This has been on heck of a year for everyone. What we had once thought of as our everyday world of stress and worry has been turned upside down. Sleep deprivation and anxiety have sent global communities in search of relief and lavender has been the answer for many. The United Kingdom’s largest lavender grower said its “sleep oil” sales have quadrupled. Beyond that, lavender’s additional benefits are trending owing to its ability to eliminate harmful bacteria and disinfect. So, if you are looking for something that can calm and cleanse through this turbulent time, here are just a few options that can help.
In studies, lavender has shown indications of relieving anxiety and promoting sleep.
Lavender Tea - Know Your Buds
According to the Unites States Lavender Growers, there are over 45 different species with over 450 varieties with more lavender species/varieties have yet to be classified. On our farm we have chosen to grow 5 different varieties, each with a different purpose, look, smell, and taste. That being said, picking the correct tea or herb blend to consume will vary based on species. To make it a bit easier, we can talk about the difference we have noticed between English and French lavender—particularly teas and cooking.
English buds tend to be sweeter and have a more floral overtone—mainly because they contain less camphor that the French varieties. We grow Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ and Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead’. I shouldn’t be partial when it comes to my “babies” but I must admit that Hidcote is my favorite. The taste is decidedly sweeter and my first choice for a sweet, light floral tea as well as wonderful Lavender cupcakes and brownies. If that is your taste preference, look for teas that have English variety lavender blended with chamomile.
Add lavender honey to heighten the effects.
Make at Home Recipe:
Below is a list of ingredients that you can mix and match.
Dried English Lavender Buds — my recommendation —Hidcote
Lemon Peel
Orange Peel
Chamomile Tea - For calming and sleep
Crushed Cloves
Dried Peppermint - for indigestion
Spread the sliced lemon and/or orange peels on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake the peels in a 200 degree oven for between 1-2 hours. This will dehydrate them. Keep checking them to ensure they are not overdone. They should retain some color and smell. This process will bring out the oils, and the benefits will intensify. Let them cool overnight on the counter.
When you are blending your tea, you will notice that we break the recipe into parts rather than measurements. It’s a matter of proportions that you can adjust to your taste. For example, the Lavender Chamomile tea is 1 part lavender buds to 1 part tea. What you choose is dependent on the number of servings, taste, and whether or not you want to store a larger batch. For example, if 1 part of lavender buds is equal to 1/2 cup, then you would add 1/2 cup tea. We prefer storing our tea in apothecary jars. It keeps it fresh and they look great!
Making the Perfect Cup of Tea
Brewing the perfect cup of tea is an art form with many variations and preferences. To make
things simple, I am going to share how my mother taught me to make tea. Have a nice teapot ready with a tea infuser. Boil the water allowing for 6-8 ounces per serving. Once the water has come to a boil, pour a small amount into the teapot and swirl it around to remove the chill from the pot. Add 1 teaspoon per serving plus one for the pot into the infuser. Put the infuser into the teapot filled with the hot water and let it steep for 2-3 minutes, no more. The tea will become bitter if it’s steeped too long. Place a towel over the steeping teapot to keep the water warm.
Zen Acres Lavender Tea
Mix 1 part lavender buds, 1 part orange peel, .25 part clove, 2 parts chamomile tea.
Lavender Chamomile Te
Mix 1 part lavender buds, 1 part chamomile tea.
Lavender Lemon Chamomile
Mix 1 part lavender buds, 1 part lemon peel, 2 parts chamomile tea.
Lavender Orange Chamomile
Mix 1 part lavender buds, 1 part orange peel, 2 parts chamomile tea.
For Indigestion:
Lavender Lemon Peppermint Tea
Mix 1 part lavender buds, 1 part lemon peel, 2 parts dried peppermint.
Sit back, put your feet up, and enjoy a relaxing cup of peace!
