GRANDMA’S HERBAL ENCYCLOPEDIA – Lavender-Mint
What is it?
Lavender or lavandula is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family. Lavender originated from the Latin word “lavare”, which means “to wash”. Today, Lavender continues to be cultivated across many countries worldwide.
What are its benefits?
Lavender has been used for thousands of years! The Romans used Lavender to scent their baths, beds, clothes and hair and discovered its medicinal properties. The flowers can even be placed in cabinets and closets to deter moths.
How is it typically used?
Lavender has many uses. The infusion of its oil is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites, sunburns, small cuts, burns, inflammatory conditions and acne. The oil can also be applied to the forehead/temple region to calm headaches, migraines and motion sickness.
The dried leaves and stalks of the lavender plants are often used around homes and business’ for their long-lasting scent. They also often mixed with other plants and oils to create freshening room sprays.
Lavender also has many uses in the culinary world. The buds and greens are used in many recipes throughout history. They are still used today in honeys, teas and lots of baked goods.
Grandma’s has taken this herbal plant and made one of her most popular herbal soap, Lavender-Mint! We love this combination so much, we have put together a few home-made recipes for this powerful plant!
Lavender Perfume
Before outlining the recipe, keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated. Small percentage of people with sensitive skin could experience irritation from essential oils. Before making this perfume, perform a small spot test somewhere on your skin.
First, you’ll want to have a carrier on hand. A carrier oil is used to dilute strong essential oils to make them safe to apply to the body. Something like coconut oil or jojoba oil would work fine. Be sure that it has a neutral smell, as you don’t want it to clash harshly or go bad in a few weeks.
The oils, and their quantities, are:
- 4 drops of lavender
- 2 drops of orange
- 2 drops of lemon
This recipe offers a combination of floral and citrusy notes. Mix the oils with 0.5 oz of your carrier oil and store in a glass bottle or roller ball applicator. Roll it up in a nice bottle and cute bag, and you have an excellent gift for your friends and family for any occasion!
Lavender 3-Ingredient Lotion
This DIY lotion is easy to make and uses common ingredients so you will spend less time looking around for them. In just 10-15 you will have your own lavender lotion that you are sure to love.
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 1 tbsp beeswax
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Mix the coconut oil and beeswax together, and boil in a double boiler on your stove. Once melted, add the lavender and let cool, then whip the mixture well, this gives the lotion a nice strong mix and a better consistency.
You can see how lavender is a useful and versatile herb! Grandma loves her herbs, and her Lavender-Mint herbal can be a calming relaxing addition to your soap-use!
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