Many people do not love lavender leaves as they do with the flowers. Although not much study has been done to the leaves, it is believed that the flowers, leaves, and oil all contain linalool acetate, linalool, perillyl alcohol, 1,8, cineole, and 100 other known compounds. The leaves have an easy procedure that should be carefully considered when harvesting. Snip off the top tips while green. Put the leaves to air dry for a period of days. After they have dried, please store them in a brown paper bag or a glass jar and keep them in the dark space. To ensure the leaves are good for use, make sure they still have the lavender scent. If not, it is best to compost them and prepare new leaves.
Top 6 uses you can attempt with your lavender leaves and benefits.
#1. Making infused oil
This will require you to mix the leaves with your preferred choice of oil. It can either be sunflower oil, sweet almond, or rice bran. Half to a three-quarter jar filled with leaves is ready. Then top up with your favorite oil. Stir well to remove air bubbles. To fasten the process, you will need to heat the solution over a pan with an inch filled with water. Careful not to let the water evaporate. Remove and strain. If you wish to have a stronger infusion, cover the mixture, and keep away for 4-6 weeks. Remember to shake the mixture occasionally.
#2. Headache salve
It is an easier method to get rid of headaches, stuffy noses, and allergies. For this natural remedy, make use of your lavender leaf infused oil to make this headache balm. Follow DIYs to help you make easy and portable oils to use anywhere in case of headaches.
#3. Making Bug bite itchy sticks
If you are a traveling or camping fanatic, you know that bug bites are inevitable. We can’t control nature. However, we can protect ourselves from it. Lavender leaf infused oil is just what you need to ensure that these bites don’t ruin your skin. To make these sticks, you will need your leaves, beeswax, and lavender essential oils.
#4. Green lavender bath soak
To successfully come up with a bathing soak, you will need other leaves like mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, plantain, violet leaves, or pine needles. Blend your mixture of leaves and allow to air dry. Then re-blend again for a smoother texture. Then there you have it. Your lavender soak bath ready to use.
#5. Cooking purposes
These lovely scented leaves can well substitute for rosemary leaves. In fact, try adding these spice in your marinades or potato dishes. You can as well add it to your herbal spice blends and vinaigrettes. With just the right amount, you can get your friends and family asking for more of your dishes.
#6. Infused vinegar
Last but not least, these lavender products are very useful for rinsing your hairs as ladies after shampooing. It can also be used as an after-bath for dogs. This rinse helps to clear fleas and ticks for your pet. It can also be used as a detox and a glass and window cleaner. To make this solution, you will follow the same procedure for making infused oils; only this time, you will not be adding oils. In place of oils, add apple cider vinegar to the jar.
These are not just the only uses for lavender leaves. Anytime that recipe calls for use of lavender flowers, chances are the leaves can as well deliver the same results. Explore and get to know more about making use of your lavender leaves.
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