Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using lavender flowers
• Method 2 of 2: Using lavender essential oil
• Tips

Lavender water is often used to scent linen or clothes. A little spray before ironing will perfume most fabrics with the fresh scent of lavender. You can also use it as an air freshener or furniture spray. If you are having trouble falling asleep, spray a little on your pillow to help you relax and drift into the night.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using lavender flowers

1. Gather your supplies. Lavender water made from lavender flowers will not smell as concentrated as lavender water made with essential oil. Essential oil is the distilled, concentrated extract of lavender, made from the flowers. When you use the flowers yourself, the result will be very light, but still quite aromatic. This is what you need:
   • A bunch of lavender sprigs, fresh or dried (for a total of 2 tablespoons of flower buds)
   • 125 ml of water
   • Glass bowl
   • Spray bottle
   • Funnel
   • Fine-mesh colander
2. Remove the lavender buds from their stems. Lavender flowers grow as small buds along straight stems. You don't need the stems to make lavender water; the floral scent is in the buds. To remove them from the stems, hold the stem over the glass bowl. Grasp the stem carefully at the bottom and zip from the bottom to the top with your fingers. The buds will fall into the shell.
   • You can also buy dried lavender flowers that have already been removed from their stems. Look in delis or herbal stores.
   • This is a great way to use any lavender plants that might be growing in your garden.
3. Bring the water to a good boil. Pour it into a small saucepan and place it over high heat. Heat the water until it comes to a good boil. Don't leave it unattended for too long or the water will start to evaporate.
4. Pour the boiling water over the lavender buds. Pour it carefully over the buds so that the buds can start to swell in the hot water. The heat will drive the oils from the flower, and the water will have the scent of lavender.
5. Cover the shell and soak the buds. Let the buds soak for a few hours or overnight. The process is very similar to making tea. Let the buds soak until the water cools.
6. Strain the buds out of the water. Place the fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour the water into the strainer to strain out the buds. Discard the buds; they will have no odor now that their extract is gone.
7. Using a funnel, pour the water into the spray bottle. Place the funnel over the opening of the spray bottle. Pour the lavender water into the spray bottle. The water is now ready to use on your linens, as an air freshener or as an aromatherapy aid.
   • If you want the water to last longer, you can add 30ml of witch hazel or vodka. Shake the bottle well to mix it well.
   • You can also refrigerate it to keep it fresh.

Method 2 of 2: Using lavender essential oil

1. Gather your supplies. Lavender water is so easy to make, you only need a few basic supplies. Most of this can be found at hobby stores or health stores. If you're struggling to find something, search online and consider ordering it. This is what you need:
   • Lavender oil
   • Distilled water
   • Witch hazel or vodka
   • Glass jar with a lid
   • Spray bottle
   • Funnel
2. Add your ingredients to the mason jar. When making lavender water, the ratio of ingredients is the most important thing to get right. Using just the right amount of lavender can make your water smell heavenly without being overpowering. Mix the following ingredients in the mason jar:
   • 90 ml distilled water (you can use tap water if you don't have distilled water)
   • 30 ml witch hazel or vodka (this acts as a preservative and helps the lavender oil to disperse through the water)
   • 10 drops of lavender oil
3. Shake the jar. Make sure the lid is on tightly, and shake the jar to mix the lavender oil with the water. The witch hazel or vodka will help the oil mix well with the water.
4. Using a funnel, pour the lavender water into the spray bottle. Place the funnel over the opening in the spray bottle. Pour the lavender water into the bottle through the funnel. If you have extra lavender water that doesn't fit in the bottle, keep it in the jar until you run out of moisture in the bottle.
5. Use your lavender water. Spray it on your linens, your clothes, your furniture or your pillow. Lavender water has a calming effect, and using it is a great way to refresh your environment and release stress.
   • Using lavender water is also a good natural way to make headaches go away.
   • Before going outside, spray it on your skin as a natural bug spray.

Tips

• Use it within 6 months of production.
• This mixture should be stored in a cool, dark place.