How To Make Lavender Water

Lavender water is a fragrant and versatile product that can be used for many purposes. It can soothe and moisturize your skin, refresh your home, relax your senses, and even benefit your hair. In this blog post, we will show you how to make your own lavender water at home using two different methods: using lavender flowers or using lavender essential oil. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about lavender water and its uses.

What is lavender water?

Lavender water, also known as lavender hydrosol, lavender floral water, lavender mist, or lavender spray, is a liquid that contains the aromatic and healing properties of lavender. Lavender is a herb that belongs to the mint family and has a distinctive purple color and a sweet floral scent. Lavender has been used for centuries for its medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary benefits.

Lavender water is usually made by distilling fresh or dried lavender flowers with water. The distillation process extracts the essential oil and the water-soluble components of the lavender, resulting in a concentrated and aromatic liquid. However, distilling lavender water requires special equipment and skills that are not easily accessible at home. Fortunately, there are simpler ways to make lavender water that can still capture the essence of lavender.

How to make lavender water using lavender flowers

One way to make lavender water is to infuse lavender flowers with boiling water and then condense the steam. This method mimics the distillation process and produces a light and refreshing lavender water. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather your supplies.

You will need:

• A bunch of fresh or dried lavender stems (for a total of 2 tablespoons of buds)
• 1/2 cup of water
• A small saucepan
• A glass bowl
• A spray bottle
• A funnel
• A fine-mesh strainer

Strip the lavender buds from their stems. Lavender flowers grow as little buds along straight stems. To make lavender water, you don’t need the stems; the buds contain the floral scent. To remove them from the stems, hold a stem over the glass bowl. Gently pinch the stem at its base, and run your fingers from the base to the tip. The buds will fall off into the bowl. You can also buy dried lavender buds that have already been removed from their stems. Look in gourmet food stores or herb shops.

Bring the water to a rolling boil. Pour the water into a small saucepan and place it over high heat. Heat the water until it comes to a full boil. Don’t leave it unattended for too long, or the water will begin to evaporate.

Pour the boiling water over the lavender buds. Carefully pour the water over the buds so that the buds can begin steeping in the hot water. The heat will draw out the oils from the flower, and the water will become scented with lavender.

Cover the bowl and let the buds steep. Leave the buds to steep for a few hours or overnight. The process is similar to making tea. Let the buds continue steeping until the water cools.

Strain the buds from the water. Set the fine-mesh strainer over another bowl. Pour the water into the strainer to strain out the buds. Discard the buds; they won’t have a scent now that their essence is gone.

Funnel the water into the spray bottle. Place the funnel over the opening of the spray bottle. Pour the lavender water into the spray bottle. The water is now ready to use on your linens, as air freshener, or as a tool for aromatherapy. If you want the water to have a longer shelf life, you can mix in one ounce of either witch hazel or vodka. Shake the bottle well to distribute it throughout. You may also store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

How to make lavender water using lavender essential oil

Another way to make lavender water is to mix lavender essential oil with distilled water. This method is easier and faster than the previous one, and produces a more concentrated and potent lavender water. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather your supplies.

You will need:

• 10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 cup of distilled water
• A glass jar with a lid
• A spray bottle
• A funnel

Add your ingredients to the glass jar. When you’re making lavender water, the most important thing to get right is the ratio of lavender oil to water. Too much oil can make the water too strong and irritate your skin, while too little oil can make the water too weak and ineffective. A good rule of thumb is to use 10 drops of lavender oil for every cup of water. You can adjust this ratio according to your preference and sensitivity. Pour the water into the glass jar, and then add the lavender oil.

Shake up the jar. Make sure the lid is tightly closed, and then shake the jar vigorously for a few seconds. This will help the oil and water to blend together. You may need to shake the jar again before each use, as the oil and water may separate over time.

Funnel the water into the spray bottle. Place the funnel over the opening of the spray bottle. Pour the lavender water into the spray bottle. The water is now ready to use on your skin, hair, or home. You can store the water at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

FAQs about lavender water

Here are some common questions and answers about lavender water and its uses.

• What are the benefits of lavender water? Lavender water has many benefits for your health, beauty, and well-being. Here are some of them:
  • It moisturizes and soothes your skin. Lavender water has antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with acne, redness, irritation, and inflammation. It also provides extra hydration and nourishment for your skin. You can use it as a facial toner, a makeup remover, a body spray, or a soothing compress.
  • It refreshes and deodorizes your home. Lavender water has a pleasant and relaxing scent that can eliminate odors and create a fresh and cozy atmosphere. You can use it as an air freshener, a linen spray, a furniture polish, or a carpet cleaner.
  • It relaxes and calms your senses. Lavender water has a soothing and calming effect on your nervous system. It can help you reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. You can use it as a pillow spray, a bath additive, a massage oil, or a diffuser.
  • It benefits your hair. Lavender water can stimulate hair growth and promote thicker and healthier hair. It can also prevent dandruff, scalp infections, and head lice. You can use it as a hair rinse, a leave-in conditioner, a scalp treatment, or a hair spray.
• How long does lavender water last? The shelf life of lavender water depends on several factors, such as the quality of the ingredients, the storage conditions, and the presence of preservatives. In general, lavender water made from lavender flowers can last for a few weeks, while lavender water made from lavender oil can last for a few months. To extend the shelf life of your lavender water, you can do the following:
  • Use distilled water instead of tap water. Distilled water is free of impurities and bacteria that can spoil your lavender water.
  • Add a natural preservative, such as witch hazel or vodka. These ingredients can inhibit the growth of microbes and fungi that can degrade your lavender water.
  • Store your lavender water in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to light and heat can alter the chemical composition and the scent of your lavender water.
  • Use a clean and sterilized spray bottle. Make sure the bottle is dry and sanitized before filling it with lavender water. You can also rinse the bottle with boiling water or alcohol to kill any germs.
  • Discard your lavender water if it changes color, smell, or texture. These are signs that your lavender water has gone bad and may cause irritation or infection.
• Can you drink lavender water? Lavender water is generally safe to drink, as long as it is made from edible lavender and pure water. However, you should drink it in moderation, as too much lavender can have adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, or allergic reactions. You should also consult your doctor before drinking lavender water if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication, as lavender can interact with some drugs and hormones. To make edible lavender water, you will need:
  • Lavender buds, fresh or dried (for a total of 2 teaspoons)
  • 4 cups of distilled water
  • An airtight container First, remove the lavender buds from the stems. Next, add the lavender buds to the distilled water. Finally, seal the container and let it sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the lavender water is ready to drink. You can enjoy it cold or hot, plain or sweetened, or mixed with other beverages, such as lemonade, tea, or sparkling water.

Conclusion

Lavender water is a simple and natural product that can enhance your beauty, health, and happiness. You can make your own lavender water at home using either lavender flowers or lavender oil, and use it for various purposes, such as skin care, hair care, home care, or aromatherapy. Lavender water is also safe to drink, as long as you use edible lavender and pure water and drink it in moderation.