Growing lavender, health benefits and uses

Growing lavender is so easy to grow and the benefits are well worth the wait for the flowers to bloom. There are some basic ways on how to plant and grow lavender. Spring planting is best for lavender when the soil is warming up and the dangers of frost are gone. The bigger variants are okay when planted during fall, but the small ones may likely not survive. The plants should be planted in 3 feet apart because they will grow – in between 1 foot to 3 feet in height. The plants can grow well in moderately fertile land.

Growing lavender plants in containers may be an option if you have the correct pot and allow the soil to dry out between the times you water it. Lavender loves the heat, but never let it wilt. Read Guide to container gardening about how to grow many plants in containers.

Growing lavender in clay soil

If the soil is clay or heavy, organic matter is needed to increase the drainage. Moist and wet areas are a big no for them. See the post Vermiculite vs. Perlite on how to use vermiculite vs. perlite to amend poor soil. Ensure the soil can drain well or root rot will kill the plants.

Can lavender grow in the shade?

Lavender needs at least 6 hours or more a day of sunlight. I have planted lavender that received 3 hours in the morning of sunlight and 3 hours of the evening sun and they grew just fine. At least 6 hours a day is needed for lavender to prosper, it does not have to be all at one time during the day.

Will lavender grow back?

Lavender is a perennial but in some areas of the southeast where there is much rain, lavender is considered an annual and planted new each year. Lavender does not like a lot of moist conditions. They prefer an arid or dry climate. I have lost lots of lavender in GA and TN due to too much rain.

Lavender is a woody plant and even if cut back will continue to grow each year. In the spring, new growth will sprout off the woody stems.

Growing lavender indoors

Growing lavender indoors can be done, but you’ll need to ensure some conditions are met:

• Small varieties such as French lavender work the best
• Choose a pot no more than 2 inches larger than the root ball
• Clay pots are excellent because they hold in the moisture and helps retain moisture
• Ensure the bottom of the planter has an inch of small pea-like gravel
• Place the lavender plant in a bright south-facing window, (I improvise with my plant grow lights in a pinch)
• Supply at least 3 hours of sunlight a day
• Rotate and turn the pot each week
• Once a month, sprinkle powdered eggshells on top of the soil and water (read HERE about eggshells)
• Keep out of drafts, especially from a heat blower

Growing lavender from cuttings

Growing lavender is just as easy for me to grow from cuttings versus maintaining a whole plant over the winter. Here are the basic directions to grow lavender from cuttings:

Now let’s switch gears and talk about how wonderful lavender is!

Is lavender safe for cats and dogs?

According to the ASPCA, lavender plants are not considered toxic to cats and dogs. Cats actually enjoy plants that are aromatic. This does NOT mean lavender essential oil is safe for pets, especially cats. Contact your vet before applying or giving any essential oils orally to your pets.

I put a few drops of lavender on my fur baby’s (dog) bedding. Also, when it storms, a few drops of lavender placed on a bandana and placed around her neck seems to calm her down. In real stress situations, I will massage a few drops behind her ears and along her back to ease her stress. Again, this is what works for me, always seek expert advice before trying anything new. Please stay away from fragrant oils and use the best essential oils.

Do bees like lavender?

They sure do! Honeybees and bumblebees do on my mountain! Did you know that lavender is rich in nectar? So much so, that beekeepers sell some of their honey as listed as “lavender honey”. You can actually taste the lavender in the honey if the bees did their job, (which they always do)!

Enjoying lavender health benefits

Most people think that lavender is a type of flower while in reality, it is actually a herb. The plant is native to Mediterranean mountainous areas and northern Africa often turned and processed into essentials oils. The flower spikes will be distilled and extracted, resulting in the oil. When it comes to benefits of lavender oil, it is believed that the herb isn’t only good for cosmetic use but also for your health. However, the oil isn’t the only useful form of the herb. You can use another form of it to gain the best perks, keep reading.

Some facts about lavender

Keep in mind that lavender is often suggested for herbal use or preventive treatment along with medication. The FDA doesn’t approve it, especially to replace the prescribed medical treatment and medication.  Lavender health benefits include treatments for fungal infection, anxiety, wounds, and hair loss. Although it is also believed to treat nausea, eczema, menstrual pain, and high blood pressure, it requires further studies and more research to prove such a claim.

Lavender essential oil benefits

Lavender has a high level of natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic trait. Those qualities are helpful to heal bug bites and minor burns (or open wounds).  If you suffer from fungal problems, apply the oil on the affected areas and you should see your condition improves over time. The same effect will happen if you apply lavender oil on wounds. According to studies, the lavender oil can somewhat speed up the healing process. It is soothing and effective – most likely because of the antiseptic property.

Lavender oil for hair

Lavender shampoo is believed to promote faster hair growth. If you have problems with hair loss, the shampoo can also help. However, having the shampoo and direct application of the essential oil is believed to promote faster result. Not only it can make the hair grow again, but it will also prevent further hair loss. You may add a few drops to your shampoo, an all-natural unscented is the best.

I like to add a few drops with a tablespoon or two of tea tree oil and massage it into my scalp. I’ll leave this on for 15 minutes then rinse out. This helps soothe the scalp and increases hair growth. For more ways to soothe a scalp or help with dandruff, read HERE about the amazing benefits of witch hazel!

Does lavender calm you? Yes, if you are suffering from mild stress and anxiety problem. However, lavender isn’t yet proven to treat depression. There isn’t enough scientific evidence to back up the claim.

What does lavender do to your body?

The smell is pleasant. It is sent to a part of the brain responsible for handling concerns, worries, and stress. When it happens, it somewhat activates the sensory that can calm your nerves and systems. If you see people pick lavender stems and arrange them into a bouquet, it is likely that they are trying to deliver a pleasant smell while calming everyone’s nerves at the same time.

The same thing happens when you ingest lavender. The special compound that can reduce the stress level is sent to the brain and gives you the calming effect. That’s why lavender is often included in insomnia treatment. The essential oil can be placed in the diffuser and placed on the bedside table to improve better sleep. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can have several drops of the essential oil on the pillow. Wait for a few minutes before going to bed.

Lavender essential oil uses

Since the essential oil can be easily absorbed by the skin, lavender is often included in skincare and beauty products. You should be able to find shampoos, perfumes, or skincare products with lavender as the main ingredients.

Because of the potential health benefits, there is also lavender tea that uses fresh or dried buds of the plant. Unlike the dried forms, the lavender essential oil is toxic and shouldn’t be swallowed. The essential oil is only used for topical application. But if you are making the tea, you can find the tea bags at the grocery store. You can also find culinary lavender, lavender syrup, and even cooking oil. If you are thinking about growing your own lavender plants, you can pick them, remove the buds, and brew them with the water. Your tea will be ready in no time!

The tea is believed to treat digestive issue although such a claim needs further study. If you have an upset stomach or a slight headache, drinking the tea can provide immediate relief. The tea is also believed to help with nausea and vomiting.

You probably have been thinking about planting the herb for the beneficial trait. As long as your garden meets the requirements, there is nothing wrong about having it in your garden. In fact, it’s very beneficial!

For further reading, Bonnie Plants has a great post on lavender Growing Lavender. (I always buy all my lavender plants from Bonnie).

Crafts and DIY with lavender

There are so many wonderful crafts and DIY projects you can make with lavender, here are just a few:

• sachets
• pillows made with buckwheat hulls and dried lavender
• salves
• bath salts
• bath bombs
• sprinkle on wool dryer balls to replace fabric softener sheets
• mouse pads/keyboard rests-filled with buckwheat hulls and dried lavender
• soap
• tied bundles for decorations
• wreaths
• beard oil (directions can be found How to make your own beard oil and SAVE!)
• Epsom foot soak-add a few drops with the salts and soak those tired paws

As always, thank you for taking the time to visit today. Please leave a comment about your interaction with lavender or if you will be growing it this year.

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