16 ways to use lavender in and around the home

Lavender is the name given to 47 varieties of a perennial flowering plant known for its bluish-purple blooms and delightful fragrance.While lavender grows throughout Europe and Asia, it has strong links to France, not least because its name is actually derived from the Old French word 'lavandre'.France is also known for the famed lavender fields of Provence, in the country's south-east.Lavender has many uses throughout the home, from the kitchen to the bathroom and living areas, as a cleaning product, decorating item and even a bug repellent. Let's take a look at some here.READ MORE: Overwhelmed by decluttering? The ski-slope organising method could be for youCleaning and deodorisingLavender is known for its deodorising capabilities, making it a perfect natural option to clean your home and leaving it smelling great.It can also be used as a room spray or air freshener, linen spray, pet smell deodoriser and even a carpet cleaner.Room spray or air freshenerLavender's unique fragrance makes it a fantastic natural and soothing room spray. You can create your own room spray easily.Simply combine 3⁄4 cup water, two tablespoons real vanilla extract, 10 drops lavender essential oil and five drops chamomile essential oil or another oil of your choice in a spray bottle and shake.Give it a shake before each use to combine the oils and water.READ MORE: Three stunning flowering plants perfect for beginner gardenersLavender sachetsLavender sachets placed inside drawers or closets containing clothing or linen is a lovely way to add a light scent to clothes or linen.You can make your own easily at home by using premade bags such as organza or grab some fabric of your choice to make your own. Simply fabric to the size you want and sew them together to create a pouch, leaving a small opening.Mix dried lavender and rice in a bowl and fill the pouch before sewing it shut or tie it with a piece of ribbon.Carpet spot cleanerLavender can be used to make a carpet cleaning powder for removing stubborn spots or odours.Simply add 1⁄2 cup baking soda to 1⁄2 teaspoon lavender essential oil. Combine the two ingredients and stir until the baking soda is dissolved, then place the mixture in a container until you need it.Pet smell deodoriserLavender can have a strong smell and is known for its calming properties, so it can make an effective deodoriser to offset pet smells.Combine one cup distilled water with 10 drops lavender oil. You can also add another scent, with both orange and peppermint known to complement lavender.Shake the mixture well and spray it lightly around any room with a pet smell.Please note: While some websites suggest spraying lavender straight on to a pet or their bedding, this is not recommended as lavender can be toxic to animals if consumed. Even putting it on their coat means they can potentially lick it off.If your pet consumes straight lavender oil, please consult a vet.Home decorLavender can make a lovely addition to your home and its decor. Why not make your own candles or a wreath made of dried lavender?CandlesCandles are the perfect way to make your home smell great, and they are simple to make. All you need is candle wax, wicks and some jars or glass containers.Half-fill a small saucepan with water then place a large metal bowl inside.Bring the water to the boil, then place the candle wax in the bowl.Once it has melted, add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil to the wax and combine. Carefully pour wax into the jars, ensuring the wick stays above the wax, then cut the wick to the desired length.While some recipes suggest adding some dried lavender to the candle, this is not recommended as it can catch a light and start a fire.Lavender wreathYou can create a stunning and sweetly-scented lavender wreath at home.Simply gather some dried lavender along with floral or craft wire, grapevine or a premade wreath from a craft store.You may also need tape, pins, cable ties, craft glue and pliers as well as something to put on the back if you plan to hang it.Start by fashioning your wire into shape, in the size you want, or get your premade wreath ready to decorate.Gather your lavender into small bunches and wrap wire or twine around the stems of each bunch several times.Then add the bunches to your wreath until you complete the circle and are happy with the design, securing each one.Next, you need to add a hook or string to the back if you wish to hang your wreath, or you can use it as a table decoration.In the bathroomThere are a number of ways to incorporate lavender into the bathroom, including soap, bath salts, body scrubs or body butter.SoapOne of the most popular uses of lavender is in soap, and it is something you can make at home, only requiring a few ingredients.Start by half-filling a small saucepan with water then placing a large metal bowl inside.Using a medium heat, bring the water to a boil.Slice a bar of normal fragrance-free soap into small pieces and place inside the bowl so it can slowly melt into liquid.Remove from heat and add about 15 drops lavender essential oil. You can also stir through some dried lavender.Pour the mixture into a soap mould. You can also sprinkle some more dried lavender on top.Allow the soap to set and enjoy. This also makes a great gift.Bath saltsLavender comes from the Latin word 'lavare', which means "to wash". It has been used for centuries in baths to help purify the body and spirit.Of course, a bath is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. By adding lavender you will get a calming effect.You can make lavender bath salts by combining one cup Epsom salt, one cup dead sea salt and 1⁄2 cup baking soda in a bowl or jar.Mix well then add lavender flowers and a few drops of lavender oil, and any other favourite essential oils to the mixture and combine.Store in an airtight container.Body scrubLavender is a perfect and nourishing addition to a body scrub.To make at home, you need two cups sugar, 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, two teaspoons lavender buds and 20-25 drops lavender essential oil.Start by softening the coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds before measuring 1⁄2 cup into a large bowl. Add the sugar and stir until combined.Next, pour in the lavender buds and lavender essential oil and stir again before placing in an air-tight container.Lavender potpourriNothing says France like potpourri, the country from which the word is derived. So why not add in lavender to make it even more French.Potpourri is a mixture of dried, fragrant plant material that is often placed in bowls as a natural room freshener.When making potpourri, it's good to use flowers that retain their shape and colour after drying, which is why lavender is such a great choice.Once you have dried your lavender flowers for a few days, mix with three to five drops of essential oils.You can top up with extra oil as needed.Insect repellentLavender is a natural insect repellent.You can use lavender oil on its own or combine it with other oils such as lemon, citronella and geranium for a more long-lasting effect.Spray it on insect bites or use it as a repellent.Medicinal purposesAromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils to bring about physical and emotional changes, and lavender has long been used as a remedy for a range of ailments, from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue.Research shows lavender produces calming, soothing and sedative effects when inhaled.A number of studies have shown lavender essential oil may be beneficial for treating insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress and postoperative pain.Sleep aidIn the past, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help people sleep.Scientific evidence suggests lavender slows the activity of the nervous system, therefore improving sleep quality, promoting relaxation and lifting the mood of people suffering from sleep disorders.Studies suggest lavender may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration and reduced anxiety. It has also been shown to reduce agitation in people with dementia.A few drops of lavender oil into a bath is said to help joint and muscle pain.First-aidAromatherapists claim lavender oil can help treat hair loss, headaches, and skin ailments, such as fungal infections, wounds, eczema and acne.Lavender essential oil is said to be a healing agent that treats cuts or wounds, or minor skin blemishes, or can help relieve pain after surgery.It is believed placing a few drops of the oil on skin promotes the formation of granular tissue and collagen in the early phases of healing.Please seek medical advice before using lavender oil.Linen sprayMaking a linen spray that you can put on pillows is one way to ensure a more restful sleep.Simply take two cups distilled water and add two tablespoons vodka or rubbing alcohol, about 15-20 drops lavender essential oil and some freshly dried lavender.Mix and put into a spray bottle before adding a light mist to your pillow case each night before bed.In the kitchenLavender has been safely used in cooking for centuries.It can be added to grilled meat, ice-cream, cakes and drinks.Lavender teaLavender flowers are often used to make a tea that people drink to ease insomnia, restlessness and nervous stomach irritations.Boil enough water for a cup and place four teaspoons of fresh lavender buds into a tea ball or sachet and steep for 10 minutes before drinking.If you are after a restful night, it is best to drink the tea two hours before bed.Lavender lemonadeNot a tea drinker? How about using lavender for a refreshing drink.Combine two cups boiling water and one cup lavender flowers in a jug and cover with cling wrap. Let it steep for 10 minutes.Remove the cling wrap and strain the mixture, discarding the flowers, before adding two cups cold water to the mix. Now add one cup lemon juice and one cup sugar to the mix and stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then enjoy.