Love for Lavender
When you think of lavender, you might be reminded of its relaxing aroma, but medicinal uses for lavender actually dates back to the middle ages. Traditionally used to help support the nervous system, aid in digestion and ease stress or anxiety. It is also known for its antiseptic properties, making it a great choice for helping to heal wounds and sores, or as an addition to your home cleaning products.
That said, my favourite way to enjoy the bounty of this herb is to sit back, relax and breath in its beautiful aroma.
We had the pleasure of visiting Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm on Salt Spring Island this summer, and it was absolutely stunning. There is something so calming about a field full of this beautiful herb.
The best news? Lavender is fairly easy to plant and can be added to almost any garden.
Growing & harvesting
You may be surprised to learn that there are over 39 different species of lavender! The most popular being, Lavandula angustifolia - English Lavender (native to the Mediterranean) and Lavandula dentata - French Lavender.
English lavender is often called, Common Lavender and is usually what you see in pictures of those beautiful fields of rolling lavender. It is actually an extremely hardy plant and grows really well in gardens as long as its placed in well drained soil, and in a spot where it can soak up plenty of sunlight.
English lavender will bloom late spring to early summer, so you’ll want to harvest as buds appear, but before the flowers bloom. This will ensure you’re capturing all of the beautiful medicinal qualities of the plant. When you harvest, remember to leave a few sets of leaves on each stem in order to promote regrowth. Once you’re finished your harvest, you can bunch your lavender and hang them it upside down to dry. It’s important to hang in a warm, dry spot, out of sunlight. We had the pleasure of peaking into the drying room at Sacred Mountain Lavender Farm, and it was rows upon rows of lovely lavender drying. I wanted to stay there all day.
Whether you’re growing and harvesting your own lavender, purchasing dried organic buds, or seeking pure organic essential oil, its easy to add into your daily routine.
These are my tops 4 favourite ways to enjoy the aroma of lavender, as often as possible :)
Adding to a Bath (steep 1 TBPS dried lavender into 2 cups water, or add 5-7 drops of lavender essential oil to carrier oil)
Oil Diffuser - add 5 - 10 drops into your oil diffuser. (I love to blend lavender with peppermint essential oil for sleeping)
Note if using in a child’s room over 12 months of age, reduce to 1-2 drops into oil diffuser or cool air humidifier
Body Lotions - its easy to make your own lotion bars, and drop in lavender essential oils to add that gorgeous scent into your skincare routine
Cleaning Products - with lavenders antiseptic properties, it makes a great addition to your DIY natural home cleaning products. Simply add at least 10 drops into your homemade all purpose cleaner. To make your own, check out this recipe
There are so many ways to include this relaxing herb into your daily routine and I encourage you to give it a try.