Lavender FAQ

Over the last few years I have noticed a massive increase in interest in dried lavender and its uses. A quick internet search yielded me a barrage of frequently asked questions.

Here are fourteen popular questions I found online:

• What is dried lavender good for
• How long does dried lavender last
• Is dried lavender safe to consume
• How do you activate dried lavender
• How do I make lavender tea
• Can I use dry lavender as air freshener
• Does dried lavender lose its smell
• How do you preserve lavender
• Can you put dry lavender in the bath
• What is the difference between culinary lavender and regular lavender
• Where do you put dried lavender
• How do you make lavender smell stronger
• How do you use lavender grains for sleep
• Can I make my bathroom smell like lavender

If you have a question, do comment at the bottom of the page!

What is dried lavender good for?

Dry lavender has many uses! Try putting the dry grains in bags or bowls for potpourri. The relaxing fragrance may aid sleep, so keep some in your bedroom or sprinkle some into an evening bath. Or hang a bag in your wardrobe to keep your clothes smelling fresh and to act as a natural insect repellent.

How long does dried lavender last?

If the lavender has been fully dried you can store it in a plastic bag or sealed contained for months or even years before use. The plastic helps to seal in the natural essential oils which provide the fragrance. Once you’re using it, for example in a bag or potpourri, the essential oils will start to escape, but the fragrance should still last for a few months. Once you notice the fragrance starts to decrease, you can stir the potpourri or give the bag a sharp squeeze to release more of the fragrant oils.

Is lavender safe to consume?

If you are buying dry lavender, then only buy it if it’s labelled as “culinary” or “food use”. This is because it might not have been stored in a food safe environment, or the company selling it might not have a food safety certificate. If you are drying your own from your garden, then check to make sure the variety is edible, dry it thoroughly and store it hygienically.

How do you activate dried lavender?

The fragrance of dry lavender can last for months, but if it does start to wane, here’s what to do. Put the grains in a bag and squeeze hard. You should notice an immediate boost in fragrance. If not, give it a firm massage! Your pressure on the grains causes the naturally occurring essential oils to be released. You should find that this works a few times. If there is no improvement in fragrance, then you need to find another batch or enhance it with a few drops from a bottle of lavender oil.

How do I make lavender tea?

If you have bought culinary dry lavender then all you have to do is add some to your pot, followed by boiling water. Leave to brew for five minutes. I recommend a strainer / infuser teapot commonly used for loose herbal teas, so that you don’t get lots of bits in your drink. The amount you use depends on how brave you are: it can be quite a strong flavour. I’d start off with a teaspoon or two and build up the strength until you are happy with the flavour, up to a tablespoon full. For fresh flowers, make sure you have a culinary variety and that the flowers are clean before you start.

How do you use lavender as air freshener?

If you have a vacuum cleaner that comes with a bag, the quickest way to fragrance your room is to add a handful of grains to the bag before you hoover. Or you can find a shallow bowl to display a few handfuls of the dry flowers.

Does dried lavender lose its smell?

Dry lavender will naturally lose its smell after a while, as all the fragrant essential oils evaporate. It can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the exact location. But don’t worry, it can be revived simply by pouring into a bag and giving a firm squeeze. If that should fail, just add a few drops of lavender essential oil.

How do you preserve lavender?

If you want to make dry lavender, take the fresh flower buds and spread them out to somewhere warm and dry for a few days.  If you’d like to preserve the dry grains to use another time, simply put them in a plastic bag or airtight container. For best results, store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. The flower should naturally retain its fragrance for many months if stored in this way.

Can you put dried lavender in the bath?

Dry lavender can add a peaceful relaxing element to your bath-time. The relaxing essential oils are naturally released by the hot water. To stop the grains sticking to your skin and hair, tie them into a muslin square or place them in a porous fabric bag under the tap. To get the best scent, give the bag a good squeeze before settling down for a long soak. If you’d also like softer skin, try adding some porridge oats.

What is the difference between culinary lavender and regular lavender?

You must buy culinary lavender for cooking with. This is to make sure that the supplier has conformed to all the food safety standards for the product, for example storing it hygienically. It is usually a variety of English Lavender, botanical name Lavandula angustifolia as it has a lovely soft flavour. Other types such as Lavandula X Intermedia are sometimes used but are not always quite as good, as they can have a higher camphor content. If you have an English Lavender plant at home it will be fine to use for cooking.

Where do you put dried lavender?

Put your dry lavender in a bag under your pillow to aid relaxation and possibly help a good nights sleep. Or put the lavender bag in a wardrobe or drawer to gently fragrance your clothes and keep the moths at bay. Put a bag in the bath for a soothing soak. Or you can put some of the grains in a bowl and use it as a relaxing potpourri in the bedroom or add some citrus for a clean scent in the kitchen or bathroom.

How do you make lavender smell stronger?

If you’re buying dry lavender online, check out the reviews to make sure it’s good and strong to start with. If you’ve had it a little while and would like to refresh the fragrance, put it in a bag and give it a really good squeeze. This will release more of the naturally fragrant oils. You’ll find you can do this a few times to pep up the natural scent. If you want to boost it even more, try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil.

How do you use lavender grains for sleep?

To aid a good nights sleep, put a few handfuls of dry lavender in a bag and put it under your pillow. Lavender contains naturally relaxing essential oils and can also be mixed with soothing dried chamomile or hops. Try placing a bowl of the grains as potpourri in your bedroom, adding a drop or two of lavender aromatherapy oil if liked. Have a relaxing bath before bed by adding a lavender bag to the water before taking a soothing soak.

How can I make my bathroom smell like lavender?

Dry lavender naturally has a very clean scent, so is perfect for bathrooms. Simply place a bowl of the grains on a shelf and let the fragrance waft around the room. If you think the scent needs a boost, just add a drop or two of lavender essential oil from time to time.

More resources

Check out my Lavender craft page with loads more hints and tips and makes.

 

Ten uses for dried lavender       |       Free Lavender Craft pdf booklet download

 

UK shoppers can buy great quality fragrant dried lavender with lots of positive reviews from my shop.

 

Image credit filling lavender bags Thomas Skovsende for Prima magazine UK.