The Catnip Sister

Lavender has to be my favorite herb. It has a way of calming nerves, getting rid of headaches, taking the sting out of insect bites and helping you to sleep. In the house you can put dried flowers in a sachet to scent drawers and keep away moths.  You can use lavender as an ingredient for potpourri or in sleep pillows. In cooking the flavor goes a long way and can be used in cookies, tea cakes, jams and for lavender vinegar.

Cosmetically, Lavender essential oil can be used for massage oil, bath oil, hair rinse or in a tonic water for acne or to soothe burns. It makes a great ingredient in lip balms, salves and in soaps.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy lavender is in the bath.  This is an easy bath herb recipe that you can make ahead and store in a jar. It is recommended that you put the herb in a small muslin bag or tied in cheesecloth to use for exfoliating the skin and to keep the tub drain from clogging.

Simple Lavender Bath herbs Recipe

1 ounce Lavender

1 ounce Rose Petals

1 ounce Chamomile Flowers

4 ounces Oatmeal

Mix all together and store in a jar with a tight lid and out of direct sunlight.

To grow lavender pick a sunny site with well drained sandy soil and a good lime content.  Plant around two to four feet apart as the plant can grow quite large. To harvest and preserve, cut the flowering stems just before the flowers open and hang in small bunches to dry.

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