You know those little purple buds on lavender plants? The ones that end up in all those lavender-scented lotions, room sprays, and essential oils? Yep, those are the flowers. But guess what? Lavender leaves are pretty awesome too!
Like other plants, lavender uses its leaves for photosynthesis. And while you might get a handful of those purple buds, you’ll have way more leaves. Those flowers are around for just a short time, but don’t ignore the leaves! Go on, give them a sniff. You’d be surprised at how much they smell like lavender too. Turns out, lavender leaves have a strong scent because they also contain some of the same compounds as the buds.
Now, the leaves haven’t been studied as much as the flowers, but we do know they contain linaloyl acetate, linalool, perillyl alcohol, and 100 other aromatic compounds. The strong aroma from the leaves suggests they’ve got similar benefits to the flowers. That’s why I love using them in things like salves, balms, and soaks.
So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your lavender plant, start using those leaves! Here’s how you can harvest, dry, and use them in your DIY projects.
Can You Eat Lavender Leaves?
Yes, lavender leaves are indeed edible. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) has been used traditionally in both medicine and food, though you might not want to eat them raw—they’re quite strong! Scientifically, lavender has been valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. The leaves, like the flowers, are rich in essential oils, primarily linalool and linalyl acetate. These compounds provide the characteristic fragrance and possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them beneficial in cooking.
Nutritionally, lavender leaves are packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress. Their strong, aromatic flavor means they should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering dishes. They work wonders in savory dishes – think lamb, chicken, or even a unique marinade. On the sweet side, you can infuse them into syrups or sugars to add a special touch to cakes, cookies, and ice creams. And if you’re into teas, brewing some lavender leaves can make for a soothing cup.
One thing to keep in mind is to go for culinary varieties of lavender, like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). This variety is known for its sweeter, less bitter taste. Other types of lavender, like Spanish or French, can have higher concentrations of camphor, making them more bitter and less suitable for cooking. So, while you can definitely use lavender leaves in your cooking, stick with English lavender for the best results and use it sparingly to avoid an overly intense flavor.
How to Harvest and Dry Lavender Leaves
You’ll want to grab them while they’re still fresh, ideally before the first frost hits. Just snip off the flexible stems and leave the tougher parts of the plant. If you only need a little bit for a project, you can cut them anytime during the growing season. But if you’re going for a bigger batch, just after the flowers bloom is a perfect time.
Though it’s usually recommended to harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried, I don’t stress too much about timing. I just make sure the leaves are dry before I start the drying process, as wet leaves take longer to dry out.
To dry the lavender leaves, lay them out on a clean dish towel and let them air-dry for a few days. If you’re drying a lot of herbs, a collapsible drying screen is a great tool. It provides plenty of space and keeps your kitchen free from clutter.
Once the leaves are completely dry and crumbly, stash them in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark spot. They’ll stay fresh for a while, but if they ever lose that lovely lavender scent, just toss them into your garden or compost.
12 Uses for Lavender Leaves
Whether you’re looking to add a subtle floral note to your cooking or want to experiment with DIY projects, here’s how you can use those fragrant lavender leaves.
1. Infuse Vinegar
Lavender-infused vinegar not only smells great but also has practical uses around the house.
How to Infuse Vinegar with Lavender Leaves:
- Fill a clean jar about 3/4 full with fresh lavender leaves (or 1/4 full if using dried leaves).
- Pour white vinegar (for cleaning) or white wine vinegar (for culinary use) over the leaves until the jar is full.
- Seal the jar tightly with a non-reactive lid to prevent corrosion.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake it every few days.
- After the infusion period, strain the leaves from the vinegar using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
This lavender-infused vinegar can be used in homemade cleaners, salad dressings, and even as a hair rinse to add shine.
2. Lavender Leaf Butter
Lavender leaf butter is a fantastic way to add a fresh, herbal note to your cooking. Start by finely chopping about a tablespoon of fresh lavender leaves. Take a stick of softened unsalted butter and mix in the chopped lavender leaves until everything is well combined. If you like a bit of salt, go ahead and add a pinch to taste.
Next, shape the butter mixture into a log and wrap it up in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pop it in the fridge until it firms up. This lavender butter is amazing on warm bread, melted over grilled meats, or even used to add a unique twist to your baked goods.
3. Use in Tea
Lavender leaves are not just aromatic; they can also add a subtle, calming flavor to your herbal tea blends. Lavender tea is perfect for relaxing evenings or when you need a moment of peace during a hectic day.
How to Make Lavender Leaf Tea:
- Collect a small handful of fresh or dried lavender leaves.
- Boil water and pour it into a teapot.
- Add the lavender leaves to the boiling water. For a mild flavor, start with 1-2 teaspoons of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon of dried leaves.
- Allow the leaves to steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the leaves out and pour the tea into your cup.
For a soothing evening blend, combine lavender leaves with lemon balm and chamomile.
4. Add to Desserts and Savory Dishes
Lavender leaves can elevate both sweet and savory dishes with their unique flavor. For desserts, consider adding finely chopped lavender leaves to your cookie, cake, or ice cream recipes. For savory dishes, use the leaves in marinades, sauces, or soups to add a floral note. Remember, a little goes a long way, so use the leaves sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
5. Green Lavender Bath Soak
To make a calming and rejuvenating bath soak, try using a blend of dried lavender leaves, chamomile, calendula petals, and lemon balm. Start by mixing equal parts of these dried herbs in a large bowl. Once you have a good blend, add two parts Epsom salt to one part of the herb mixture, stirring everything together until well combined.
For an added touch, consider incorporating a tablespoon or two of baking soda to help soften the water. You might also want to add a few drops of lavender essential oil to enhance the fragrance. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and allow it to air dry for a day or two to remove any remaining moisture. After it’s completely dry, store your bath soak in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy a soothing bath, scoop out some of the bath soak and place it in a muslin tea bag or an old sock. Drop it into the tub as the water runs, allowing the salts and herbs to dissolve and infuse the water with their relaxing properties.
6. Make Lavender Leaf Sachets
Making lavender leaf sachets is an easy and effective way to infuse your home with the calming scent of lavender. To create these sachets, you only need some dried lavender leaves and small fabric bags. Place the dried leaves into the bags, and sew them shut. You can place these sachets in your drawers, closets, or even under your pillow to help you relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Lavender sachets are also fantastic for repelling pests naturally.
7. Infuse Oil
Lavender-infused oil can be used in cooking or as a base for homemade beauty products. You can make lavender oil from lavender leaves just like you would with the flowers for an herb-infused oil.
To get started, fill a canning jar about halfway to three-quarters full with dried leaves. Then, add your favorite oil—sunflower, sweet almond, or rice bran work well. Stir the mixture a few times to release any air bubbles.
For a quick infusion, place the uncovered jar in a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Heat it over a low burner for a few hours, making sure the water doesn’t evaporate. After it’s infused, remove it from the heat and strain the oil.
For a slower but stronger infusion, cap the jar and store it in a cabinet for 4 to 6 weeks. Shake it occasionally whenever you remember. Once the infusing time is up, strain the oil. This method might take longer, but it yields a more potent lavender oil.
This lavender-infused oil can be used to moisturize skin, add aroma to recipes, or relieve aches and pains when used in massage.
8. Make Herbal Salts or Sugars
Lavender leaves can be used to create aromatic salts or sugars. For an herbal salt, mix one part dried lavender leaves with four parts coarse sea salt. Use a food processor to blend them together, but stop before the mixture turns pasty. If you prefer, you can also just finely chop the leaves and mix them with the salt. Spread this mixture on a baking sheet and let it dry for a day or two to ensure any remaining moisture evaporates before storing it.
If you’re thinking about baking, you might want a smoother texture without bits of lavender leaf. Infusing sugar is a great option. Mix sugar with lavender leaves in a six-to-one ratio and let it sit for one to two weeks to infuse. After the infusion period, sift out the lavender leaves to get a fragrant, lavender-flavored sugar perfect for baking. This method keeps the flavor without any unwanted leaf pieces in your sweet treats.
9. Add to Homemade Soap
Lavender leaves are a great addition to homemade soap, offering a lovely fragrance and gentle exfoliation. To get started, finely chop some dried lavender leaves. Melt your soap base gently in a double boiler until it’s completely liquid. Once melted, stir in the chopped lavender leaves and add a few drops of lavender essential oil for an extra burst of fragrance.
Pour the mixture into silicone molds and let it cool and harden for several hours or overnight. The result is a beautifully scented soap with tiny lavender leaf particles that gently exfoliate your skin. This lavender-infused soap is perfect for pampering yourself or giving as a thoughtful, homemade gift. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of those aromatic lavender leaves.
10. Add to Homemade Candles
To create lavender-scented candles, you’ll need natural wax like soy or beeswax, dried lavender leaves, and lavender essential oil.
Start by melting the wax in a double boiler. While the wax is melting, get your candle containers ready by placing a wick in each one. Once the wax has melted, stir in finely chopped lavender leaves and add a few drops of lavender essential oil for that extra fragrance.
Carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers, ensuring the wicks stay centered. Allow the candles to cool and harden completely. When lit, these candles will release a soothing lavender aroma, filling your space with a calming and inviting scent. They’re perfect for gifts or to enhance your home decor with a touch of handmade charm.
11. Make Room Spray
Using lavender leaves to create a homemade room spray is an easy and effective way to freshen up your living spaces. To make your own lavender room spray, start by making an infusion with dried lavender leaves. Boil a pot of water, then steep the lavender leaves in the boiling water for about 15 minutes. After steeping, strain out the leaves and let the liquid cool.
Once the lavender infusion has cooled, combine it with witch hazel or vodka in a small spray bottle. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to enhance the fragrance, and shake the bottle well to mix everything together.
12. Bug Bite Itchy Sticks
Lavender’s soothing properties make it great for homemade bug bite remedies. To create your own, start by infusing a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil with dried lavender leaves. Place the oil and leaves in a jar, seal it tightly, and let it sit for about two weeks, shaking it occasionally to help the infusion process.
Once the infusion is ready, strain the oil to remove the lavender leaves. Then, combine the infused oil with beeswax and shea butter in a double boiler. Gently heat the mixture until the beeswax and shea butter are completely melted. Pour the blend into lip balm tubes or small jars and let it cool and solidify. Apply this to insect bites to reduce itching and inflammation.
