What To Do With Dried Lavender – 40 ScentSational Ideas

I’ve split the categories into four sections:

1. How to use dried lavender for aromatherapy
3. Dried lavender décor ideas
4. Culinary uses of dry lavender
5. Miscellaneous dry lavender uses

Quick Tip: When using dried lavender, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.

How To Use Dried Lavender Flowers For Aromatherapy

The relaxing aroma of lavender makes it one of the most popular ingredients in aromatherapy.

1. Fragrant Lavender Sachets

This is by far the easiest way to use dried lavender.

Put a handful of dried lavender flowers in a small muslin bag and tie it closed.

That’s it!

Place your fragrant lavender sachets in closets, drawers, your car, or anywhere you want to. Make sachets in a variety of sizes and styles and give them away as gifts.

Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bag whenever you need a stronger fragrance.

Detailed instructions here – How to Make Closet Fresheners With Essential Oils & Dried Lavender Flowers

2. Relaxing Room or Pillow Spray

Steep dried lavender flowers in water in a spray bottle. The flowers slowly add a relaxing scent to the water. Your relaxing room spray will be ready to use in a few days.

Use it as a room spray, linen spray, or pillow spray.

You can add the dry flowers to both of these DIY projects:

DIY Room Spray With Essential Oils + Recipes

DIY Relaxing Pillow Spray With Essential Oils

3. Lavender Candles

Melt soy wax or beeswax in a double boiler. Add a spoonful of dried lavender buds into the hot wax just pouring it into the candle molds.

If you want the lavender on the top only, place the dry flowers after pouring the wax into the molds.

Let the wax cool. The dried flowers will give your homemade candles a delicate lavender scent and they’ll look gorgeous too.

How to make beeswax candles with essential oils and dried lavender flowers 

4. Flickering Tea Light Holder

Place a handful of dried lavender flowers in a small glass jar and place a tea light in the center to create a unique decorative aromatherapy accessory.

The tea light will warm the flowers and release their fragrance while also bathing the buds in a warm glow.

5. Simmering Potpourri

To quickly freshen up your home’s scent, place some lavender flowers in a pot with water on the stove.

As the water heats up, the natural aroma will spread throughout your house, acting as an air freshener.

You can add other aromatics such as peppermint leaves, lemon zest, and rosemary sprigs to give the simmering potpourri a more complex aroma.

How To Use Dry Lavender Flowers For Self-Care

6. Lavender Sleep Pillow

Make a calming sleep pillow by filling a small muslin bag with a handful of dried lavender flowers and placing it inside your pillowcase.

Inhaling the scent of lavender promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality.

7. Relaxing Sleep Mask

Create a relaxing sleep mask by cutting two pieces of fabric in the shape of an eye mask.

Download a mask template online to use as a guide. Sew along the edges, leaving a small opening at one end.

Mix dried lavender flowers with flax seeds or rice and fill it into the eye mask.

Stitch the gap closed and sew an elastic band at the sides making sure that the length is right so the mask fits comfortably.

This will provide additional aromatherapy benefits to help promote a restful night’s sleep.

Use your dried lavender eye mask as a soothing eye pillow for meditation or relaxation.

8. Soothing Lavender Bath Salts

Create your own bath salts with lavender flowers for a quick and easy way to relax, soothe sore muscles, and calm your skin.

Try out this simple lavender bath salt recipe:
– 2 cups Epsom salt
– 1/2 cup dried lavender buds
– 1/2 cup sea salt
– 1/2 cup baking soda
– 10 drops lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Add a few scoops to your bathwater for a luxurious and relaxing soak.

9. Multi-Purpose Lavender-Infused Oil

Infusing the aromatic flowers in oil is a simple and versatile way to use up your dried lavender.

Use your homemade lavender-infused oil in all sorts of DIY projects, from homemade bath care and skin care products to candles, or even cooking!

Use as a soothing lotion, soothe sunburnt skin, massage oil, bath oil,

Lavender lotion helps to soothe itchy, irritated, and sunburnt skin.

Here’s how to make your own lavender-infused oil:

1 cup carrier oil of your choice (such as olive, almond, or jojoba) 1/2 cup dried lavender buds

Add the dry flowers to a clean, dry glass jar. Pour in the carrier oil and make sure the buds are fully submerged. Close the lid and shake gently.

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it occasionally. After the infusion period, strain out the lavender buds and transfer the oil to a clean container for use.

10. Relaxing Lavender Bath Bombs

Tweak this rose bath bomb recipe with dried rose petals and use dried lavender flowers and lavender essential oil instead.

If you’ve never used a bath bomb before, read How To Use Bath Bombs: A Comprehensive Guide

11. Lavender Infused Bath Soak

Making a lavender-infused bath is an incredibly easy way to use dried lavender flowers. There are a couple of different ways you can do this.

Add a handful of dry lavender to your bathwater, step in, and soak for a few minutes while the water gets infused with lavender.

Another way is by wrapping the lavender buds in a muslin bag, cheesecloth, or tea strainer. Drop the muslin bag or tea strainer into the warm water and step in.

Adding Epsom salt or sea salt to the water is optional, but can help to further relax your muscles and soothe your skin.

12. Lavender Sugar Scrub

Mix a cup of finely granulated sugar with a tablespoon of coarsely ground dried flowers.

Add 3 – 4 tablespoons of coconut oil to make a fragrant and exfoliating sugar scrub.

Use the mixture to exfoliate your skin, then rinse off with warm water.

You can add dried lavender to any of these sugar scrub recipes.

13. Oatmeal Lavender Face Mask

Grind lavender buds and oatmeal together into a fine powder and store the mixture in a glass container.

When ready to use, mix the powder with water to create a sticky paste, and apply it to your face for a natural exfoliating effect that will keep your skin healthy and clear.

14. Lavender & Lemon Body Scrub

An exfoliating lavender and lemon body scrub is a refreshing and invigorating way to exfoliate and moisturize your skin. Here’s how to make one:
Mix 1 cup granulated sugar in 1/4 cup coconut oil well, till fully combined.

Add 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds and the zest of one lemon to the mixture.

Stir till evenly distributed. Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil.

Store the lavender-lemon scrub in an airtight container. To use, apply a small amount to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.

15. Strengthening Hair Oil

Make a fragrant and nourishing hair oil by mixing 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers with a cup of carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil) in a glass jar.

Let the mixture sit for a few days, then strain out the flowers.

Massage the lavender hair oil into your scalp and hair for a moisturizing and aromatic treatment.

16. Conditioning Hair Rinse

Create a lavender and rosemary hair rinse for a natural and fragrant hair-strengthening treatment. Both lavender and rosemary promote strong, healthy hair growth.

To make a lavender-rosemary hair rinse, add 2 tablespoons each of dried lavender flowers and dried rosemary leaves to 4 cups of water in a large pot.

Cover the pot with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture through a strainer to remove the herbs. Pour the lavender and rosemary hair rinse into a spray bottle.

To use the hair rinse, shampoo your hair as usual and rinse thoroughly. Spray the lavender and rosemary hair rinse onto your scalp and hair, making sure to cover all areas.

Let the hair rinse sit on your hair for 2-3 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly with warm water.

17. Mermaid Hair Spray

To make a mermaid hair spray, combine lavender, rosemary, and cedarwood essential oils in a spray bottle with witch hazel and water.

Add some dried lavender buds and shake well.

Spray over your hair to promote healthy hair growth.

18. Lavender Lotion Bars

Experience the soothing and healing benefits of lavender by adding dried buds to your lotion for gentle exfoliation or using lavender-infused oil.

Consider making lotion bars for a convenient and effective moisturizer.

19. Refreshing Facial Steam

Enhance your facial steaming routine by adding lavender flowers to hot water.

This will create soothing and beneficial steam for your skin.

20. Lavender-Infused Soap

Add dried lavender flower buds to the top of your homemade soap for a delightful and fragrant touch. Lavender soap makes a wonderful homemade gift, as everyone adores the scent of lavender!

Try this easy lavender melt-and-pour soap recipe:
– 1 lb melt and pour soap base
– 1 tbsp dried lavender buds
– 10-20 drops lavender essential oil
– Soap mold

Melt the soap base in a double boiler or microwave-safe container. Add the dried lavender and essential oil and stir well. Pour into the soap mold and let it cool and harden for several hours. Pop the soap out of the mold and enjoy!

21. Fragrant Foot Soak

Mix dried lavender with Epsom salt and baking soda for a relaxing and fragrant foot soak at the end of a long day on your feet.

To make a foot soak, fill a large basin or foot bath with warm water. Add a handful of dried flowers and stir the water to release the aromatic oils from the flowers.

Soak your feet in the lavender water for 15-20 minutes. Relax and enjoy the soothing scent of lavender while the water works to soften and moisturize your feet.

Note: You can also add other ingredients to enhance the benefits of the foot soak. Add Epsom salt to help relax your muscles, baking soda to help deodorize your feet, or a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil for a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Epsom Salt Foot Bath Soak Recipe

22. Exfoliating & Moisturizing Lip Balm

With this exfoliating and moisturizing lip balm, you don’t have to choose between an exfoliator and a moisturizer.

Here’s how to create a lavender and coconut oil lip balm for a natural and moisturizing lip treatment.

Combine 1 tablespoon each of honey and coconut oil with 2 tablespoons dried sugar and 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds in a small glass bowl. Mix well till it forms a paste.

Using your fingertips, gently rub the mixture onto your lips in a circular motion for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your lips with warm water and pat them dry with a soft towel.

Apply your favorite lip balm to help lock in moisture.

Note: Adjust the consistency of the lip scrub by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your preference. You can also use fresh lavender buds if you have them available. The scrub can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

23. Therapeutic Heating Pad

Mix dried lavender with rice to create a natural and fragrant heating pad.

The lavender will provide additional benefits, such as helping with sleep and reducing pain.

How To Use Dry Lavender Flowers As Aromatic Decor Accessories

24. Lavender Wreaths

Create a stunning lavender wreath using dried lavender flowers on the stem. You will need dried flowers on a stem for this.

Simply wrap a wreath form with floral wire and then attach lavender stems to the form with more wire.

You can also add other dried flowers and foliage for a more varied look.

25. Dried Flower Bouquet 

For a lovely decorative item with a pleasing scent, create a bouquet using dried lavender on its stem. Not only does this look good, but it also keeps your room smelling great.

26. Floral Potpourri

Lavender potpourri is another super easy way to use dried lavender. You can make potpourri using the buds and flowers of lavender alone or mix it with other dried flowers and herbs for a more complex aroma.

These are some of the best dried herbs and flowers to mix with lavender to make potpourri – Rose Buds, Chamomile Flowers, White Sage Leaves, Hibiscus Petals, Whole Rosemary Leaves, and Whole Jasmine Flowers.

I love adding a herb or two when making floral potpourris. The herbal aroma helps to cut through the floral scents so the potpourri smells lovely and fresh.

Note– Add jasmine sparingly. Jasmine flowers have a strong heady scent that will overpower the other flowers and herbs if you add too much of it.

Place your personalized potpourri in the bathroom, study, car, closets, and drawers, and anywhere else you want a lavender scent.

Culinary Uses for Dried Lavender Flowers

Dried lavender flowers can be used in a variety of sweet and savory dishes.

In baking, they are often used to infuse flavor into cakes, biscuits, and bread. They can also be added to honey, syrups, and jams.

In savory dishes, dry lavender can be added to meat marinades or rubbed onto chicken or lamb before cooking. A sprinkle of lavender can also be added to a salad or a vegetable dish.

Note: When using dry lavender for culinary purposes, make sure to buy an organic variety so you’re not ingesting any pesticides.

27. Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is a popular herbal tea that is known for its calming properties. You can either steep dried lavender buds alone for a calming, comforting beverage or mix it with other calming herbs.

To make lavender tea, steep a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain, and serve. But that’s only the basic infusion. You can use this versatile infusion in a variety of ways.

28. Lavender-Infused Honey

Dried lavender flowers can add a delicate floral flavor to honey.

To make lavender-infused honey, place a tablespoon of dry buds in a jar with one cup of honey.

Let it sit for a few days, then strain out the flowers. The resulting honey can be used as a sweetener in tea or drizzled over desserts.

29. Lavender Syrup

Wondering how to use dried lavender in baking? Make lavender syrup!

It’s easy to make – just boil water, sugar, and lavender. Use it on pancakes, waffles, and more for a delicious taste.

30. Cookies & Muffins

Add lavender to cookies and muffins for a unique flavor.

Chop dried lavender buds roughly to create smaller bits or put it through a grinder for a couple of seconds. Add it to your basic recipe or sprinkle ground lavender flowers over baked cookies or muffins and serve.

Do the same when baking different types of bread or any other baked savory or sweet treats.

31. Pesto

Use dried lavender in homemade pesto for a unique and aromatic twist on a classic recipe.

32. Infused Sugar

Create lavender sugar by mixing dried lavender with granulated sugar for a sweet and fragrant ingredient.

33. Flavor Homemade Ice Cream & Sorbets

Infuse homemade ice creams and sorbets with a subtle floral flavor using dried lavender flowers.

Heat heavy cream and milk in a saucepan. Add a tablespoon of dry lavender flowers, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.

Strain out the flowers, then use the infused cream to make ice cream according to your favorite recipe.

34. Lavender Cocktails

Dried lavender flowers can add a unique flavor to cocktails.

Create a base syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan with a tablespoon of the flowers.

Strain out the flowers, then use the lavender-infused simple syrup in cocktails like lavender lemonade or lavender gin and tonic.

35. Infused Vinegar

Infuse white vinegar with dried lavender flowers for a delicate floral flavor.

Place a tablespoon of flowers in a jar with one cup of white vinegar.

Let it sit for a few days, then strain out the flowers.

The resulting lavender-infused vinegar can be used in salad dressings or even as a cleaning solution.

36. Lavender Lemonade

Lavender lemonade is delicious and super refreshing! Make lavender tea and freeze it as ice cubes.

Make your regular lemonade and drop a lavender tea ice cube in it for a delicious, refreshing taste.

Mix dried lavender with baking soda to create a natural carpet deodorizer.
Miscellaneous Dry Lavender Uses

37. Scented Laundry

Fill a muslin bag with dried lavender and knot it tightly before adding it to your wash for a refreshing, floral scent.

38. Cleaning

Lavender is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean your home.

Make a lavender-infused vinegar cleaner by steeping dried lavender flowers in white vinegar for a few weeks, straining the mixture, and using it to clean your surfaces.

39. Insect Repellent

Lavender is a natural insect repellent that can help keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects at bay.

Make a lavender spray by steeping dried lavender flowers in hot water, straining the liquid, and adding a few drops of essential oil.

Spray this mixture on your skin or around your home to repel insects.

40. Carpet Freshener

Mix dried lavender flowers with baking soda and use as a natural carpet freshener.

With 40 fun and easy ideas, you no longer have to wonder what to do with dried lavender. From lavender-infused oil, bath bombs, and sugar scrubs to lavender tea, candles, and more, there are many unique and beautiful ways to incorporate dried lavender into your daily life.

Next time you have some dried lavender flowers on hand, try out some of these creative and useful ways to use them.

If you’re interested in herbs and want to learn more, consider signing up with the Herbal Academy to become an herbalist or gain additional knowledge.

Where to Buy Dried Lavender

When buying any type of herb for your DIY projects, it’s important to narrow down your options to reputed brands. You’ll be using the dry buds for making bath, body, and skincare products and you want to make sure that you’re using only the best quality raw materials.

Look for organic dry lavender flowers that are harvested from plants grown under pesticide-free conditions.

Amazon is the best place to start your search. Here you’ll find dried lavender flower buds in various quantities by several different brands and at different price points, so you’re sure to find exactly what you need.

Starwest Botanicals is another great online store to buy dried lavender buds.

How To Dry Lavender

If you buy dried lavender flowers, you can use them right away. You don’t have to worry about these instructions.

However, if you want to dry your own fresh lavender, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Harvest the flowers when they are in full bloom before they start to wilt. The aroma is strongest at this time. The best time to harvest lavender is in the morning after the dew has evaporated.

Cut the lavender stems at their base, leaving about 1-2 inches of stem. Gather a small bundle of about 20-30 lavender stems and tie them together tightly with a rubber band or string.

Make sure the stems are all facing the same direction.

Hang the bundle of lavender upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a well-ventilated room. Avoid hanging them in direct sunlight or in a humid room as sunlight can cause the flowers to fade while humidity can cause mold growth.

The lavender flowers will take about 1-2 weeks to dry completely. Check on them regularly to make sure they are drying evenly and not getting moldy.

Once the flowers are completely dry, remove the stems from the bundle and store the flowers in an airtight container or a plastic bag.

You can also use a food dehydrator to dry out lavender quickly.

How to Store Dried Lavender

Once your lavender is completely dry, you’ll need to store it properly. The best way to store dried lavender is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

You can also store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Make sure to check the container periodically to make sure the lavender is still fragrant.

Dried Lavender Benefits

The most notable benefits of lavender flowers include:

• May improve sleep quality
• Can help relax and calm you
• Help with hair growth and health
• Can help with pain relief
• Soothe your skin

Dried Lavender FAQs

How Long Do Dry Lavender Flowers Last?

When stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, dry lavender flowers can last for up to two years or even longer. However, over time the potency of the lavender oil and fragrance will diminish.

It’s important to check the flowers for signs of mold or moisture periodically and to discard any that appear to be damp or have an off odor. Overall, proper storage is key to ensuring the longest possible lifespan for dry lavender flowers.

Is it safe to eat dry lavender flowers?

Lavender is generally safe to eat in small amounts, but it’s important to use culinary-grade lavender that hasn’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Culinary lavender is specifically grown for use in cooking and baking, and it’s important to use this type of lavender if you plan to consume it.

That being said, while lavender is safe to eat in small amounts, some people may experience an allergic reaction or digestive issues when consuming lavender. It’s best to start with a small amount and monitor your body’s response. It’s also important to note that consuming large amounts of lavender can be toxic and should be avoided.

If you have any concerns or are unsure about consuming lavender, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming it.

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