to a year. If you
wish to further preserve the oil, you can add a drop of rosemary
essential oil or the contents of a capsule of vitamin E oil.
For the slow method: fill the jar about a fourth of the way full
with dried herbs. You don't have to be precise.
Lavender Essential Oil:
Pour a light oil such as olive or sweet almond over the herbs
and up to the top of the jar.
The simple whiff of lavender often calms the nerves and uplifts.
If you're feeling slightly queasy or can't relax and go to sleep,
try dabbing a drop or two of lavender essential oil on the corner
of your pillow case. Breathe deeply and you will soon find
yourself in a relaxed state, more conducive to sleep.
Put a cap on the jar and let it sit in a dark cupboard for four to
six weeks, shaking occasionally, as often as you remember to.
After this amount of time, strain out the used up flowers and
store the oil in a labeled jar with a tight lid. I store all of my
herbs and oils in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life.
Favorite Lavender Recipes
Some of the projects in this book call for lavender essential oil.
I like to buy mine from Mountain Rose Herbs because of their
high quality and standards, but use what you have available.
Remember that cheaper oils are usually diluted and not as
potent, so you may need to add more to compensate.
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Lavender Tea:
If you're thinking that lavender tea might taste kind of... flowery,
well, you're right!
While you can drink small amounts of the tea for relaxation
purposes, you get just as many benefits using lavender
externally. So, I like to use the tea, just not for drinking.
Lavender tea can be made by placing a tablespoon or two of
dried lavender flowers in a heat proof cup and then pouring a
cup or so of boiling water over them. Cover with a saucer and
let steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
Lavender tea (or infusion) can be used as:
•
•
•
•
a compress or rinse on sores and burns
a relaxing addition to your bathwater
a hair rinse to help treat dandruff
a rinse for dogs with itchy skin, hot spots or problems
with fleas
If you do decide to drink lavender tea, be aware that a little bit
can help indigestion while drinking too many cups can cause
stomach upset. Many people drink equal parts of regular tea
with their lavender tea to make it more palatable. Also, if you're
pregnant, nursing, or on medications – check with your doctor
before internal use of any herb.
Favorite Lavender Recipes
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Lavender Tincture:
Lavender tinctures are super simple to make and have some
great uses of their own to offer.
To make a tincture with fresh flowers, place some lavender in a
glass jar and fill with vodka or other high proof alcohol. Aim for
a rough ratio of twice as much alcohol as flowers. Cap, shake
and store in a cool, dark place for four to six weeks before
straining.
To make a tincture with dried flowers, add lavender to a jar and
pour vodka or other high proof alcohol over top, keeping a
rough 1 part dried herb to 5 parts alcohol ratio. Dried herbs
expand, so you'll need to make sure to allow room for that.
Cap, shake and store in a cool, dark place as for fresh flowers.
Uses for the tincture:
•
•
•
•
Rub full strength on your temples for headache or
insomnia.
Apply directly to your hair to discourage lice.
Treat your combs and hairbrushes with the tincture as
another means to discourage lice.
Dilute with water (30 drops per ½ cup of water) to treat
skin sores and infections.
You can find these cobalt blue bottles (and ones with droppers)
at Specialty Bottle for a reasonable price.
Favorite Lavender Recipes
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Lavender Salve Recipe:
This recipe uses the infused oil we made above. It's great for
rubbing on restless legs, tired muscles, and to massage on the
temples and back of the neck when you have a headache. It's
also skin conditioning so will help any little dry skin spots you
might have.
I sized this salve to fit a two ounce glass jar, but you can
double, triple or quadruple the recipe as desired.
To make this salve you'll need:
•
•
•
5 tablespoons lavender infused oil (see page 6)
1 tablespoon beeswax pastilles (or for a vegan option, ½
tablespoon candelilla wax)
optional: a few drops of lavender essential oil for added
scent (though the infused oil will have quite a bit already)
Combine the lavender infused oil and wax in a heat proof
measuring cup and set down into a pan filled with a few inches
of water.
Pour the mixture into little tins or jars. (I buy mine from
www.SpecialtyBottle.com but you may be able to find them
locally as well.)
Heat gently until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and stir
in the lavender essential oil, if desired.
Let cool and the cover with the top. These have a shelf life of
about a year.
Favorite Lavender Recipes
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Lavender Honey Sugar Scrub:
This scrub exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft, silky and smooth.
Use on your feet, elbows and knees.
I used organic evaporated cane juice, raw honey and sunflower
oil for this version, but feel free to use whatever type of sugar
and oil that you have on hand.
To make this you'll need:
•
•
•
•
•
½ cup cane sugar
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon honey
2 to 3 drops of lavender essential oil
optional: pinch of crushed lavender flowers
Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well.
This recipe makes just enough to fit in a small 4 ounce jelly jar.
To use, scoop out a small amount and gently rub on dry areas
of skin such as feet, elbows and knees. Rinse well with warm
water.
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Lavender Calming Spray:
This is something that I've been making for quite some time. In
fact, it was among the first of my herbal experiments!
Initially, I used it to help calm rowdy children as bedtime
approached. These days I use it as part of a treatment plan for
my eldest dog.
As he's reached the sunset years of his life, he's gotten more
jittery and nervous. Sudden noises, storms, cameras,
flashlights, the dark – all of these things and a million more
triggers make him shake uncontrollably.
I mist this into the air and treat him with herbs such as
passionflower. A few minutes of that along with comforting
stroking of his head will usually settle him down enough to
sleep.
To make this all you need is: water, lavender essential oil and a
spray bottle.
Fill the bottle almost to the top with water. Add several drops of
lavender essential oil.
To use: Shake well then spray the mist around the room to add
a subtle, calming lavender scent to the air.
Please note that while lavender is safe for use on dogs, most
essential oils are toxic to cats, so this should not be used for
any of your feline friends.
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Lavender Bath Salts:
Bath salts are so fun and easy to make!
To make these you will need:
•
•
•
•
1 cup Epsom salts
several drops of lavender essential oil
optional: a pinch or two of dried lavender flowers
optional: ¼ sea salt
Combine the Epsom salts with sea salt, if using.
If desired, rub a few pinches of dried lavender flowers between
your fingers to crush and release their scent. Add to the salt as
well.
Add several drops of lavender essential oil. (Let your nose be
your guide as to how much you use.)
Stir well and pour into a pretty jar. I got the one shown at my
local Michaels Craft Store.
To use: Sprinkle in your bath as the water runs. Seal tightly
between uses to retain the lovely lavender scent.
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Lavender Vinegar:
To make this, gather lavender, rub the buds off into a jar, then
cover with heated vinegar. Immediately cap to keep the vapors
in. Store in a dark cabinet for a few weeks, shaking periodically.
If you don’t have fresh lavender, you can buy dried from
Mountain Rose Herbs or Bulk Herb Store.
Strain and store in a glass container with a non-metallic top. If
you don’t have a non-metallic top, then use a layer of plastic
wrap between the lid and the vinegar to prevent rusting and a
yucky metallic taste.
This vinegar can be used in many ways. Some of my favorite
uses are:
Favorite Lavender Recipes
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•
Fabric Softener – use ¼ cup vinegar and enough water
to fill your fabric softener dispenser in your washer
•
Hair Rinse – use about 1 part vinegar to 6 to 8 parts
water. Use after shampooing to remove soap residue and
add shine. Vinegar also helps itchy scalps.
•
Pet Rinse/Flea Repellant – If the fleas are particularly
bothersome, I use equal parts vinegar and water. Rinse
or spray on your pet to help repel fleas and ease itchy
skin.
•
This also makes a great addition to your bath, especially
if you have achy joints. Add ½ to 1 cup vinegar to your
bathwater.
TheNerdyFarmWife.com
Lavender Herbal Scouring Powder:
Chemical scouring powders from the store are usually laden
with heavy duty toxins and a strong smell that's intolerable to
many people with sensitivities.
As an alternative, these homemade herbal scouring powders
are pleasantly scented and completely non-toxic.
To make you'll need:
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon finely ground lavender
• 3 to 8 drops lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients well and store in a covered jar or recycled
shaker container.
To use: Sprinkle a small bit in your sink or tub and scrub with a
sponge or old rag. Rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue.
If you need a tougher version, add a tablespoon or two of borax
to the mix. If you’ve never used a scrubbing product on your
sink/tub before, be sure to do a tiny test patch first!
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Lavender Soft Scrub:
Homemade soft scrub is one of my most favorite things in the
world!
Not only does it do a great job on my shower, but it has the
alternative use of being a great foot scrub for getting feet
sandal-weather-ready. Let's see the store bought version do
that!
It's also extremely simple to make.
First, mix together:
•
•
•
½ cup baking soda
1 tablespoon castile soap
a few drops of lavender essential oil
Then, add just enough water to make a thick paste.
I store mine in a repurposed small castile soap bottle.
To use, squirt a small amount out onto a rag or sponge and
scrub the area to be cleaned. Rinse well.
If you've not used a homemade cleaner on your sinks or tubs
before, be sure to do a spot test first!
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End Notes:
I hope you enjoyed this little ebook! Please, feel free to pass the file
along to interested family and friends as well.
About the Author:
There are a few affiliate links scattered throughout the book & my
website to Mountain Rose Herbs or Bulk Herb Store. That means if
you click on the link and purchase something, I earn a small
commission. This is at no cost to you, but does help support me and
let's me keep doing what I'm doing!
Jan Berry lives on a seven acre hobby farm in the middle of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. She spends her days homeschooling her two
children, hanging out with her handsome husband, wrangling three
rascally goats and keeping up with the antics of thirty-five chickens,
four ducks, three bunnies, three dogs and one cat.
Be sure to check out my website: http://TheNerdyFarmWife.com for
other project ideas and free ebooks.
You can also find me at:
She enjoys growing a variety of herbs and flowers and loves coming
up with creative, new ways to use them.
Facebook
Google+
Instagram
Pinterest
Her sweet tooth drives her never-ending experiments in the kitchen
which sometimes produce yumminess and, due to her perpetual
scatterbrainedness, occasionally a fire, or three.
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•
•
•
She likes to while away her spare time playing Word Hero, Tetris and
Skyrim, among other games.
You can find her at TheNerdyFarmWife.com!
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