Lavender water, also known as lavender hydrosol or lavender floral water, is a refreshing and fragrant liquid made from distilling lavender flowers. Here's how you can make your own lavender water:
Ingredients:
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers
- Distilled water
Equipment:
- Large pot with a lid
- Heat-resistant bowl (stainless steel or glass)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Sterilized glass bottle or spray bottle for storage
Instructions:
Harvest or Purchase Lavender Flowers:
Harvest fresh lavender flowers from your garden or purchase dried lavender flowers from a reputable supplier. Make sure the flowers are clean and free from pesticides.
Prepare the Distillation Setup:
- Place a heat-resistant bowl upside down in the center of a large pot.
- Scatter the lavender flowers around the bowl.
- Pour enough distilled water into the pot to cover the lavender flowers.
Cover and Heat:
- Place the lid on the pot upside down (so that it's concave).
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat.
- Do not let it boil vigorously.
Collect the Lavender Water:
- As the water heats up, steam will rise, carrying the lavender essence with it.
- The steam will condense on the lid and drip down into the bowl placed in the center.
- Let the distillation process continue for about 30-60 minutes. The longer you let it distill, the stronger the lavender scent will be.
Cool and Strain:
- Turn off the heat and carefully remove the lid.
- Allow the lavender water to cool completely.
- Once cooled, carefully remove the bowl from the pot.
- Strain the lavender water through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any plant material.
Bottle and Store:
- Transfer the strained lavender water into a sterilized glass bottle or spray bottle for storage.
- Store the lavender water in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It can last for several months if stored properly.
Usage:
- Lavender water has many uses, including:
- Facial toner: Spritz onto clean skin to refresh and tone.
- Room spray: Use as a natural air freshener.
- Linen spray: Spritz onto pillows and linens for a relaxing aroma before bedtime.
- Hair mist: Spray onto hair to add a subtle scent and hydration.
- Sunburn relief: Mist onto sunburned skin for soothing relief.
Enjoy the calming and aromatic benefits of your homemade lavender water!