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You are supposed to put lavender in water, and yes, it’s absolutely a good idea for a few different reasons.
When you put lavender in water, you’re unlocking its aromatic and therapeutic potential, whether you’re sipping it as tea, using it in a floral arrangement, or making a refreshing spritzer.
At the same time, putting lavender in water can help you enjoy its calming scent, add a delicate flavor, or simply keep your fresh cut stems looking beautiful for longer.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into why you should put lavender in water, the best ways to do it, and a few common mistakes to avoid so you get the most out of those lovely purple buds.
Let’s explore the world of lavender and water together.
Why You Should Put Lavender in Water
Lavender in water isn’t just a random kitchen experiment, it’s a practice rooted in tradition, wellness, and simple enjoyment.
Here are the main reasons you’ll want to try putting lavender in water yourself.
1. A Soothing Herbal Tea Experience
Putting lavender in hot water makes a wonderfully calming herbal tea that’s been loved for centuries.
When you steep lavender buds in near-boiling water, you release essential oils that carry a gentle, floral flavor with a hint of sweetness.
This lavender water is perfect for winding down after a stressful day, as the natural compounds in lavender are known to promote relaxation.
You can put lavender in water alongside chamomile or mint for an even more soothing blend.
It’s a caffeine-free option that’s gentle on your stomach and kind to your senses.
2. Aromatic Refreshment for Your Home
You can also put lavender in water to create a natural room spray that freshens up any space.
By simmering lavender in water on the stove, you’ll fill your kitchen and adjoining rooms with a clean, herbaceous scent that many find calming.
Alternatively, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to water in a spray bottle, but nothing beats the authenticity of real lavender buds.
This kind of lavender water works beautifully on linens, pillows, or as a gentle mist in your living room.
It’s a chemical-free way to enjoy that signature lavender aroma whenever you need a moment of peace.
3. Keeping Cut Flowers Fresh
If you’ve ever received a bouquet of fresh lavender, you’re definitely supposed to put lavender in water if you want it to last.
Putting lavender in water, just like you would with other cut flowers, helps keep the stems hydrated and the blooms perky.
Fresh lavender does well in a vase filled with cool water, and changing that water every couple of days will extend its vase life significantly.
You can even add a little sugar or a commercial flower preservative to the water to give your lavender an extra boost.
So yes, if your lavender is still attached to its stems, water is non-negotiable for longevity.
4. A Delicate Culinary Ingredient
In the kitchen, putting lavender in water can elevate your cooking and baking in surprising ways.
Culinary lavender is a fantastic addition to lemonades, cocktails, and even simple syrup that you can use in various desserts.
When you put lavender in water and let it infuse overnight in the fridge, you get a subtly floral base for drinks.
This infused water is also lovely for cooking rice or quinoa, lending a fragrant twist to savory dishes.
Just remember to use culinary-grade lavender, as decorative lavender may be treated with pesticides.
5. A Simple Beauty Tonic
Many people put lavender in water to create a gentle facial toner or hair rinse that soothes the skin and scalp.
Brewing a strong lavender tea and letting it cool creates a natural lavender water that can be applied with a cotton pad.
This helps calm irritated skin and provides a refreshing boost without harsh chemicals.
You can also rinse your hair with diluted lavender water after shampooing to add shine and a delicate scent.
It’s a lovely, affordable way to treat yourself to a spa-like experience right at home.
How to Put Lavender in Water the Right Way
Now that you know you should put lavender in water, let’s talk about the proper methods for different uses.
The approach changes depending on whether you’re making tea, a room spray, or a drink infusion.
1. For Tea: Hot Water and Steeping
To make lavender tea, you’ll want to put lavender in water that’s just below boiling, around 200°F.
Use about one to two teaspoons of dried culinary lavender buds for every eight-ounce cup.
Pour the hot water over the buds and let them steep for five to seven minutes.
The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor, but be careful not to overdo it or your tea can become bitter.
Strain the buds before drinking, and feel free to add honey or lemon to balance the floral notes.
2. For Room Spray: Cold Infusion Method
If your goal is to put lavender in water for a room spray, a cold infusion is the easiest route.
Add a handful of dried lavender buds to a large jar or bottle of distilled water.
Let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours so the water picks up the aromatic oils.
Strain the mixture and pour it into a clean spray bottle.
You can also add a tablespoon of witch hazel or vodka to help the lavender water last a bit longer.
This fragrant mist is perfect for pillow sprays or to refresh your bedroom curtains.
3. For Drinking: Cold and Fruity Infusions
You can absolutely put lavender in water for a refreshing cold drink, but it’s best to infuse it first.
Create a lavender simple syrup by simmering water, sugar, and lavender buds together for about ten minutes.
Then, let the syrup cool before mixing it into cold water, sparkling water, or lemonade.
This prevents the buds from floating around and ensures a consistent sweetness and flavor.
You could also just cold steep buds in water overnight for a very light, subtle lavender taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Lavender and Water
Even though you’re supposed to put lavender in water, there are a few ways things can go wrong.
Avoiding these pitfalls will make sure your experience is a positive one.
1. Using Too Much Lavender
A little lavender goes a very long way in water.
If you overdo the buds, especially in tea, you might end up with a soapy or overpowering taste.
Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase until you find your perfect balance.
It’s far easier to add more than to fix a bitter, lavender-heavy batch.
2. Not Using Culinary-Grade Buds
If you’re putting lavender in water for drinking or eating, always choose culinary lavender.
This lavender is specifically grown and processed for safe consumption, without harmful sprays.
Ornamental lavender from your backyard could be safe, but you can’t be certain unless you grew it organically yourself.
So check the label or ask your local grower before you start sipping lavender water.
3. Leaving Stems in Vase Water Too Long
For fresh lavender bouquets, it’s important to change the water regularly.
If you leave cut lavender in stagnant water, bacteria will grow and shorten its lifespan.
Trim the stems at an angle every few days and swap out the water for fresh, cool liquid.
Your lavender will thank you by staying fragrant and vibrant for up to two weeks.
So, Are You Supposed to Put Lavender in Water?
Yes, you are definitely supposed to put lavender in water for tea, sprays, fresh flowers, and flavor infusions.
Putting lavender in water is a simple yet wonderful way to use this beautiful herb for your health, home, and palate.
We’ve explored why you should put lavender in water, covering everything from calming tea to natural home fragrance.
You now know the best methods for each use and the common mistakes to steer clear of as you experiment.
So go ahead and put some lavender in water today, and enjoy the many benefits waiting in that purple bloom.
Your senses, and likely your stress levels, will genuinely appreciate the effort.