9 Surprising Uses for Backyard Lavender Plants (Got Bugs? Try No. 5)

Lavender is one of the most popular herbs in backyard gardens. Using lavender allows you to tap into its multiple medicinal properties.

Let’s take a look at my favorite ways to use it!

1. Lavender in jam recipes

Yes, you read that correctly! Despite the fact that lavender is a floral herb, it makes a fantastic accompaniment with fruit. Blueberry and blackberries are two great choices. Fresh lavender is the best for jam recipes because it has a more vibrant taste.

2. Lavender dryer bags

If you are like me, you prefer to avoid chemicals as much as possible. Still, nicely scented clothes are something I hate to give up. The answer? Make simple lavender dryer bags with muslin drawstring bags. All you need to do is pour dried lavender into the bag and tie it tightly! Each bag can be used multiple times.

3. Lavender infused oil

I massage it on my kids when they are ready for bed. It works great on bug bites or in one of my multiple salves and lotions I make each year. You can keep infused oil for at least nine months, giving you plenty of time to use it. There are several ways to make infused oils. It is a great medicinal item to have in your medicine cabinet!

4. Simple lavender salve

Once you have your lavender infused oil, you will want to find ways to use it. Everyone needs to have a lavender salve. It is like a lavender ointment. Use it for massages, headaches, restless legs, tired muscles and on your small abrasions.

To make salves, you need access to beeswax or candelilla wax. You can purchase both online. Try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil. It helps to add more scent to the salve and it increases its medicinal value.

5. Keep bugs away

Citronella is famed for keeping away bugs, but did you know bugs also hate the scent of lavender and mint? You can use fresh and dry lavender for this. To keep bugs away while you are outside, put a few branches on your fire pit. Another choice is to make a bundle of lavender and mint, burning them together. The scent deters bugs from entering the area.

6. Lavender mint chicken coop spray

Summer heat can cause chicken coops to smell. I always keep lavender in their nesting boxes, but a coop spray can help with the strange scent. All you need is fresh mint and fresh lavender leaves and flowers. Soak them in a mason jar with white vinegar or vodka. I prefer vodka because it helps develop the sweet scent. After you allow the herbs to soak for three weeks, spray your coop as often as you like.

7. Honey lavender soap

Honey does wonders for your skin, but lavender does, too. If you use a honey soap base and have lavender essential oil, you can make a simple batch of honey lavender soap. Use your lavender plant to add pieces of fresh herb to the soap before it fully dries. It will help to exfoliate your skin.

8. Lavender tea – hot and iced

One way to intake lavender is with delicious teas. While I prefer mine hot, you might like iced tea. I use green tea bags and mix them together in my homemade tea bags. Lavender tea is great for a drink before bed or to take away a frustrating headache. You can purchase your tea bags online!

9. Lavender honey hand scrub

Here is another way to use all of that lavender infused oil you made before. You might want to make another batch! Hand scrubs are great for gardeners. We spend so much time in the dirt and working with our hands. To make these types of scrubs, you need cane sugar, lavender infused oil, honey and lavender essential oil. Making it is a breeze. You just mix everything in a bowl until you find the consistency that you like. These make the perfect gift, as well!

Lavender is a versatile and beloved herb, useful in many situations. From baking recipes to sugar scrub, you can find a multitude of ways to use your lavender plant. Lavender should never go to waste!

What are your favorite ways to use lavender? Share your tips in the section below: