Make Your Own Lavender Potpourri to Protect Clothing

Lavender sachets

Lavender is always a delightful scent. When storing clothing or linen, lavender can help keep the linen smelling fresh and can deter moths and silverfish. This potpourri is easy to make and will last well.

You'll need the following:

• 10 cups lavender leaves and flowers
• 3 cups coarse rock salt
• 1 cup coriander seeds, crushed
• 1 cup cinnamon and nutmeg, mixed and crushed (use fresh nutmeg if possible)
• 1/2 - 1 tbsp (6 - 12.5ml) lavender oil

Press the lavender flowers and leaves together in a mortar and pestle. As you're doing this, enjoy the delightful scent that wafts up! When pressed, layer them alternately with the rock salt in a suitably sized jar. Keep filling until you reach the top. Use something heavy to press down on the layers, such as a decently sized pebble or rock, or something else from around the house.

Set it aside for 10 days. Remove the layers from the jar and place on a chopping board. Break up the ingredients and return them to the jar. This time, also add the spices and the lavender oil. Leave to stand for another 10 days.

It's ready to use now. It can be used in different ways but sachets are really ideal because these contain the mixture well and can be placed in storage areas. Add sachets to your linens, blankets, folded clothing, sheets, etc. for protection. Tuck them into pockets of clothing or hang around coat hangers.

Another way to use them is to pour into small jars with holes poked into the lids; place in drawers, etc.

Let me know if you make these and how you found them!

Lavender Breath Freshener

Lavender breath freshener is a non-toxic way to keep your breath smelling fresh. Before starting this preparation, be sure to have clean hands.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp lavender flowers
• 2 tbsp icing sugar/confectioner's sugar
• 2-3 drops lavender oil
• 1 egg white, whisked

Mix the ingredients together until smooth.
Select small portions of the mixture. Roll into small balls about the size of a pea.
Set aside on a sheet of baking paper or a china plate. Allow to dry for 24 hours, or until firm.
Store in an air-tight container or wrap in wax paper for taking with you.
Chew when needed. A delicious taste and aroma of lavender will fill your mouth.

Tips

• If egg white causes you concern, substitute with honey or other syrup. Make sure you buy fresh eggs from a reputable seller.
• Always use organic lavender flowers when consuming them; provided you have used natural garden sprays in your garden, the flowers will be fine for use.

Supplies Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Sheet of baking paper or a china plate
• Air-tight container or wax paper

Photo courtesy of AudreyJM529's Flickr Photostream.

Make Your Own Lavender Toilet Water

Lavender toilet water has a multitude of uses in the home. It is easy to make your own and save a little money at the same time.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups lavender flowers
• 700ml (24 fl oz) boiling water
• 2 tablespoons gin or vodka

1. Pour the boiling water over the lavender flowers in a large ceramic bowl. Set aside for 24 hours at room temperature. This will permit the fragrance to infuse through the water.
2. Place the infusing mixture into the refrigerator to continue infusing for another 2 days.
3. Remove after 2 days. Strain the water through a sieve to remove the lavender flowers.
4. Add the alcohol and mix through.
5. Pour into a glass bottle and add an airtight lid. Homemade toilet water should be kept in the refrigerator.

Items needed

• Kettle or saucepan for boiling water
• Large ceramic bowl
• Refrigerator
• Sieve or colander for straining
• Sterilised, clean glass bottle
  

Stop Itching from Insect Bites Naturally

Have you been bitten by itchy insects - fleas, gnats or no see'ums? A quick and effective method that is totally natural is lavender oil. Rub it on the bites/bite area for instant relief and a relaxing scent as well to calm the nerves and help you to stop feeling irritable.