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Lavender tea is a delicious herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant.
The brew has a unique floral-herbal aroma that’s sweet and earthy. It is widely known for its soothing and calming properties.
In addition to its pleasant taste, lavender tea is associated with numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice among tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals.
Before discussing lavender tea benefits, it helps to understand its properties and nutritional value.
Lavender Tea Components & Properties
Lavender flowers contain a variety of compounds that give the brew its classic beneficial properties.
These are some of the key constituents found in this herb.
Linalool – A terpene found in high concentrations in lavender, linalool has proven calming and sedative effects, which act as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Linalyl acetate – Another terpene found in the herb, linalyl acetate has proven anti-inflammatory properties and may also have a calming effect on the nervous system.
Flavonoids: A group of plant compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including lavender, flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation.
Tannins – Tannins are a type of polyphenol known for their astringent properties, which can help soothe and heal the digestive system.
Coumarins – A class of plant compounds found in many herbs and spices, Coumarins have anti-inflammatory properties and may also help improve circulation.
Vitamins and minerals – Lavender tea contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and potassium. These micronutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
In addition, this is a naturally caffeine-free beverage, making it a great choice if you love herbal drinks but are looking to reduce your caffeine intake.
Some lavender varieties may contain trace amounts of caffeine. If you’re looking for a completely caffeine-free tea, make sure to check the label for “caffeine-free” or “decaffeinated”.
It’s these compounds and their properties that make lavender tea an excellent choice for those looking for a natural and healthy way to reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep.
Benefits of Lavender Tea
1. Relieves Stress And Anxiety
One of the most well-known benefits of lavender tea is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
Lavender contains natural compounds, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Drinking this beverage can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm and tranquility.
Top 10 herbal teas for anxiety – Nature’s best soothing brews
2. Improves Sleep Quality
Lavender infusion has a soothing effect on the mind and body. Drinking a cup of this soothing beverage before bed can help you
fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
Research has shown that it also improves the quality of sleep by increasing the amount of deep sleep and reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.
3. Eases Digestive Issues
Sipping warm lavender brew helps to ease digestive issues, such as bloating, indigestion, and nausea.
Lavender contains tannins, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. These work to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation in the gut.
A cup of this hebal infusion after a meal can help improve digestion and reduce discomfort.
4. Reduces inflammation
The coumarins and flavonoids in lavender tea give it its well-known anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions.
Regular consumption of this beverage may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of these and other health problems.
5. Strengthens Immunity
Lavender flowers contain antioxidants and other compounds that protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
These oxidants work to help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections and illnesses.
6. Boosts Mood
Drinking lavender tea increases levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood.
All studies done on this aromatic herb prove that lavender tea is a delicious and healthy beverage that offers numerous health benefits.
Whether you drink it for its relaxing properties, digestive benefits, immune-boosting effects, or anti-inflammatory properties, lavender tea is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.
You can either buy pre-mixed lavender tea bags or buy the dry flowers and brew your own for a flavorful, healthy treat.
First up, here’s how to brew yourself a cup of lavender tea and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
How To Make Lavender Tea
It’s simple. Really!
Here’s how to make lavender tea at home:
Lavender Tea Ingredients:
– 1-2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
– 2 cups of water
– Tea infuser
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
– Boil a cup of water in a small pot or kettle.
– Put the lavender flowers in a tea infuser.
– Place the tea infuser in a mug.
– Pour the hot water over the lavender flowers.
– Let the flowers steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
– The longer you let it steep, the stronger the brew will be but keep it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Be careful not to steep too long, as it may become bitter.
– Remove the tea infuser or tea bag from the mug or teapot.
– Add a little honey, agave nectar, or your favorite sweetener to sweeten the brew or add some fresh lemon juice to give it a refreshing citrus flavor.
Enjoy your freshly brewed lavender infusion!
Note: You can also use fresh lavender flowers to make lavender tea. Simply rinse and dry the flowers before using them. Adjust the number of lavender flowers and steeping time to your liking.
Important Preparation Tips
You will be ingesting this beverage so make sure you buy the highest-quality dried lavender flowers. Organic variants are free from toxic chemicals and pesticides.
If you’re using fresh lavender flowers, buy them from a reliable source. Fresh flowers don’t last very long so buy or harvest only as much as you need for one or two days.
Store dried lavender flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Also, avoid exposure to moisture as it can cause it to become moldy and unusable.
Unlike some herbal teas, when brewing lavender tea, you must use boiling water. Boiling water helps to extract the maximum amount of flavor and health benefits from the dried lavender flowers.
It is also important to steep the brew for the correct amount of time – 5 minutes for a light brew and up to 10 minutes for a stronger brew. Steeping for longer than that can result in a bitter drink.
Where to Buy Lavender Tea Ingredients
My top recommendation for buying all types of high-quality, organic herbs including lavender, is Amazon.com. Here you’ll find a wide range of high-quality herbs and teas that are organic and free from any chemicals or pesticides.
For making your infusion, look for edible-grade dried lavender flowers.
At Amazon, you’ll also find lavender tea bags and an assortment of tea accessories including Mesh Tea Balls, Tea Infusers, Tea Filter Socks, and a variety of coffee and tea French Presses in borosilicate glass.
Check out these lavender-flavored teas at Starwest Botanicals:
Different Ways To Enjoy Your Aromatic Herbal Infusion
Lavender tea is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Once you know how to make lavender tea, you can have some fun and tweak the basic recipe.
Hot tea: The most traditional way to enjoy lavender tea is as a hot beverage. Simply steep dried lavender flowers in hot water for several minutes and enjoy the delicious and calming flavor.
Iced tea: Lavender tea can also be enjoyed as a refreshing iced beverage. After steeping the lavender flowers in hot water, allow it to cool and then serve over ice.
Latte: For a creamy and comforting treat, try adding steamed milk and a touch of honey to the basic brew.
Cocktails: This aromatic brew can be used as a unique and flavorful ingredient in cocktails. Mix it with vodka, gin, or rum, and add a splash of citrus juice for a delicious and refreshing cocktail.
Baked goods: Use lavender tea to add a floral and aromatic flavor to baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins. Simply steep the dry flowers in a small amount of hot water and add to the recipe instead of plain water.
Savory dishes: Use it to add a unique and delicious flavor to your favorite savory dishes such as marinades, dressings, and sauces.
Whether you prefer it hot or cold, sweet or savory, there are many different ways to enjoy this floral brew. Get creative and experiment with different ways to incorporate this delicious and healthy beverage into your daily routine.
Use the lavender tea recipes below to get started and then use your own creativity to take these basic recipes to the next level.
Lavender Tea Recipes
Here are a few recipes that use lavender tea:
Lavender Honey Tea Latte: This creamy and sweet latte is perfect for a cozy afternoon. Brew a cup of lavender tea and mix in a spoonful of honey. Froth some milk and pour it over the brew. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender flowers.
Lavender Lemonade: Add a floral twist to classic lemonade by infusing it with lavender. Brew a pot of the dried flowers and let it cool. Add ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice and a dash of honey. Chill the mixture and serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of the fresh herb.
Lavender Vanilla Latte: In a blender, combine 1 cup of hot, freshly brewed lavender tea, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ cup of milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried lavender flowers and a dash of ground cinnamon.
Lavender Shortbread Cookies: Infuse homemade shortbread cookies with the delicate flavor of lavender by adding lavender tea to moisten the dough. Roll the dough into small balls, add a pinch of dried buds and bake as usual.
Lavender Tea Ice Cream: This sweet and creamy ice cream is a perfect summer treat. Steep a handful of the dried flowers in warm milk, then mix the milk with cream, sugar, and egg yolks. Chill the mixture and churn it in an ice cream maker until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Lavender Tea Poached Pears: These tender and fragrant poached pears make a stunning dessert. Brew a pot of flower and mix it with honey and vanilla extract. Peel and core some ripe pears and place them in a pot with the lavender tea mixture. Simmer the pears until they are tender and fragrant, then serve them with a dollop of whipped cream.
From sweet treats to refreshing beverages, there are so many fun ways to incorporate lavender tea into your cooking and baking.
Special Mention – Lavender Chamomile Tea
Lavender chamomile tea is a blend of two popular herbal teas, each with its own unique health benefits. Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing properties, while lavender is prized for its relaxing aroma and potential to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.
Together these two herbs offer an interesting list of benefits.
These are some of the proven benefits of Lavender chamomile tea:
– Promotes calm and relaxation
– Reduces stress and anxiety
– Improves sleep
– Soothes digestive issues
– Boosts immune function
Potential Side Effects Of Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is generally safe for most people to consume, but there are some potential side effects and considerations to keep in mind.
While this herbal tea is consumed for its calming and relaxing properties, too much may cause drowsiness or fatigue. It is best to avoid consuming this brew if you will be driving or operating heavy machinery in the next few hours.
If you have a known allergy to lavender, it’s best to avoid consuming this brew. Allergies to this herb can cause symptoms such as skin irritation, itching, and difficulty breathing.
The herb contains compounds that can act as phytoestrogens, which are plant compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. While this can have benefits for some individuals, it may also disrupt hormone balance in others. It’s best to avoid this beverage if you’re pregnant and breastfeeding.
It may also interact with certain medications, such as sedatives or blood thinners. If you are taking any medications, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before consuming any type of herbal beverage
Lavender tea is an excellent choice of beverage if you’re looking for a natural and healthy way to reduce stress and get a good night’s sleep. Not only is it delicious and calming, but it is also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This versatile drink can be enjoyed hot or cold, as an ingredient in food and drinks, or even used as an herbal remedy to treat a variety of conditions.
Related Reads:
What To Do With Dried Lavender – 40 Scent-Sational Ideas
How To Make Cinnamon Tea + Benefits & Recipes
Lavender Essential Oil Benefits
Healing Herbal Teas For Any Time Of The Year
Healing Herbal Teas: Book Review
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.