How to Make Lavender Water with just 3 Ingredients

Once you know how to make lavender water you will realize just how easy is and how it offers a myriad of benefits from aromatherapy, skincare, to natural cleaning. For this, you need lavender essential oil or fresh lavender flowers.

There are many types of lavender, but the best type to use for lavender water is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It has the sweetest fragrance among all types and is known for its calming and therapeutic properties.

Avoid using lavandin, a type of hybrid lavender, which has a sharper and more camphor-like scent.

And of course, despite the fact that it has water in the name, it is never to be drunk. You use it, don't drink it!

two spray bottles of lavender water with pots of lavender in a laundry room

How to Make Lavender Water - The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups distilled water
  • 3 tablespoons vodka
  • 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil (or 1/2 cup fresh lavender flowers) (culinary grade)

Instructions:

1. Start by sterilizing your spray bottle in boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Allow the bottle to cool completely.

3. If you're using lavender flowers, gently crush them using a pestle to release their oils and fragrance.

4. In the sterilized spray bottle, mix the vodka and lavender essential oil (or crushed flowers).

5. Swirl gently to ensure the mixture is well blended. The vodka acts as a preservative and helps the scent last longer.

6. Next, pour in the distilled water.

7. Seal the bottle tightly and shake to mix well.

8. If using fresh lavender, allow the mixture to steep for a week in a cool, dark place, shaking it once a day. After a week, strain the liquid to remove the flowers and repackage the water in the spray bottle.

9. For essential oil-based water, it's ready to use immediately after shaking well.

Hopefully, now that you know how to make lavender wa

How to Use Lavender Water

A pretty bottle of lavender water with some pink lavender in the background

Lavender water, with its soothing aroma and therapeutic properties, offers a myriad of uses around the home and for personal care. Here are 10 creative ways to incorporate lavender water into your daily routine:

1. Facial Toner: Lavender water is gentle and balancing, making it an excellent toner for most skin types. After cleansing, apply lavender water to your face with a cotton pad to help balance pH levels, soothe the skin, and prepare it for moisturization.

2. Sleep Aid: The calming properties of lavender can aid in sleep. Spritz lavender water on your pillow and bedding before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

3. Hair Rinse: Lavender water can be used as a final rinse after shampooing to add shine, reduce scalp inflammation, and soothe itchiness. It can also lightly fragrance the hair.

4. Laundry Freshener: Add lavender water to your laundry rinse cycle or spritz it directly onto laundry before drying. It will leave your clothes smelling fresh with a subtle lavender scent.

5. Sunburn Relief: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, lavender water can help soothe sunburned skin. Spray it directly on affected areas to help reduce redness and promote healing.

6. Room Spray: Use lavender water as a natural air freshener to eliminate odors and refresh your living space. It's particularly useful in bedrooms and other areas where relaxation is key.

7. Ironing Aid: Spritz lavender water on clothes while ironing to release wrinkles more easily and infuse your garments with a refreshing scent. This can also help make the chore of ironing more enjoyable.

8. After-Shave: Apply lavender water to the skin after shaving to soothe irritation and prevent razor burn. Its antiseptic properties can help cleanse the skin and reduce the risk of infection.

9. Cooling Mist: During hot weather, keep a bottle of lavender water in the refrigerator and use it as a cooling mist for your face and body to help beat the heat and refresh your skin.

10. Yoga and Meditation Spray: Enhance your yoga or meditation practice by spraying lavender water around your practice space to create a calming atmosphere. This can help deepen relaxation and concentration.

Each of these uses highlights lavender water's versatility as a household and personal care product. Whether for skincare, household use, or relaxation, lavender water is a natural, gentle, and effective choice.

As you can see knowing how to make lavender water is useful to know. Always store the lavender water in a cool, dark place and use it within a few months. Enjoy the benefits and the wonderful fragrance!

The History of Lavender Water Through the Ages

Lavender water, also known as lavender hydrosol or lavender floral water, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Certainly way back when people knew how to make lavender water and how to use it.

It's believed to have originated in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and was later embraced by cultures across the globe for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

Here's a brief overview of the history behind cultures making and using lavender water:

 Lavender water is thought to have been used as early as 2,500 years ago in ancient Persia. Lavender was highly prized for its fragrance and was often distilled into water to create a fragrant, refreshing tonic. It was also used in religious ceremonies and rituals.

2. Ancient Egypt: Lavender was highly esteemed by the ancient Egyptians, who used it for embalming, cosmetics, and perfumery. Lavender water was considered a luxurious beauty product and was used to cleanse and scent the skin.

3. Ancient Greece and Rome: The ancient Greeks and Romans valued lavender for its medicinal properties. Lavender water was used to treat various ailments, including headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues. It was also used as a perfume and bath additive.

4. Medieval Europe: Lavender became increasingly popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was used to freshen the air, ward off illness, and repel insects. Lavender water was a common ingredient in household cleaning products and was also used in personal hygiene and beauty routines.

5. Renaissance: Lavender water continued to be popular during the Renaissance period. It was used as a perfume, disinfectant, and skin toner. Lavender water was also believed to have antiseptic properties and was used to cleanse wounds and soothe skin irritations.

6. Victorian Era: Lavender enjoyed a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era. Lavender water was a staple in every Victorian household and was used to freshen linens, scent bathwater, and perfume clothing. It was also used as a remedy for headaches and nervousness.

7. Modern Times: Today, lavender water remains a beloved botanical product with a wide range of uses. It's commonly used in aromatherapy, skincare, haircare, and home fragrance products. Lavender water is prized for its calming, soothing aroma and its ability to promote relaxation and well-being.

Overall, lavender water has a long and storied history, spanning cultures and civilizations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of this fragrant botanical water.


Some More Answers to your Questions. See our FAQ for more Answers


Hi! I've planted some lavender in pots and now I'm wondering if they are going to grow too big for the containers they are in. Just how big does lavender grow?

Lavender can be grown very successfully in pots, as long as you are growing varieties that are known as 'dwarf' lavender that won't grow more than 12 inches or so. We have an article entitled: How big will lavender get? that covers your concerns. Happy gardening!

Do you have a recipe for lavender sugar?

Yes, we do actually. We have a great recipe with step-by-step instructions on how to make it and how long it will store for. Have fun making it. You can find the recipe here: How to Make Lavender Sugar.

Is Lavender Easy to Grow?

Luckily, the answer is yes, it is! It is one of those plants that you can pretty much neglect in your garden and it will bloom year after year. Lavender is easy to grow but there are some conditions that should be met to make your lavender growing success.