When people think of lavender, they often envision its beautiful purple flowers and the soothing aroma they provide. But what happens to the leaves? All too often, these fragrant leaves are tossed aside or overlooked.
However, lavender leaves are just as versatile and useful as the flowers and can be used in numerous creative ways around the home.
In this article, we’ll share surprising and practical ways to make the most of lavender leaves, transforming them into valuable, everyday essentials.
1. Brew a Relaxing Lavender Leaf Tea
While lavender flowers are the usual choice for tea, the leaves can be used to make a calming brew that’s perfect for winding down after a long day.
Lavender leaf tea has a mild, slightly earthy flavor with subtle floral notes, making it a wonderful drink for relaxation and stress relief.
How to Make It:
- Rinse a few fresh or dried lavender leaves thoroughly.
- Place them in a teapot or mug and pour boiling water over them.
- Let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy as is, or add a bit of honey or lemon for extra flavor.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender leaf tea offers the same calming benefits as flower tea, helping to reduce anxiety, ease headaches, and promote restful sleep.
2. Make a DIY Lavender Leaf Cleaning Spray
Lavender leaves have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them an excellent ingredient for homemade cleaning sprays.
The leaves infuse a fresh, soothing scent into your cleaner, making household chores more pleasant.
How to Use It:
- Fill a jar with fresh or dried lavender leaves.
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of water.
- Let the mixture sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking it occasionally.
- Strain out the leaves and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
Where to Use: Use this natural lavender spray to clean countertops, mirrors, or bathroom surfaces for a fragrant, chemical-free clean.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender leaf spray leaves a pleasant aroma while also cutting through dirt and grime, keeping your home fresh and toxin-free.
3. Create a Soothing Bath Sachet
Transform your bath into a spa-like experience by adding lavender leaf sachets to your water.
The warm water releases the therapeutic scent of lavender, easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
How to Make It:
- Fill a small muslin bag or piece of cheesecloth with dried lavender leaves.
- Tie the bag securely and place it in your bath.
- Let it steep in the water as you soak.
Why It’s Gold: The soothing properties of lavender leaves help alleviate stress, tension, and even minor skin irritations, making your bath a rejuvenating experience.
4. Make a Lavender Leaf-Infused Oil
Lavender leaves can be infused into oils to create a multipurpose product for use in cooking, beauty treatments, or massages.
Lavender leaf-infused oil has a mild herbal scent and can be used as a natural moisturizer or hair treatment.
How to Make It:
- Fill a clean jar with dried lavender leaves.
- Pour a neutral oil like olive or almond oil over the leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar and place it in a sunny spot for 2-4 weeks, shaking it gently every few days.
- Strain out the leaves and store the infused oil in a dark glass bottle.
How to Use: Use the oil in salad dressings, as a massage oil, or add it to homemade skincare recipes.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender-infused oil has soothing and moisturizing properties, making it a versatile product for both culinary and skincare uses.
5. Craft a Natural Insect Repellent
Lavender is known for its ability to repel insects like mosquitoes, moths, and flies.
Instead of using chemical repellents, harness the natural power of lavender leaves to keep pests at bay.
How to Use It:
- Dry a handful of lavender leaves and crush them lightly.
- Place the crushed leaves in small sachets and hang them in your closet or place them in drawers to repel moths.
- Sprinkle dried leaves around outdoor seating areas to keep mosquitoes away.
Why It’s Gold: This eco-friendly, natural insect repellent keeps your home and garden free from pests without the use of harmful chemicals.
6. Use in Culinary Creations
Lavender leaves can add a subtle, herbal flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
While the flowers are more commonly used in cooking, the leaves can also be incorporated into a variety of recipes.
How to Use It:
- Add chopped lavender leaves to marinades, sauces, or salad dressings for a unique flavor.
- Use the leaves to infuse syrups, custards, or cream for baking.
- Sprinkle a small amount of finely chopped leaves over roasted vegetables or meats.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender leaves can elevate the flavor of your dishes with their distinct aroma, adding a touch of sophistication to your cooking.
7. Create a Calming Lavender Leaf Pillow
A lavender leaf pillow can be placed under your regular pillow or near your bed to help you relax and sleep better.
The mild aroma of the leaves has a calming effect, making it ideal for promoting restful sleep.
How to Make It:
- Sew a small pillow or use a fabric pouch.
- Fill it with dried lavender leaves and optionally add dried chamomile or rose petals.
- Place the pillow under or near your regular pillow at bedtime.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender leaves help ease anxiety and tension, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.
8. Make a Lavender Leaf Potpourri
Potpourri is a wonderful way to bring a natural fragrance into your home, and lavender leaves can be a key ingredient. Combine them with dried flowers, herbs, and spices for a beautiful, aromatic blend.
How to Make It:
- Dry lavender leaves thoroughly.
- Mix them with other dried ingredients like rose petals, citrus peels, or cinnamon sticks.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and place the mixture in a decorative bowl.
Why It’s Gold: Lavender leaf potpourri not only adds fragrance but also enhances your home’s decor, making it a beautiful and functional addition to any room.
Lavender leaves are often overlooked and discarded, but they offer so many incredible benefits.