If you are a lavender lover and love all things lavender, then you will love dried lavender uses. That’s right, dried flowers can look so classy and artsy and believe it or not have more uses than you may think. Not many people consider what to do with dried lavender, so if you ended up here, you are in for a treat. If you enjoy working on the occasional craft and DIY and happen to have dried lavender at hand, learn all about what to do with dried lavender.
The best thing about working with dried lavender and flowers is that if they’re looked after properly, you can almost be assured you’ll have them for around a long time. They’ll be a beautiful keepsake, especially if the arrangement has been made for a special occasion, like your wedding bouquet or birthday flowers. Dried lavender can also offer a vintage aesthetic to your projects.
You’ll be surprised to learn everything you can do with dried lavender. These can add a colorful yet dramatic accent to your DIY. We’re not talking only about home crafts but also about beauty products. To make great use of your dried lavender, there are a few things you need to know first so making a little research is always a good starting point. Continue reading and find out what to do with dried lavender.
What to do with Dried Lavender FAQs
What to do with lavender after you cut it?
Fresh, cut lavender bunches can be put in a vase of water for 2-3 days. They will last up to 10 days in water, but if you want to dry the bunches, remove them from the water after 3 days, cut off brown parts of the stem and hang them to dry.
How do you preserve lavender for cooking?
The best way to dry culinary lavender flowers is to gather a bunch of around 20-30 flowers and tie them together with twine or a rubber band to create a bunch. Use a clothespin or other device to hang it upside down for one to two weeks or until completely dry.
How long does dried lavender smell last?
The fragrance should last for about 6 months. Dried buds or flowers, keep them in airtight containers to preserve freshness for a long time.
How do you bake with dried lavender?
Lavender pairs really well with rich and fatty foods because it cuts through and lifts the overall flavor. Popularly used in herbes de Provence alongside herbs like marjoram, rosemary, savory, and oregano, lavender is often paired with chicken, turkey, lamb, and fatty fish like salmon or tuna.
How long does dried lavender last?
Properly stored, dried lavender will generally stay at its best quality for about 2 to 3 years. To maximize the shelf life of dried lavender purchased in bulk, and to better retain flavor and potency, store it in containers with tight-fitting lids.
Where do you put dried lavender?
Tuck into your drawers or hang in your closet for sweet-scented clothes, and to repel moths and other bugs. A lavender pomander is also simple to make, looks great, and can be a very personal gift if handmade.
How do you preserve dried lavender?
Ziplock bags or airtight containers or packaging are the best way to store your dried lavender. Also make sure to store it away from light, heat, and humidity. This will help to preserve the fragrance of your lavender and avoid mold.
How do you freshen dried lavender?
Lavenders with higher oil content, such as Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’, will stay fragrant longer. Squeeze or crush the flowers to release the scent. You may want to apply some lavender essential oil to the flowers to refresh their fading fragrance.
Can you put dried lavender in a vase?
Put the lavender dried flowers in a vase without water as home decoration. If you cut the lavender flowers before they are fully open, they will retain their color and form best. Create dried lavender bouquets with other garden dried flowers as rustic home decoration.
What to do with lavender stems?
Most people will discard the lavender stems but they do have uses. They’re not as fragrant as the buds but they still contain the essential lavender scent and can be handy to use around the house.
One of the simple ways that people use them is to help start fires. Since they contain oil naturally, they light quickly and will help you start a fire outdoors so you may want to keep the stems handy for this use.
What to do with lavender leaves?
While the leaves of lavender aren’t as well known as the flowers, they contain a powerful aroma. So you should consider keeping and using them, especially if you’ll be using your lavender for a scented craft.
Lavender leaves also have many uses just like flowers. One of the most popular is making lavender oil.
What are the benefits of lavender on the skin?
- Calming to Skin: Lavender is a great choice for sensitive skin, as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can even promote quicker healing.
- Anti-Aging Effects: In addition to its calming effects, lavender also possesses anti-aging properties, making a great wrinkle-reducer for aging skin.
- Skin Healing: Lavender is a natural antiseptic that can be used to treat cuts or wounds that haven’t yet healed. It is also a great choice for mild burns because of its healing and soothing properties.
How to make lavender-infused oil?
Lavender oil can be used on sore muscles, used on itchy bug bites, used on dry patchy skin, and burns. To make your own lavender-infused oil fill a small jar with dried lavender sachet bud, and cover with oil, such as olive, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil. Let sit for 4 weeks and shake occasionally.
What to do with Dried Lavender Ideas
#1 Whipped Honey Hand Scrub
This scrub exfoliates your skin, leaving it soft, silky, and smooth. It’s especially wonderful to use on your feet, elbows, and knees.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cane sugar
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lavender-infused oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- a few drops of lavender essential oil
Handcraft Lavender Essential Oil
Handcraft Blends oils are exactly that! Many oils being sold online make that claim but are in fact made of natural isolates and mixtures.
Each essential oil is tested by an independent lab which is why every bottle comes with a Quality Guaranty.
All Handcraft Blends Essential Oils are tested by an independent lab to test the efficacy of each oil. Each oil is tested for its constituents as well as to have no fillers, or additives and to be undiluted.
Features:
- 100% Pure
- Glass Dropper
- Natural
Directions
- Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl and mix well. Depending on how fine or coarse your sugar is, you may want to add a little more oil at a time until it’s a consistency you like. If it feels too oily, add more sugar.
- The recipe will make enough to fit in a small 4-ounce jelly jar. To use, scoop out and gently rub on dry areas of skin. Rinse well with warm water.
#2 Lavender Bath Salts
These lavender bath salts are incredibly easy to make. Pour them into a glass jar, tie a tag on with a pretty ribbon and you have a quick last-minute gift idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup sea salt (or more Epsom salt)
- 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
- A few drops of lavender essential oil
Epsom Salt by Sky Organics
Epsom salt is the perfect way to relax and restore the body after a long day. Made of 100% pure Magnesium Sulfate. This medium grain bath soak contains no added ingredients.
Add 2 cups of Epsom Salt to warm, running bath water. Soak for 20 minutes to help relieve stress and combat muscle stiffness.
Exfoliate the skin in the shower by mixing a handful of Epsom Salt with your shower gel or coconut oil and massaging it onto the skin. Foot Soak: Mix one cup of Epsom Salt in a foot bath and soak feet for 10 minutes to help relieve soreness.
Features:
- Non-GMO
- Fast-Dissolving
- Fragrance-Free
Directions:
- Combine and store in a tightly closed glass jar.
- To use, pour the bath salts into a cotton muslin bag or an old clean sock. Tie up tightly and toss in the tub as it fills with warm water.
- You can use the full batch for one bath or split it between two baths, depending on personal preference.
#3 Lavender Vinegar
This beautiful lavender flower-infused vinegar can be used as a fabric softener, flea spray, hair rinse, glass cleaner, and bath addition.
Ingredients:
- Lavender flowers
- Vinegar
Directions:
- Gather lavender, rub the buds off into a jar, then cover with vinegar.
- Immediately cap to keep the vapors in. Store in a dark cabinet for a few weeks, shaking periodically.
#4 Lavender Bags
Fill an empty fabric bag or decorative paper envelope with a handful of dried lavender to freshen small spaces. They make unusual gifts and can be very personal if handmade.
Dried lavender will bring a linen-fresh scent to your clothes. Just leave a lavender bag in each drawer or the airing cupboard, and squeeze regularly to freshen the scent. This releases the natural essential oils from the buds.
#5 Decoration
Dried lavender bunches are beautiful around the home, especially in a country cottage setting, and add a delicate fragrance at the same time. Hang in an entrance porch to provide a nostalgic welcome. For a table center, a free-standing sheaf can be made by tying together a few handfuls of stems.
#6 Cooking
Lavender Tea
Lavender makes an excellent addition to tea blends and tisanes because it has calming properties that help promote relaxation without inducing drowsiness.
- Add a few lavender sprigs (about two tablespoons) and a small handful of fresh mint leaves (about 1 tablespoon) into a tea infuser (I like this one).
- Add water, cover with a lid and let it steep for five minutes, then remove the leaves.
- Add a sweetener (like honey) if desired.
Lavender Dessert
Lavender-spiked desserts are lovely and flavorful. Lavender pairs well with citrus flavors like lemon and orange for a delicious dessert. You can also try adding dried lavender to your favorite sugar cookie dough.
Lavender Syrup
Simple syrup is basically a sugar and water reduction made liquid overheat. It’s super easy to give any simple syrup a serious upgrade with some fresh herbs, and lavender is a great choice.
- In a small saucepan bring 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil.
- Stir until sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce heat to low and add ¼ cup of dried lavender or 1/3 cup of fresh lavender buds.
- Cover and let steep for 15 minutes
- Strain into a glass jar once cooled and discard the lavender buds
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
