As a homesteader I look for multi use items. I don’t have time for fluff. I need substance. No single use items need apply. Take this amazingly silly S’more maker. No, I’m not down on S’mores, that would be un-American and what female in her right mind says no to chocolate in any form but I just don’t have room for single use items in my life… or in my cabinets… when I get cabinets… or a house… where was I? Oh yes, multi purpose items.
I want everything I buy to be as amazing as my Instant Pot. I mean, I can make deviled eggs and devils food cake with the same appliance. Now THAT’S multi purpose!
Lavender is a widely used plant that’s a member of the mint family.
IF you are just dipping your toes into the world of essential oils may I present for your consideration, LAVENDER. The multipurpose herb and essential oil. From a smell-er-ific laundry additive to offering a calmer household (goodness knows homesteaders can use 5 hot seconds of calm) lavender is a fantastic all purpose go to!
Here’s just a few benefits lavender can offer:
- calming and sleep aid
- speeds healing for minor cuts and burns
- calms motion sickness
- quells nose bleeds
- hay fever relief
- kills bacteria
- reduces acne and cold sores
- insect repellent
Is lavender a super herb and essential oil? Well, it doesn’t wear a cape but as you can see it has many powers. Why can it perform so well? Research shows that lavender is an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and an anti-depressant. Lavender was used by the ancient Romans as a relaxing herb oil in their bath water. When in Rome, I say. Also, a sleep study from 2006 confirmed the ability of lavender to affect sleep in a positive way. It found that lavender produced a better sleep that lead to the testers feeling more refreshed when they woke up. Benefit indeed!
It’s a great essential oil for skin too but please be sure to use a carrier oil to dilute lavender. It can be irritating if you don’t properly dilute it according to Robert Tisserand, one of the leading aromatherapy experts in the world. Check out his study on lavender to dispel any negatives you may have heard about this versatile plant. He is the reason Plant Therapy is my go to for essential oils. Plus Plant Therapy’s Kid Safe oils take all the guess work out of your purchase. If they don’t have what I’m looking for, I just adore Mountain Rose Herbs.
Maybe all these reasons are why it’s the most used essential oil in the world? Lavender is certainly no bit of fluff, it’s a real multi purpose oil! Why don’t you give it a try? I have two sources for my lavender purchases. I buy the dried flowers here and my essential oil here. I have used both these companies for years and trust their quality! Of course as we move forward here on the farm, I will be growing lavender but plan to leave distilling oils to the professionals. While I want to “do it all”, I realize this is one area best left to others.
I use lavender in many ways: in my laundry as a freshener, in cooking, as potpourri for our dresser drawers and closets (remember that insect repelling quality!). I love using the dried flowers as a facial scrub mixed with a bit of sugar… Mmmmmm… now I’m hungry.
Maybe I’ll make some S’mores the old fashioned way, have a little campfire, spray on a bit of my lavender insect repellent (from the recipe below) and have a calm and wonderful smelling evening. How about you?
A great smelling way to give insects the "buzz off"!
- 30 drops Lavender Oil
- 30 drops Citronella Oil
- 30 drops Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- 30 drops Rose Geranium Oil
- 30 drops Rosemary Oil
- 1 TBS Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol
- 1/2 cup Witch Hazel
- 1/2 cup Water or Vinegar
- 1 tsp Vegetable Glycerin optional
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Using a spray bottle (I prefer glass but plastic is fine) drop essential oils in then add vodka or rubbing alcohol. Shake to mix.
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Pour in witch hazel and shake again. You're putting the cap on before shaking right?
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Add the vegetable glycerin, this will help to hold the oils and other liquids together.
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Lastly, add the water and you've got it... shake one last time! Of course you will need to shake before each use but that's a small price to pay for such good smelling protection.
What’s your favorite way to use lavender?
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