We have been growing lavender on our Capay Organic farm for several years now, so we know about lavender’s reputation for relaxation and its ability to help with a good night's sleep. More recently we've come to know some of its lesser known qualities including its ability to disinfect, its anti-inflammatory effects and even some of its healing properties. Below are a few quick and helpful recipes for using dried lavender in your cooking, cleaning and home remedies.
For Cleaning: Lavender Vinegar
Because of its antibacterial qualities, lavender works great in your household cleaners. However, you don't have to stop there, this infused vinegar can also be used as fabric softner, flea spray, hair rinse and more.INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup of lavender buds
1 cup of vinegar
DIRECTIONS
1) Gather lavender buds and place in jar with vinegar.
2) Let sit for a few days-weeks.
3) When ready to use, strain out the buds.
Use lavender vinegar as:
*Fabric Softener- Use a 1/4 cup of the vinegar plus enough water to fill the fabric softener dispenser and let the fragrance add a natural lavender scent to your clothes.
*Glass and Surface Cleaner--- Mix one-part vinegar, 1-part water and add a small pinch of cornstarch. The cornstarch will help boost the cleaning mixture. Apply to windows and hard surfaces to add a lavender scent.
For Aromatherapy: Lavender Air Freshener
Enjoy a little aromatherapy while creating a relaxing environment for your family. Just a handful of dried lavender buds and citrus peels are all you need for this recipe.INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons of dried lavender
Citrus peel (we used lemon)
2-3 cups of water
DIRECTIONS
1) Put lavender and citrus peel into pan with water.
2) Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
3) Let the fresh aroma fill the air.
*Once cooled, you can place in a jar and allow the all natural scent to fill the air in another room.
For Relaxing: Lavender Tea
Curl up on the couch and relax with your favorite book and a cup of this lavender mint tea known for its mood-boosting qualities. Lavender can be a little overpowering on its own but works great when paired with another herb such as mint or chamomile.INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons lavender
DIRECTIONS
1) Combine mint and lavender.
2) Add 1-2 teaspoons of the mint lavender combination per cup of hot or cold water.
For Natural Remedies: Lavender-Infused Honey
Lavender infused honey can be used in multiple ways, from sweetening up your favorite drinks or baked goods to helping soothe a sore throat.INGREDIENTS
1 cup of honey
1 tablespoon of dried Lavender
DIRECTIONS
1) Pour honey into a small sauce pan and warm over low heat. Once warmed through, add herbs and stir to distribute.
2) Leave Honey mixture over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
3) Strain out the herbs or leave them in.
For Cooking: Lavender Simple Syrup
Lavender buds are immersed in sugar and water to create a sweet floral flavor. Use this syrup to add a hint of lavender to your yogurt, ice cream, cocktails and more.INGREDIENTS
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
4 tablespoons of dried lavender
DIRECTIONS
1) Bring sugar, water, and lavender to a boil.
2) Simmer a few minutes until sugar is dissolved.
3) Remove from heat let sit 30 minutes.
4) Strain lavender buds out and transfer to a jar.
For Your Skin: Lavender Oatmeal Face Scrub
This face scrub can help to soothe and calm skin while gently exfoliating it. A good solution for those with sensitive skin, but can be good for all skin types!
1/4 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon of dried lavender buds
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 tablespoon sea salt
1) Place the rolled oats and lavender buds into a coffee grinder and pulse until ground, about 45-60 seconds. A blender can also be used, but a coffee grinder is the preferred option here.
2) Transfer to a bowl and stir in the baking soda and sea salt.
3) Store the face scrub in a glass jar. To use, combine 2 teaspoons of the scrub with 1 ½ tsp water or milk, then gently scrub across the face with the fingers.
For Your Hair: Lavender Hair and Scalp Rinse
Here is a quick recipe to beautify your hair. This is a fabulous way to remove build up in your hair from daily hair product usage and return it to luxurious and super shiny hair. It is also known to balance the scalp and your hair's natural PH.
4 cups of water
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup of dried lavender
4-5 drops of essential oils (tea tree oil, rosemary, thyme or cedarwood - you can use one or all three if you would like), optional
1/2 cup of dried lavender
4-5 drops of essential oils (tea tree oil, rosemary, thyme or cedarwood - you can use one or all three if you would like), optional
DIRECTIONS
1) Bring the water to a boil, then add the apple cider vinegar and the lavender flower.
2) Lower the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the buds have mostly sunk to the bottom.
3) Remove the mixture from the heat, add essential oils if you would like.
4) Let it cool and then strain the buds. Store in a large mason jar in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks and use a smaller mason jar to have about a week's worth of hair rinse in the shower. If you notice the mixture getting cloudy, it is time to throw it out.
1) Bring the water to a boil, then add the apple cider vinegar and the lavender flower.
2) Lower the heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, until the buds have mostly sunk to the bottom.
3) Remove the mixture from the heat, add essential oils if you would like.
4) Let it cool and then strain the buds. Store in a large mason jar in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks and use a smaller mason jar to have about a week's worth of hair rinse in the shower. If you notice the mixture getting cloudy, it is time to throw it out.
How To Add Lavender To Your Delivery: CSA members - head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. The Market is open from noon on Thursday until
10 pm, 2 days before your scheduled delivery day. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
Not part of our farm family? Find out if we deliver to your neighborhood.
