What to Do With Lavender Leaves: 7 Creative Uses

In this article, we will learn what to do with lavender leaves and look at seven ways you can put them to use.

Lavender is a lovely herb that is aromatic, woodsy, and sweet. It works wonderful when used in small amounts in desserts and teas. And has endless uses when it comes to crafts and DIY gifts.

Now lavender flowers may not last long, but lavender leaves are a different story. Scientists haven’t extensively researched the leaves as much as the flowers. Thus many people don’t know the many uses of lavender leaves.

Did you know that the leaves contain useful compounds, including linalool, eucalyptol, and linalyl acetate?

You’ll find these compounds in mouthwashes and scented hygiene products. Let’s dive in to learn more about the uses of lavender leaves. 

7 Uses for Lavender Leaves

Let us look at several uses to which you can put lavender leaves.

1. Lavender Oil

It is easy to make oil from lavender leaves as well as the flower. To make the oil:

1. Get a jar and fill it halfway with dried lavender leaves.
2. Add any oil of your choice, such as almond or sunflower oil.
3. Fill the canning jar and stir the lavender leaves around in the oil. Do it until you see air bubbles.

There are two methods to infuse the oil. The first is to cover the canning jar with the mixture tightly. Leave it for about six weeks and shake the jar when you get the chance. After the infusion period, strain the leaves out to get the oil. This method is slow, but it delivers more potent lavender oil from lavender leaves.

Your second option is to pour some water into a saucepan, bring it to a boil, and set the canning jar inside the pan without covering it. Turn the burner down to low heat and allow the mixture to boil inside the water for several hours. 

Ensure you monitor the water in the saucepan, so it does not evaporate. Afterward, bring the pan with the canning jar down from the burner, and strain the contents of the jar. This method is fast, but it does not deliver lavender oil as well as the first method.

2. Balm for Headaches

You will need:

• 14 g beeswax
• 3 drops of lavender essential oil
• 55 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 3 drops of camphor oil
• 99 g lavender leaf oil

Start by melting the beeswax together with the oil using low heat. After melting the wax and oil, allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils. Stir the mixture, and keep stirring until everything is thoroughly combined and begins to cool. Once cooled, it will have a balm consistency.

It is the oil from the lavender leaves that you add to the balm for headaches. You can use the oil from lavender flowers too.

3. Bath Soak 

To make this soak, you will need lavender leaves and a fresh green herb of your choice. You have the option of mint, thyme, pine, violet needles, or sage. Mix Epsom salt, the lavender leaves, and any green herb ensuring the measurements are equal. Blend both ingredients thoroughly.

Next, spread wax paper and pour out the blended salt and herb onto it. Leave the blended mixture to dry before blending it again or crumbling to even out the texture. Add some drops of lavender oil and, if you want, a little baking soda. The baking soda helps soften the water while you soak.

4. Cooking and Tea

If a recipe calls for lavender but all you have is the leaves you can replace it.

Get the smaller lavender leaves and cut them into tiny pieces. Sprinkle them over the dishes for a pleasant aroma and flavor. However, don’t add too much of the leaves because they are powerful and may ruin the entire dish. If you need to, you can add more according to taste.

Remember, the overuse of lavender or lavender leaves can create a soapy taste.

5. Lavender Leaf Vinegar

To make vinegar with lavender leaves:

1. Get a can or a jar and fill it halfway with the leaves. You can use either fresh or dried lavender leaves.
2. Pour white distilled vinegar into the jar containing the leaves, filling it to the top.
3. Stir your mix until all the air bubbles escape.
4. Cover the can, preferably with a lid made of plastic. 

If you’re using any other type of lid, like metal, place a plastic wrap or wax paper on the opening of the can before covering it.

Allow the leaves and vinegar mixture to steep for about four weeks. Then strain the mixture to get the liquid and throw out the lavender leaves.

This lavender leaf vinegar is great to use when cleaning your kitchen and bathroom. You can even add some lemon peel to the leaves for extra clean scent.

6. Bug Repellent

Among the many things you can do with lavender leaves, a repellent is surprisingly one of them. You can put dried lavender leaves in a small pouch, seal it, and put it in a clothes drawer or shelf. Fresh leaves will also work if you’ve got them. 

Not only will it repel bugs and other tiny insects, but the lavender pouch will also give off a fresh and pleasant scent. 

7. Battling Insomnia

Making tea with lavender leaves is a great way to combat insomnia. Just like chamomile, lavender has a calming effect. In the evening, steep the lavender leaves in hot water, and sip it while you relax. The tea will calm your nerves, soothe your mind and body. 

If you’re not a fan of lavender tea, use an essential oil made from lavender leaves in a diffuser. It has the same relaxing effect as drinking lavender tea.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender Leaves (FAQs)

1. Can I consume fresh lavender leaves?

You can take fresh lavender leaves either chopped and sprinkled in small amounts over your food or drink it in a tea. Don’t let it steep too long. Otherwise, it may release a soapy and bitter taste in your tea.

2. How do lavender leaves smell?

Lavender leaves have a heavenly scent, similar to their flowers. That’s why you can infuse them, bake with them, or make oils.

Final Thoughts

Now, that we have answered the question, what to do with lavender leaves. Go on and get creative! It doesn’t matter whether fresh or dried lavender leaves. Play around with our suggestions or be inspired to try out some of your own. We’d love to hear about what you do with lavender leaves.