Lavender flowers are only around for a short time, but there are plenty of uses for lavender leaves! Learn how to harvest, dry & use them in DIY projects.

a jar of lavender leaves on a wooden table
First though, you may wonder – what are the health benefits of lavender leaves?

While the leaves haven’t been studied as specifically or extensively as the flowers, “Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) flowers, leaves and oil contain linaloyl acetate, linalool, perillyl alcohol, 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol), and at least 100 other known compounds.” (source)

The powerful aroma of the leaves indicates that they doubtless have overlapping benefits with the flowers, which is why I enjoy including them in salves, balms, soaks, and other DIY projects.

It’s also enjoyable just to pick a handful of leaves to rub between my fingers and sniff when I’m walking around my garden – they smell so good!

drying lavender leaves on a paper towel
How to Dry Lavender Leaves
Harvesting and drying lavender leaves is super easy!

To harvest, snip off the top tips of the plant while the leaves are green, avoiding the tougher woody section found further down the stem.

If you just want a handful here and there for a project, then you can snip them any time during the growing season. If collecting a larger amount of lavender leaves, soon after the flowers bloom is a good time to do so.

Next, spread the leaves out on a clean dish towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry for several days. (Learn more about my drying methods by visiting my article, “How to Harvest and Dry Flowers & Herbs from Your Garden“.)

Once dry, store them in a brown paper bag, or a glass jar tucked into a dark cabinet.

As long as they have a noticeable color and scent, they’re good to use. However, if you notice the color or scent of your lavender leaves has faded, then it’s time to compost them.

fresh lavender leaves in a basket
1. Infused Oil
You can make lavender oil from lavender leaves in the very same way that you make an infused oil with the flowers.

To make it: Fill a canning jar about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way with dried leaves. Fill the jar with your favorite oil, such as sunflower, sweet almond, rice bran, etc. Stir a few times to release air bubbles.

For a quick infusion: Set the uncovered jar down into a small saucepan filled with a few inches of water. Heat over a low burner for a few hours, keeping a close eye that the water doesn’t evaporate out. Remove from heat and strain.

For a slower, but stronger infusion: Cap the jar of dried leaves and oil and tuck away in a cabinet for around 4 to 6 weeks, shaking occasionally as you remember to. When the infusing time has passed, strain.

a blue glass jar of headache balm
2. Headache Salve
Use lavender leaf infused oil to make this easy DIY sinus and headache balm.

It’s an all-natural remedy that helps relieve stuffy noses, allergies, and headaches.

Visit my article on Sinus & Headache Balm for the full recipe!

several bug bite itchy sticks in a bundle beside fresh lavender leaves
3. Bug Bite Itchy Sticks
These easy DIY bug bite sticks can be made with lavender leaf infused oil to help relieve the itchiness of pesky bug bites.

They’re perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on the go!

You’ll need

READ MORE HERE:  https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/uses-for-lavender-leaves/