
Dried lavender flowers are more than just a fragrant reminder of summer; they are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a myriad of ways, from the practical to the whimsical. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and aroma of lavender, there’s something for everyone in this exploration of what to do with dried lavender flowers.
1. Create a Relaxing Lavender Sachet
One of the most traditional uses for dried lavender is to create sachets. These small, fragrant pouches can be placed in drawers, closets, or even under your pillow to promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep. The calming scent of lavender is known to reduce stress and anxiety, making it a perfect addition to your bedtime routine.
How to Make a Lavender Sachet:
- Gather your dried lavender flowers and a piece of fabric (muslin or cotton works well).
- Cut the fabric into a square or rectangle, depending on the size you want.
- Sew three sides of the fabric together, leaving one side open.
- Fill the pouch with dried lavender flowers.
- Sew the remaining side closed, and your sachet is ready to use.
2. Brew a Soothing Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is a delightful way to enjoy the benefits of this fragrant herb. It’s known for its calming properties and can help with digestion, headaches, and even insomnia. To make lavender tea, simply steep a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon for extra flavor.
Tips for Brewing Lavender Tea:
- Use high-quality, food-grade dried lavender flowers.
- Avoid over-steeping, as it can make the tea bitter.
- Experiment with blending lavender with other herbs like chamomile or mint for a unique flavor profile.
3. Craft a Lavender-Infused Oil
Lavender-infused oil is a versatile product that can be used in massage oils, skincare products, or even as a natural perfume. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
How to Make Lavender-Infused Oil:
- Fill a clean, dry jar with dried lavender flowers.
- Pour a carrier oil (such as olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil) over the lavender until it’s completely covered.
- Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
- Strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and store it in a dark glass bottle.
4. Design a Lavender Wreath
A lavender wreath is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any home. It can be hung on your front door, above your fireplace, or even in your kitchen. The process of making a lavender wreath is both therapeutic and rewarding.
Steps to Create a Lavender Wreath:
- Gather a wire wreath frame, floral wire, and a generous amount of dried lavender stems.
- Bundle small groups of lavender stems together and secure them with floral wire.
- Attach the bundles to the wire frame, overlapping them slightly to create a full, lush wreath.
- Continue adding bundles until the entire frame is covered.
- Hang your wreath in a dry, cool place to preserve its fragrance and color.
5. Make Lavender Bath Salts
Lavender bath salts are a luxurious way to unwind after a long day. The combination of Epsom salts and lavender flowers creates a soothing, aromatic bath that can help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Recipe for Lavender Bath Salts:
- Mix 2 cups of Epsom salts with 1/2 cup of baking soda.
- Add 1/4 cup of dried lavender flowers and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Stir the mixture well and store it in an airtight container.
- To use, add a handful of the bath salts to your warm bathwater and enjoy.
6. Create Lavender-Infused Honey
Lavender-infused honey is a sweet and fragrant treat that can be used in tea, drizzled over yogurt, or even spread on toast. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
How to Make Lavender-Infused Honey:
- Fill a clean jar with dried lavender flowers.
- Pour honey over the lavender until it’s completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks.
- Strain the honey through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and store it in a clean jar.
7. Craft Lavender Candles
Lavender candles are a wonderful way to bring the calming scent of lavender into your home. They make great gifts and can be customized with different colors and essential oils.
How to Make Lavender Candles:
- Melt soy wax or beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and dried lavender flowers to the melted wax.
- Pour the wax into candle molds or jars, and insert a wick.
- Allow the candles to cool and harden before trimming the wick and lighting.
8. Bake Lavender-Infused Treats
Lavender can add a unique and floral flavor to baked goods. From cookies to cakes, the possibilities are endless.
Recipe for Lavender Shortbread Cookies:
- Mix 1 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup of sugar until creamy.
- Add 2 cups of flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers.
- Mix until a dough forms, then roll it out and cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Create a Lavender Potpourri
Lavender potpourri is a simple and effective way to freshen up any room. Combine dried lavender flowers with other fragrant ingredients like rose petals, citrus peels, and cinnamon sticks for a custom blend.
How to Make Lavender Potpourri:
- Mix equal parts dried lavender flowers, rose petals, and citrus peels.
- Add a few cinnamon sticks and a couple of drops of lavender essential oil.
- Place the mixture in a decorative bowl or sachet, and enjoy the fragrance.
10. Use Lavender in Natural Cleaning Products
Lavender’s antibacterial properties make it a great addition to natural cleaning products. You can use it to make all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents, and even air fresheners.
Recipe for Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner:
- Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to clean surfaces around your home.
11. Create a Lavender Dream Pillow
A lavender dream pillow is a small pillow filled with dried lavender flowers that can be placed under your pillow to promote restful sleep. The soothing scent of lavender helps to calm the mind and body, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
How to Make a Lavender Dream Pillow:
- Cut two pieces of fabric into a small square or rectangle.
- Sew three sides together, leaving one side open.
- Fill the pillow with dried lavender flowers.
- Sew the remaining side closed, and place it under your pillow.
12. Use Lavender in Aromatherapy
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used in aromatherapy. It can be diffused, applied topically, or even added to bathwater to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Ways to Use Lavender in Aromatherapy:
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser to fill your home with its calming scent.
- Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil and use it for a relaxing massage.
- Add a few drops to your bathwater for a soothing soak.
13. Create Lavender-Infused Vinegar
Lavender-infused vinegar is a versatile product that can be used in cleaning, cooking, or even as a hair rinse. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
How to Make Lavender-Infused Vinegar:
- Fill a clean jar with dried lavender flowers.
- Pour white vinegar over the lavender until it’s completely covered.
- Seal the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the vinegar through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and store it in a clean jar.
14. Use Lavender in Natural Skincare
Lavender is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great addition to natural skincare products. You can use it to make facial toners, body scrubs, and even lip balms.
Recipe for Lavender Facial Toner:
- Mix 1 cup of witch hazel with 1/4 cup of rose water.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing facial toner.
15. Create a Lavender-Infused Sugar Scrub
A lavender sugar scrub is a luxurious way to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. The combination of sugar and lavender oil leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Recipe for Lavender Sugar Scrub:
- Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1/2 cup of coconut oil.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Stir the mixture well and store it in an airtight container.
- To use, massage the scrub onto damp skin, then rinse off with warm water.
16. Use Lavender in Natural Hair Care
Lavender can be used to promote healthy hair and scalp. It can be added to shampoos, conditioners, or even used as a hair rinse.
Recipe for Lavender Hair Rinse:
- Steep 1/4 cup of dried lavender flowers in 2 cups of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and let it cool.
- After shampooing, pour the lavender rinse over your hair and scalp, then rinse with cool water.
17. Create a Lavender-Infused Linen Spray
A lavender linen spray is a simple and effective way to freshen up your bedding, towels, and even your clothes. The calming scent of lavender can help you relax and sleep better.
Recipe for Lavender Linen Spray:
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of witch hazel.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to freshen up your linens.
18. Use Lavender in Natural Insect Repellent
Lavender is a natural insect repellent that can help keep mosquitoes, flies, and other pests at bay. You can use it to make sprays, candles, or even sachets.
Recipe for Lavender Insect Repellent Spray:
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of witch hazel.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to repel insects.
19. Create a Lavender-Infused Room Spray
A lavender room spray is a quick and easy way to freshen up any room in your home. The calming scent of lavender can help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Recipe for Lavender Room Spray:
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of witch hazel.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to freshen up your rooms.
20. Use Lavender in Natural Perfume
Lavender can be used to create a simple and natural perfume that is both fragrant and soothing. The process is easy and requires only a few ingredients.
Recipe for Lavender Perfume:
- Mix 1/4 cup of vodka or rubbing alcohol with 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Add a handful of dried lavender flowers and let the mixture sit for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and store it in a small spray bottle.
21. Create a Lavender-Infused Body Butter
A lavender body butter is a luxurious way to moisturize your skin. The combination of shea butter and lavender oil leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Recipe for Lavender Body Butter:
- Melt 1/2 cup of shea butter and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Let the mixture cool, then whip it with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
- Store the body butter in an airtight container and use it to moisturize your skin.
22. Use Lavender in Natural Deodorant
Lavender can be used to create a natural deodorant that is both effective and fragrant. The antibacterial properties of lavender help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Recipe for Lavender Deodorant:
- Mix 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Stir the mixture well and store it in an airtight container.
- To use, apply a small amount to your underarms with your fingers.
23. Create a Lavender-Infused Lip Balm
A lavender lip balm is a simple and effective way to keep your lips moisturized and protected. The soothing scent of lavender makes it a pleasure to use.
Recipe for Lavender Lip Balm:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil and a pinch of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into small lip balm containers and let it cool.
24. Use Lavender in Natural Soap
Lavender can be used to create a natural soap that is both fragrant and soothing. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
Recipe for Lavender Soap:
- Melt 1 pound of soap base in a double boiler.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into soap molds and let it cool.
25. Create a Lavender-Infused Foot Soak
A lavender foot soak is a luxurious way to pamper your feet after a long day. The combination of Epsom salts and lavender flowers helps to relax and rejuvenate tired feet.
Recipe for Lavender Foot Soak:
- Mix 1 cup of Epsom salts with 1/2 cup of baking soda.
- Add 1/4 cup of dried lavender flowers and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
- Stir the mixture well and store it in an airtight container.
- To use, add a handful of the foot soak to a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.
26. Use Lavender in Natural Bath Bombs
Lavender bath bombs are a fun and fragrant way to enjoy a relaxing bath. The combination of baking soda, citric acid, and lavender oil creates a fizzy, aromatic experience.
Recipe for Lavender Bath Bombs:
- Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of citric acid.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Slowly add water or witch hazel until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the mixture into bath bomb molds and let it dry for 24 hours.
27. Create a Lavender-Infused Eye Pillow
A lavender eye pillow is a small pillow filled with dried lavender flowers that can be placed over your eyes to promote relaxation and reduce puffiness. The soothing scent of lavender helps to calm the mind and body.
How to Make a Lavender Eye Pillow:
- Cut two pieces of fabric into a small rectangle.
- Sew three sides together, leaving one side open.
- Fill the pillow with dried lavender flowers.
- Sew the remaining side closed, and place it over your eyes.
28. Use Lavender in Natural Candles
Lavender candles are a wonderful way to bring the calming scent of lavender into your home. They make great gifts and can be customized with different colors and essential oils.
How to Make Lavender Candles:
- Melt soy wax or beeswax in a double boiler.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and dried lavender flowers to the melted wax.
- Pour the wax into candle molds or jars, and insert a wick.
- Allow the candles to cool and harden before trimming the wick and lighting.
29. Create a Lavender-Infused Room Diffuser
A lavender room diffuser is a simple and effective way to fill your home with the calming scent of lavender. The process is easy and requires only a few ingredients.
Recipe for Lavender Room Diffuser:
- Mix 1/4 cup of vodka or rubbing alcohol with 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Add a handful of dried lavender flowers and let the mixture sit for 2-4 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer, and store it in a small spray bottle.
30. Use Lavender in Natural Air Freshener
Lavender can be used to create a natural air freshener that is both effective and fragrant. The antibacterial properties of lavender help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Recipe for Lavender Air Freshener:
- Mix 1 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of witch hazel.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it to freshen up your rooms.
31. Create a Lavender-Infused Hand Sanitizer
A lavender hand sanitizer is a simple and effective way to keep your hands clean and moisturized. The antibacterial properties of lavender help to kill germs, while the soothing scent makes it a pleasure to use.
Recipe for Lavender Hand Sanitizer:
- Mix 2/3 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1/3 cup of aloe vera gel.
- Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil and a handful of dried lavender flowers.
- Stir the mixture well and store it in a small bottle.
32. Use Lavender in Natural Laundry Detergent
Lavender can be used to create a natural laundry detergent that is both effective and fragrant. The antibacterial properties of lavender help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Recipe for Lavender Laundry Detergent:
- Mix 1 cup of washing soda with 1 cup of borax.
- Add