Lavender Flower Water
Lavender calms, soothes and relaxes - great for stress and tension.
Think of lavender flower water and you think of country gardens and fields. Lavender is so popular as a healing, soothing and calming aid that I thought it might prove to be not only fun but useful to be able to dry your own lavender. Although you might think lavender likes to grow in a hot climate in fact lavender can be grown in cooler climates too. All the plant needs is a lot of light, preferably a sunny position and well drained soil. Lavender is so beautiful in the summer that it attracts all sorts of butterflies which make it even more welcoming.
Dry Lavender Flowers
1. The lavender stems should be cut as soon as the flowers open in the morning.
2. Make small bunches of the lavender and then hang them in a warm, dry, airy place such as the airing cupboard.
3.If you prefer loose lavender, spread the stems on trays before placing them in a place like the airing cupboard.
4. Leave the lavender for 2 weeks before stripping the florets from the stalks.
There are so many things lavender can be used for these are only a few
- Calm mild sunburn by spraying lavender water over the area.
- Spray some lavender water onto your face during a flight to refresh your skin
- Use lavender water as a toner after cleansing
- Lavender is particularly good to calm acne or simply an outbreak of spots
- Dried lavender can be used to make your wardrobe smell nice by placing it in a small muslin bag and hanging on the rail.
- Or sprinkle a few handfuls inside your storage drawers to give your clothes a soft but wonderful scent of lavender.
- Try hanging lavender above your bed for a great night's sleep.
- Spray lavender flower water onto your ironing to give it that summer smell.
- Try spraying lavender onto your curtains and carpets as an air freshner.
Lavender Flower Water
- 600g fresh lavender heads
- 1 litre of water
- Coffee filter paper
Boil the water and allow to cool for a minute or two before pouring it into a jar with the lavender. Give the jar a good shake and leave for 48 hours. Using coffee filter paper. filter the lavender water until it runs clear of lavender heads. To make a stronger lavender smell, repeat the process until the desired smell is acquired. Store in a spray bottle.
Useful Links
Aroma Oils - Aromatherapy skincare is thousands of years old but used in the beauty industry today as much as in the days of Cleopatra.
Basic Essential Oils All basic essential oils can be used in various different ways using a combination of oils to create different treatments.
Carrier Oils, this table of aromatherapy carrier massage oil can hopefully simplifiy the minefield of carrier massage oils out there in the market today.
Orange Blossom Oil The benefits to the skin are healing threaded scarred skin, nourishing mature or dry skin
Lemon Facial Cleanser This lovely lemon cleanser made with yoghurt and lemon juice will remove make-up easily.
Camomile Cleansing Milk This milky cleanser is quick and easy to make and is ideal for sensitive or normal skin.
