Lavender- A Scented Embrace for Mind, Body & Soul
If nature had a signature scent of serenity, it would surely be lavender. For centuries, this fragrant purple bloom has been treasured in ancient healing rituals, culinary traditions, and beauty elixirs. Its delicate aroma whispers of sun-drenched fields in Provence, while its potent properties make it a true multitasker in holistic living. This month, we’re celebrating lavender—more than just a pretty flower, it’s a powerhouse for relaxation, wellness, and even your kitchen. Get ready to unlock seven beautiful ways to invite this botanical gem into your daily rhythm. 🌿💜
How to Make Your Own Lavender Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating your own lavender oil at home is both simple and rewarding, and with this quick guide, you’ll be on your way to crafting a natural treasure to enjoy in your holistic lifestyle:
What You’ll Need
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers
- A carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil)
- A clean glass jar with a lid
- A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A dark glass bottle for storing the oil
Step-by-Step Process
- Harvest or Buy Lavender
- Choose fresh lavender flowers or dried lavender buds. Fresh lavender will yield a stronger fragrance, but dried flowers are convenient and still very effective.
Pro Tip: If using fresh lavender, make sure it’s fully dry to avoid any mold in the oil.
2. Prepare the Lavender
- Gently bruise the lavender buds with your fingers to release their oils. If using fresh flowers, you can chop them up slightly to help them infuse more easily.
3. Fill the Jar with Lavender
- Place your lavender buds into the glass jar, filling it about halfway. This ensures a good amount of flowers for a potent oil.
4. Add the Carrier Oil
- Pour your chosen carrier oil over the lavender, making sure the flowers are completely submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the jar. Stir gently to mix.
5. Seal and Store
- Close the jar tightly and place it in a warm, sunny spot, such as a windowsill. Let it infuse for about 2 to 3 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to help the infusion process.
6. Strain the Oil
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the lavender buds. You can compost the used flowers or save them for other DIY projects.
7. Store Your Lavender Oil
- Transfer the strained oil into a dark glass bottle for storage. This helps preserve the oil’s potency. Store it in a cool, dark place. It should last for about 6 months.
7 Useful Ways to Utilize Lavender and Her Healing Benefits
1. Natural Sleep Aid & Stress Relief (Medicinal)
Lavender oil has been shown to promote relaxation and better sleep. The best and most effective ways to use would be to diffuse it with water in an electrical diffuser, create your own pillow mist or room spray, or use diluted application of your pulse points.
2. Headache & Tension Relief (Medicinal)
Lavender has a natural ability to ease headaches and migraines. Try applying a few diluted drops to your temple or drip a few drops onto a lava stone bracelet.
3. Skin Soothing & Healing (Beauty & Medicinal)
Lavender’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a perfect natural healing option for burns and some common skin conditions like eczema and acne.
4. DIY Natural Perfume (Beauty)
Lavender’s gentle floral scent is a perfect natural swap for a chemical-free fragrance. If you are feeling extra, adventurous, branch out and add in other complimentary scents like rosemary or lemon for a more personalized perfume.
5. Relaxing Bath Soak (Beauty & Medicinal)
Buy now, if you’ve made it this far, and I hope you have, first off thank you, secondly, we all are aware of the awesomeness of lavender for its helpful ability to aid in our natural approach to stress relief and act as a relaxation liaison for our own mental wellness. DIY lavender bath salts are so easy to make. If you aren’t into DIY, Amazon sells Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt bath soak which I have used and it works wonders on achy joints.
6. Culinary Delight: Infused Honey & Tea (Culinary)
Add for my Epicurious readers out there, in the culinary world, the floral notes of lavender add a distinct flavor to teas, honey, and other delicious desserts. A few different ways to utilize lavender in the culinary sense are through infusing locally sourced honey with lavender’s floral notes, or enjoying a cup of freshly brewed lavender tea. One of my fav desserts in the world is macarons, while pistachio is my number one favorite, a fresh lavender macaroon is no slouchy second.
7. Non-Toxic Home Freshener (Holistic Living)
And as far as it comes to my home, using lavender essential oil (NOTE: There is a difference between lavender oil and lavender essential oil.) I like to add a few drops to a mist bottle, along with distilled water, and witch hazel or rubbing alcohol for a natural room and linen spray. If you are feeling extra romantic, tie a few lavender sachets to put in your drawers for a fresh and floral scent.
A Wealth of Benefits
Incorporating lavender oil into your everyday routine offers a wealth of benefits that can enhance your holistic lifestyle. From promoting relaxation and restful sleep to soothing your skin and uplifting your mood, lavender’s versatility is unmatched. Whether you use it in aromatherapy, skincare, or even in the kitchen, this natural wonder is sure to become a staple in your wellness toolkit.
I encourage you to experiment with different ways to bring lavender into your life and discover which methods work best for you. Let its calming, rejuvenating qualities enrich your daily rituals. I’d love to hear how you incorporate lavender oil into your own routine—share your tips and experiences in the comments below! 🌿
