Discover the Many Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of Dried Lavender

Discovering the Many Uses and Benefits of Dried Lavender

With its pleasant floral aroma and vibrant purple color, lavender is a beloved herb. But beyond its fragrance and beauty, dried lavender has many versatile uses for health, home and personal care. Learn about the top ways to use this therapeutic dried herb.

Dried Lavender for Natural Healing

Dried lavender contains beneficial plant compounds like linalool, linalyl acetate, and ocimene. These provide anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and pain relieving effects. Some key medicinal uses of dried lavender include:

• Treating anxiety and promoting relaxation - Lavender's calming scent reduces stress.
• Aiding sleep - It helps induce drowsiness and improve sleep quality.
• Easing headaches - Applying lavender oil or dried buds to temples soothes headache pain.
• Relieving muscle aches and pains - It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Improving skin conditions - Its antiseptic activity helps heal acne, eczema and psoriasis.
• Boosting hair growth - It stimulates circulation in the scalp to encourage new hair growth.

Drying Lavender

To dry fresh lavender at home:

1. Cut lavender stems just as the flowers begin to bloom. Leave some stem attached.
2. Gather into small bundles, tie with twine and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place.
3. Allow 1-2 weeks for full drying. To quicken drying, use a food dehydrator on low heat.
4. Check for dryness and store dried lavender in an airtight container out of light.

Lavender Tea

Brewing lavender tea is a simple way to enjoy its calming properties. Add 2-3 tablespoons of dried buds to an infuser and steep in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired. Sip in the evening for relaxation.

Lavender Sugar

Make aromatic lavender sugar by layering dried buds and sugar in an airtight jar. Allow to infuse for at least 2 weeks before using to sweeten drinks, baked goods and desserts. The lavender-infused sugar has anti-anxiety benefits.

Lavender Bath Salts

For a relaxing spa-like bath, mix together equal parts Epsom salts, baking soda and dried lavender buds. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil if desired. Sprinkle a handful under warm running bath water and soak away stress.

Lavender Sachets

Small muslin drawstring bags filled with dried lavender make soothing aromatherapy sachets. Place in closets, under pillows, or by bedsides to promote relaxation. Can also be tucked into luggage while traveling to impart a pleasant scent.

Potpourri

Combine dried lavender with other fragrant dried flowers like roses or peonies and a few drops of essential oils to create a custom potpourri mix. Display in bowls around the home to perfume the air.

Scented Candles

Add a tablespoon of dried lavender buds to plain candle wax before pouring into jars and lighting the wicks. As the candle burns, it will release the herb's calming fragrance. Customize by blending with other dried flowers.

Aromatherapy Uses

In aromatherapy, the dried buds can be simmered to infuse an area with relaxing lavender vapor. Simmer in water in a potpourri simmer pot or vaporizer. Inhaling the lavender steam calms the mind.

DIY Sleep Pillows

Stuff a small fabric pouch with dried lavender along with chamomile, passionflower and valerian. Tie closed and slip inside pillowcases to inhale the relaxing scent as you fall asleep. Helps improve sleep quality.

Potted Lavender Plants

Decorate indoor living spaces with potted lavender plants. The sight and scent of the herb is calming. Prune fresh sprigs as needed for various uses. Rotate plants outside in summer for fresh growth.

Dried Lavender Uses Around the Home

Beyond its healing properties, dried lavender has many uses for home cleaning, fragrance and crafts. It imparts natural freshness without harsh chemicals.

Freshen Closets and Drawers

Place sachets or bowls of dried buds in closets and dresser drawers to impart a light floral scent to clothing and linens. Repels moths naturally too.

Natural Perfume

Place dried lavender buds in small glass vials with essential oils to create custom lavender perfumes. Apply to pulse points for an alluring light scent.

Shoe Deodorizer

Sprinkle dried lavender inside shoes to keep them smelling fresh. The antiseptic properties help absorb odors and inhibit bacteria growth.

Freshen Laundry

Add a handful of buds to laundry loads for a light lavender scent. Can also be blended into homemade laundry detergent recipes.

Repel Moths and Bugs

The strong scent of dried lavender repels moths, flies, mosquitoes and other pests. Place in cupboards, closets, pantries and linen chests to deter bugs.

Home Decor Accents

Decorate tabletops and shelves by displaying dried lavender in glass bottles, ceramic containers or wire baskets. Arrange mixed bouquets in vases.

Crafting Potpourris and Wreaths

Incorporate dried lavender into various home craft projects. Blend into potpourri, add to wreaths and garlands, or ornament gifts and gift baskets.

Sachets for Storage Boxes

Place small lavender sachets in storage containers and boxes to keep contents fresh smelling. Repels pests from stored clothing, linens and more.

Uses for Dried Lavender in Personal Care

Dried lavender has many applications for personal care and cosmetic products thanks to its soothing properties. It can be used for:

Relaxing Baths

Sprinkle buds into warm bath water for a soothing soak. Combine with Epsom salts or bath bombs for extra luxury. Soothes skin and eases muscle pain.

Body and Massage Oils

Steep dried lavender in carrier oils like sweet almond, coconut or jojoba to extract its benefits. Strain and use for massage, moisturizing dry skin, calming eczema, and reducing acne.

Skin Soothing Toners

Create a floral water toner by steeping lavender in hot water. Cool, strain, and pour into a spray bottle. Mist skin to calm irritation, balance pH, and cleanse.

Relaxing Pillow Sprays

Add lavender buds and essential oils to water in a spray bottle. Shake before misting pillows, bed sheets, or pajamas to make bedtime more relaxing.

Homemade Soaps and Scrubs

Blend dried lavender into DIY body scrubs with sugar or sea salt. Also swirl into cold process soap recipes. Has antiseptic benefits for skin.

Aromatherapy and Meditation

Burn the dried buds or use in essential oil diffusers to create a peaceful environment. Lavender's scent enhances focus during meditation, yoga, or creative work.

Hair Rinses

Steep lavender in water and use as a final hair rinse to soothe the scalp, boost circulation, and prevent dandruff. Rinsing with lavender tea adds shine.

Dried vs. Fresh Lavender Uses

While fresh lavender also has many applications, drying the buds allows long term preservation of the herb. Benefits of using dried lavender include:

• Dried lavender retains its aromatic oils and bioactive compounds.
• The drying process concentrates the beneficial properties.
• Dried lavender has a longer shelf life for extended use.
• It can be used to make infusions and decoctions.
• The buds are easier to store long-term than perishable fresh sprigs.

However, fresh lavender may be preferable for adding to recipes or using immediately in certain products. Combining uses of both fresh and dried lavender allows maximum enjoyment of this therapeutic plant.

The Many Virtues of Dried Lavender

With its countless applications for health, home, and personal care, dried lavender is an herb that keeps giving. Its calming fragrance enhances relaxation, mood, sleep and overall well-being.

Experiment with these diverse uses of dried lavender buds to enjoy the herb’s soothing antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Keep a supply of dried lavender on hand to incorporate into your daily self-care and home routines.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.