This post is dedicated to the people who lived in my home before I did.

They obviously adored Lavender and honestly who can blame them. It is an all-around champ that does so many things well! If you haven’t incorporated Lavender into your life, I highly recommend that you start today. Check to be sure you are not allergic to it. Rub a bit on the inside of your wrist or start with an even less sensitive area like the back of your hand. If nothing happens after a bit, THEN move to the inside of the wrist. If still nothing, then you can proceed with the proper dose of caution as you would with anything and everything you plan to use on or in your one and only biological temple. There are not a ton of cases of allergic type reactions to Lavender so that’s a win!

A little bit about our featured plant: Lavender is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Here are some common uses for lavender:

1. Aromatherapy: Lavender has a soothing scent that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. It is commonly used in aromatherapy to help alleviate anxiety and promote restful sleep.
2. Skincare: Lavender has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also used in cosmetics and skincare products for its pleasant scent and skin-soothing properties.
3. Pain relief: Lavender has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and can be used topically to ease muscle aches, headaches, and menstrual cramps.
4. Insect repellent: Lavender has a strong scent that repels insects like mosquitoes, moths, and fleas. It can be used in the form of essential oil or dried lavender sachets to keep insects away.
5. Cooking: Lavender is an herb that can be used in cooking and baking to add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. It is commonly used in desserts like lavender shortbread and lavender ice cream. It also makes a pretty good sugar rim on a “Lemon Drop” adult beverage.
6. Cleaning: Lavender has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleaning agent. It can be added to homemade cleaning solutions or used as an air freshener to eliminate odors.

Overall, lavender has a wide range of uses and benefits, and is a popular ingredient in many health and wellness products. As all of that is well and good, I love to plant lavender close to a path or sidewalk so that as you or your neighbors or perhaps some little beasties stroll by, it releases its calming fragrance into the air.

Perhaps try making one of my favorite herbal tea blends (with this tisane I use dried and cut, but you can certainly do this cup by cup with fresh leaves and flowers straight from your garden. It is relaxation in a cup, be sure to inhale some of the steam too:

1 cup chamomile – Flowers, dried. In bulkier quantities: https://amzn.to/3IFOcyu

1/2 cup spearmint/mint – Leaves, dried and cut. In bulkier quantities: https://amzn.to/3kvEVRj

1/4 cup lemon balm – Leaves, dried and cut. In bulkier quantities: https://amzn.to/41ojDpz

1/4 cup lavender – Flowers, dried and cut. In bulkier quantities: https://amzn.to/3kxmPOM

While those measurements are approximations of what I use, you might want to experiment with the quantities to find that “just right” blend for you. Also, don’t forget the honey if you are so inclined!

For smaller portions to experiment with until you know what you like here are a few non-bulk options via my affiliate channel (yes, I supposedly make some small percentage if you purchase using these links):

https://amzn.to/3IXoHd8 – Chamomile

https://amzn.to/3IXoHd8 – Mint

https://amzn.to/3kp7U9z – Lemon Balm

https://amzn.to/41u68V1 – Lavender