What to Do With Lavender? I'll Show you How!

After reading this page you will never wonder what to do with lavender again. Find loads of easy recipes here for you to make. Creating with lavender isn't just about its practical uses; it's about connecting with its rich history and delightful aroma. Let's explore some exciting ideas and see just how useful this herb is.

Below are the main topics covered on this page:

1. Cooking with Lavender
2. Skin and Hair Care
3. Mental Health and Wellness
4. Lavender Cleaning Products
5. Lavender for Pest Control
6. Crafting with Lavender

1. What to do with Lavender? Cook with It!

Some of you may be surprised to learn that you can eat lavender. Technically, all lavender is edible, but I can tell you that some lavender is so strong you would definitely not want to put it anywhere near your mouth! Those types of lavender plants are best used for essential oils and bug repellents.

I advise against consuming any portion of Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as "Spanish" lavender, Lavandula dentata, or the highly camphorous Lavandula lanata, also known as Spike lavender. Most of the Lavandula angustifolia plants are safe to eat.

While Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender or true lavender, is generally considered safe for culinary use, it's essential to ensure that you're using varieties specifically grown for consumption. You don't want to consume a perfume bottle of taste! It should be subtle and moreish!

Some cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia are bred for their aromatic qualities rather than their culinary suitability. Always verify that once you decided what to do with the lavender you intend to use it in cooking or baking labeled as culinary-grade to avoid any potential issues.

Top 5 Edible Lavenders:

There are 5 top types of lavender that are great for cooking because they are fragrant without being overpowering and subtle on the tongue.

Lavandula angustifolia Buena Vista
Lavandula angustifolia Folgate
Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote Pink
Lavandula angustifolia Melissa
Lavandula angustifolia Royal Velvet

Lavender adds a unique flavor twist to many dishes, from cakes to cocktails and everything in between. With so many options open to you, you will won't have to wonder what to do with lavender anymore!

Imagine the delightful aroma of lavender-infused honey drizzled over biscuits or the refreshing taste of lavender lemonade on a hot summer day. And don't forget about lavender-infused baking, where it pairs beautifully with lemon in cakes and cookies, as above, creating a subtle floral note and they are pretty to boot!

There are also savory dishes that you can make with lavender. It goes particularly well with chicken, and if you have never had a lavender crème brûlée, you are in for a treat!

jugs of homemade lavender lemonade on a table with lemons and lavender

*10 Quick Ideas on What to Do with Lavender in the Kitchen*

Lavender Infused Salt: Combine coarse sea salt with dried lavender buds for a fragrant and flavorful seasoning. Sprinkle it on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even on chocolate desserts for a surprising twist.
Lavender-Infused Honey Butter: Mix softened butter with lavender-infused honey and a pinch of culinary lavender. Spread this decadent butter on warm biscuits or freshly baked bread for a heavenly treat.
Lavender Lemonade Sorbet: Add a hint of lavender to your homemade lemonade sorbet by infusing the syrup with dried lavender buds. The subtle floral notes will elevate this refreshing dessert to new heights.
Lavender and Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates: Stuff pitted dates with a mixture of goat cheese, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of culinary lavender. The combination of sweet, savory, and floral flavors will tantalize your taste buds.
Lavender-Infused Simple Syrup for Cocktails: Create a lavender-infused simple syrup by simmering water, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Use this aromatic syrup to sweeten cocktails like lavender martinis or lavender mojitos for a sophisticated twist.
Lavender-Infused Vinegar for Salad Dressings: Infuse white wine vinegar with dried lavender buds for a floral and tangy addition to salad dressings. This unique vinegar pairs well with greens, fresh berries, and goat cheese.
Lavender-Infused Buttercream Frosting: Add dried lavender buds to your favorite buttercream frosting recipe for a fragrant and elegant touch. This floral frosting is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies.
Lavender and Vanilla Bean Pancakes: Add dried culinary lavender to your pancake batter along with a scraped vanilla bean for a decadent breakfast treat. Serve these aromatic pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a delightful start to your day.
Lavender-Infused Chocolate Truffles: Infuse heavy cream with dried lavender buds before using it to make chocolate truffles. The subtle floral notes will complement the rich chocolate flavor, creating an indulgent treat that's perfect for special occasions.
Lavender and Citrus-Marinated Olives: Marinate green olives in a mixture of olive oil, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, and dried lavender buds. Let the flavors meld together for a few hours before serving as a unique appetizer or snack.

Our Easy Lavender Recipes from Our Kitchen to Yours

2. What to do with Lavender? Skin and Hair Care

a display of aromatherapy items using lavender

Harnessing lavender's soothing properties, you can create luxurious beauty products at home.

Try a lavender and oatmeal face scrub for a natural way to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. Or a simple lavender sugar scrub that can be put together in minutes.

Lavender is also excellent for acne and you can make a lotion to help clear up the skin.

Another way of using it, is to make lavender salves for scratches instead of over-the-counter preparations that have some forever chemicals in them. Throughout the ages it was known that lavender was a great healing herb with antiseptic qualities that were used with success in cleaning wounds in times past.

If you have ever wanted to know how to make lavender water, we show you how. It is perfect to use on your skin and hair.

And if you have ever wondered how to distill lavender essential oil we will show you how! Lavender essential oil is a staple in aromatherapy, perfect for massages or adding to bathwater for a relaxing soak. And who could resist the allure of lavender bath bombs, offering a fizzy, fragrant escape from the stresses of the day?

freshly cut homemade lavender soap on a wooden table with sprigs of lavender

*10 Quick Homemade Beauty Product Ideas for What to Do with Lavender*

Lavender and Rosemary Hair Rinse: Brew a strong tea using dried lavender and rosemary herbs, then let it cool. After shampooing, use this herbal infusion as a final rinse to add shine and promote healthy hair growth. The soothing properties of lavender can also help calm an irritated scalp.
Lavender and Epsom Salt Foot Soak: Create a luxurious foot soak by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a basin of warm water along with Epsom salts. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to relax tired muscles and soothe dry, cracked skin.
Lavender and Coconut Oil Lip Scrub: Make your own lip scrub by mixing coconut oil, honey, and a pinch of dried lavender buds with granulated sugar. Gently massage this exfoliating scrub onto your lips to remove dead skin cells and reveal soft, smooth lips.
Lavender and Aloe Vera Face Mist: Combine distilled water, aloe vera gel, and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spritz this refreshing mist onto your face throughout the day to hydrate and soothe your skin. Keep it in the refrigerator for an extra cooling sensation on hot days.
Lavender and Oatmeal Bath Soak: Blend dried lavender buds and oatmeal in a food processor until finely ground, then add this mixture to your bath along with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Soak in this aromatic bath to soothe dry, itchy skin and promote relaxation.
Lavender and Green Tea Eye Mask: Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool, then soak cotton pads in the tea and add a drop of lavender essential oil to each pad. Place the pads over your closed eyes and relax for 10-15 minutes to reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.
Lavender and Witch Hazel Toner: Mix witch hazel with a few drops of lavender essential oil in a small spray bottle. Use this toner after cleansing your face to tighten pores and balance oil production. The antibacterial properties of lavender can also help prevent breakouts.
Lavender and Shea Butter Hand Cream: Melt shea butter in a double boiler, then stir in a few drops of lavender essential oil and let it cool until slightly thickened. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer until fluffy, then transfer it to a jar. Apply this luxurious hand cream to dry, rough hands to moisturize and soften your skin.
Lavender and Chamomile Pillow Spray: Combine distilled water, witch hazel, and a few drops of lavender and chamomile essential oils in a spray bottle. Spritz this calming spray onto your pillow before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Lavender and Peppermint Scalp Scrub: Mix together coconut oil, sugar, and a few drops each of lavender and peppermint essential oils to create a invigorating scalp scrub. Massage the scrub into your scalp before shampooing to exfoliate and stimulate circulation, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized.

3. What to do with Lavender?
Lavender Essential Oil for Health and Wellness

Picture of an assortment of health and wellness products centered around the theme of lavender. These might include bottles of essential oil with lavender flower imprints on the labels, a jar of lavender scented lotion, a small bag of dried lavender flowers ready for tea or a bath, a lavender scented candle with a subtle purple hue, and a bar of handmade lavender soap with bits of lavender buds embedded in it. All items are arrayed on a rustic wooden table under the soft glow of natural light, giving a feel of pure and serene ambiance.

Lavender essential oil has so many health benefits! It cleans, soothes, calms, heals. The list goes on.

Experience the calming effects of lavender in making your own homemade health and wellness products. Enjoy a comforting cup of lavender tea before bed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Soon you will be ditching those sleeping tablets!

A simple lavender spray can also do the trick, just spray some on your pillow before you go to bed, and you will have brilliant sleep.

Another sleep aid you can make is filling sachets or cotton bags with a blend of lavender, chamomile, and hops to again enhance the quality of your sleep.

Making lavender candles will fill your room with a beautiful fragrance and calm your nerves after a hard day at work. What better way to end a day?

lavender bags on a bed used as a sleeping aid

*10 Quick Ideas on What to Do with Lavender for Mental Health and Wellness*

Lavender-Infused Eye Pillows: Create soothing eye pillows filled with dried lavender buds and flax seed. Sew small fabric pouches and fill them with a mixture of dried lavender and flax seed before sealing them shut. Chill the eye pillows in the refrigerator or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before placing them over your eyes to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Lavender-Infused Heating Pads: Make your own heating pads by sewing fabric pouches filled with rice and dried lavender buds. Heat the pads in the microwave for a minute or two, then place them on sore muscles or achy joints for natural pain relief and relaxation.
Lavender-Infused Herbal Steam: Add dried lavender buds to a bowl of steaming water and inhale the fragrant steam to clear congestion and soothe respiratory discomfort. You can also add other aromatic herbs like eucalyptus or peppermint for added respiratory support.
Lavender-Infused Massage Oil: Create a luxurious massage oil by combining carrier oils like sweet almond or jojoba oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Gently massage the oil into your skin to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and moisturize dry skin. The calming scent of lavender will enhance the therapeutic benefits of the massage.
Lavender-Infused Bath Salts: Make your own relaxing bath salts by mixing Epsom salts with dried lavender buds and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Add the mixture to warm bathwater and soak for at least 20 minutes to soothe sore muscles, reduce stress, and promote a restful night's sleep.
Lavender-Infused Foot Soaks: Treat yourself to a luxurious foot soak by adding dried lavender buds and Epsom salts to a basin of warm water. Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes to relieve fatigue, soften calluses, and improve circulation. The calming aroma of lavender will help you relax and unwind after a long day.
Lavender-Infused Yoga Mat Spray: Create a natural yoga mat spray by combining distilled water, witch hazel, and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spritz your yoga mat before and after practice to cleanse and refresh it, while also enjoying the calming scent of lavender to enhance your yoga experience.
Lavender-Infused Herbal Teas: Brew a soothing cup of herbal tea using dried lavender buds and other aromatic herbs like chamomile or lemon balm. Enjoy the calming effects of lavender as you sip your tea, which can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
Lavender-Infused Bath Bombs: Make your own fizzy bath bombs by combining baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and dried lavender buds with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Mold the mixture into spheres and let them dry before dropping them into warm bathwater for a relaxing and aromatic soak.
Lavender-Infused Meditation Rituals: Create a peaceful and calming atmosphere for meditation by diffusing lavender essential oil in a room or adding a few drops to a cotton ball placed near your meditation space. The soothing scent of lavender will help you relax your mind and deepen your meditation practice.

4. What to Do with Lavender?
Make Lavender Household Cleaners

A stack of towels on a kitchen table with spray bottles and a window in the background

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to natural cleaning solutions with lavender. In the realm of home cleaning, lavender is a natural superstar. It’s used in potpourri, home sprays, and cleaning products for its fresh and clean scent. It not only helps to eliminate unpleasant odors but also adds a calming ambiance to your living space.

Lavender essential oil is a powerful antimicrobial agent that can be used to disinfect surfaces, neutralize odors, and freshen the air. Whether in homemade cleaning sprays, laundry detergents, or air fresheners, lavender offers a safe and eco-friendly alternative for keeping your home clean and smelling fresh.

*10 Ideas for Lavender Household Cleaning Products*

Lavender All-Purpose Cleaner: Create a simple all-purpose cleaner by combining distilled white vinegar, water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant while lavender adds a pleasant scent.
Lavender Surface Disinfectant Spray: Mix rubbing alcohol or vodka with water and lavender essential oil to create a disinfectant spray for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Lavender's antimicrobial properties can enhance the cleaning power.
Lavender Window Cleaner: Combine distilled water, rubbing alcohol, and lavender essential oil to create a streak-free window cleaner. Lavender's aroma can help freshen the air while you clean.
Lavender Fabric Freshener: Mix water, witch hazel, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle to create a fabric freshener. Use it on upholstery, curtains, and carpets to eliminate odors and leave a pleasant scent.
Lavender Floor Cleaner: Add lavender essential oil to your homemade floor cleaner made with water, vinegar, and liquid Castile soap. Lavender's antibacterial properties can help sanitize floors while leaving a refreshing scent.
Lavender Dish Soap: Make your own dish soap by mixing liquid Castile soap with water and lavender essential oil. Lavender's antiseptic properties can help cut through grease and leave dishes clean and smelling lovely.
Lavender Laundry Detergent: Enhance your homemade laundry detergent by adding lavender essential oil. Lavender not only adds a pleasant scent to your clothes but also has antibacterial properties that can help sanitize them.
Lavender Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Create a toilet bowl cleaner by mixing baking soda, vinegar, and lavender essential oil. Lavender's antimicrobial properties can help disinfect the toilet bowl while neutralizing odors.
Lavender Air Freshener: Make a natural air freshener by mixing water, vodka or rubbing alcohol, and lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it to freshen up any room in your home.
Lavender Carpet Deodorizer: Mix baking soda with lavender essential oil and sprinkle it on your carpets before vacuuming. Let it sit for a while to absorb odors, then vacuum it up to leave your carpets smelling fresh.

These ideas utilize lavender's aromatic and antimicrobial properties to create effective and pleasant-smelling cleaning products for various surfaces in your home. See detailed instructions and full recipes of 8 of these homemade cleaning products.

Some More Homemade Cleaning Products for you to Try

Homemade Stain Removal (2 Recipes)

5. What to Do with Lavender?
Make Bug Repellents for You and Your Pets

lavender bug repellent in a dark dropper bottle lying on a white background surrounded by lavender

Lavender essential oil can be diluted and applied to the skin to ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. Additionally, placing dried lavender sachets or bundles in closets, drawers, or outdoor seating areas can help deter insects while imparting a pleasant scent.

Placing a few drops of lavender oil on your exposed skin can provide a protective barrier against these biting insects.

And this wonderful herb is not just for humans either. You can be made anti-flea sprays for your dogs and cats as it is a natural bug repellent. However, a word of caution, there are some varieties that are toxic to dogs and cats, so make sure you are using one of the safe lavenders.

Lavender has been used as a natural insect repellent for centuries as the strong scent of lavender is less appealing to mosquitoes, moths, and other insects, making it an environmentally friendly option for keeping these pests at bay.

6. What to do with Lavender?
Craft with It!

Lavender bags filled with lavender and tied off with some string

*10 Quick Crafting Ideas for What to Do with Lavender*

Lavender Sachet Pillows: Create small decorative pillows filled with dried lavender buds to place in drawers, closets, or under pillows. Sew fabric pouches and fill them with lavender before sealing them shut. These sachet pillows not only add a lovely fragrance to your linens but also help repel moths and insects.
Lavender Wreaths: Craft a beautiful and aromatic lavender wreath to hang on your door or wall. Gather dried lavender stems and bundle them together, securing them with floral wire. Arrange the bundles in a circular shape and secure them to a wire wreath frame. Hang your lavender wreath and enjoy its calming scent every time you pass by.
Lavender-infused Potpourri: Make your own potpourri by combining dried lavender buds with other fragrant herbs and flowers, such as rose petals, jasmine, and citrus peels. Place the mixture in decorative bowls or sachets to add a natural and long-lasting aroma to any room in your home.
Lavender Scented Candles: Infuse homemade candles with the soothing scent of lavender by adding lavender essential oil to the melted wax. You can also sprinkle dried lavender buds on top of the candles before they harden for a decorative touch. These lavender-scented candles are perfect for creating a calming atmosphere and promoting relaxation.
Lavender Dream Catchers: Incorporate dried lavender stems into handmade dream catchers for a unique and fragrant twist. Use lavender stems to create the circular frame of the dream catcher and weave them with twine or string. Hang the dream catcher above your bed to promote peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams.
Lavender Reed Diffusers: Make your own natural air fresheners by combining dried lavender buds with essential oils and carrier oils, such as sweet almond or jojoba oil. Place the mixture in decorative glass bottles and insert reed diffuser sticks. The reeds will absorb the scented oil and release the fragrance into the air, filling your home with the calming aroma of lavender.
Lavender Decorative Ornaments: Create decorative ornaments by stringing dried lavender buds onto thin wire or thread. Form the wire or thread into various shapes, such as hearts, stars, or circles, and hang them around your home or on your holiday tree. These lavender ornaments add a touch of natural beauty and fragrance to any space.
Lavender-Infused Fabric Crafts: Incorporate dried lavender buds into fabric crafts, such as lavender-filled eye pillows, lavender-scented drawer liners, or lavender-stuffed fabric animals. Sew small pouches of lavender into fabric items or use lavender-infused fabric spray to add a subtle fragrance to your creations.
Lavender Pottery and Ceramics: Add dried lavender buds to pottery and ceramic projects to create textured and aromatic pieces. Press the lavender buds into wet clay before firing to create unique patterns and designs. The lavender will infuse the pottery with its fragrance, making it a beautiful and functional piece of art.
Lavender Pressed Flower Art: Preserve the beauty of lavender flowers by pressing them between the pages of heavy books or using a flower press. Once dried, arrange the pressed lavender flowers on paper or canvas to create stunning botanical artwork. Frame your lavender pressed flower art and display it in your home as a natural and fragrant decoration.

With lavender, the possibilities are endless. Whether you're a seasoned herbalist or a curious beginner, there's a lavender project waiting to bring tranquility and joy to your life. Never again think of what to do with lavender after your harvest for there are more ways to use lavender than you ever imagined!

Answers to some of Your Questions. See our FAQ Section for more Answers

Hi! I've planted some lavender in pots and now I'm wondering if they are going to grow too big for the containers they are in. Just how big does lavender grow?

Lavender can be grown very successfully in pots, as long as you are growing varieties that are known as 'dwarf' lavender that won't grow more than 12 inches or so. We have an article entitled: How big will lavender get? that covers your concerns. Happy gardening!

Do you have a recipe for lavender sugar?

Yes, we do actually. We have a great recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make it and how long it will store for. Have fun making it. You can find the recipe here: How to Make Lavender Sugar.

Is Lavender Easy to Grow?

Luckily, the answer is yes, it is! It is one of those plants that you can pretty much neglect in your garden and it will bloom year after year. Lavender is easy to grow but there are some conditions that should be met to make your lavender growing success.