Everyday Uses of Lavender
Beyond its role as a garden plant, lavender has a long history of practical household use. Once harvested, the flowers and foliage can be used fresh or dried for a range of purposes, from scenting rooms to flavouring food in small quantities.
Harvesting Lavender
Lavender is usually harvested when the flower spikes are mostly open but not yet fading, as this is typically when the essential oil content is highest. Cutting in the cooler part of the day, such as early morning, is often recommended to preserve fragrance. Stems are commonly gathered into small bunches for drying.
Drying and Storage
To dry lavender, bunches are usually hung upside down in a cool, dark, well ventilated space. This helps the flowers retain their colour and scent better than drying in direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Once fully dry, the flowers can be stripped from the stems and stored in airtight containers away from light and moisture.
Dried lavender retains its fragrance for a considerable time, although the scent does gradually fade. Many people refresh stored lavender by gently crushing the flowers to release more of the natural oils.
Household Uses
Dried lavender flowers are commonly used in small fabric sachets placed in drawers, wardrobes, or linen cupboards to impart a fresh scent and help deter moths. Lavender bunches are also used in dried flower arrangements, valued for their colour and long lasting fragrance compared to many other dried flowers.
Some households use lavender in homemade potpourri mixes, combined with other dried flowers and herbs, placed in bowls around living spaces.
Culinary Uses
Certain lavender varieties are grown specifically for culinary purposes and are milder in flavour than ornamental types. These are sometimes used, in small quantities, to flavour baked goods such as shortbread or scones, as well as syrups, jams, and herbal teas.
Because lavender's flavour is strong and slightly floral, it is generally used sparingly. Overuse can result in a soapy or bitter taste, so recipes calling for culinary lavender typically specify small measured amounts.
Aromatherapy and Personal Care
Lavender oil is widely used in personal care products such as soaps, lotions, and bath products, valued for its fragrance. The extraction of lavender oil through steam distillation is a specialised process typically carried out by producers with appropriate equipment, rather than something done at a small household scale.
Many people also simply enjoy the scent of fresh or dried lavender placed in sachets near pillows or in relaxation spaces, without any specific extraction process involved.
Craft Projects
Lavender's long lasting colour and fragrance make it popular in craft projects such as wreaths, dried flower bouquets, and pressed flower work. Its sturdy stems also make it suitable for simple braiding techniques used in traditional lavender wands or bundles.
A Few Practical Notes
- Always use culinary labelled lavender for cooking, as ornamental varieties may not be intended for consumption.
- Store dried lavender away from direct sunlight to preserve both colour and scent.
- Fresh lavender can be used immediately in arrangements, while dried lavender is better suited to long term storage projects.
Whether used in the kitchen, the linen cupboard, or a craft project, lavender remains a versatile herb with uses that extend well beyond the garden.