Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness

Great read, enjoy referencing info

I’m a lavender grower and am really enjoying this new book. Lots of accurate lavender information woven between natural recipes. Beautiful photography!

Yay its a book

Years ago, we went to a famous lavender farm in Northern Japan. Purple-and-green tufted bushes stretched in rows as far as we could see. The scent under the late morning sun was almost dizzying. We wandered the paths, drawn to shrub after shrub for deep breaths and photos.Ever since, I have added a plant here and there to the backyard, and dreamed of making lavender products for family and friends using my small organic backyard crop. And with this beautifully photographed and comprehensively written book, Bonnie Louise Gillis might just get me there.She begins, as one should, with an explanation of how to grow and harvest lavender. These sections are clearly written and serviceable. Should you need more information about your growing environment, it is best to check with your state university’s extension office, or better yet with the nearest master gardener program. Gillis largely discusses how to cultivate young plants ready for outplanting and how to maintain them over the years. I know that lavender can be difficult to cultivate from seed, but for some readers, seed is the safest bet for plant materials you plan to use in food or body-care products.The heart of the book is working with your lavender harvest, and/or with lavender essential oil. The recipes have obviously been created with care and review. Same goes for the craft projects. Many of them can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. Several batches of the lavender-and-rose bath salts could be made and bottled in an afternoon. The “body tea” is a relaxing soak assembled from several types of dried flowers, including lavender buds, and also lends itself to packaging with instructions as a thoughtful gift.The process for making sachets and aromatherapy wraps is similarly detailed, with illustrations to guide you in assembly. Other projects include infusing lavender into cooking or body oils. I’ve got a sterilized jar of vinegar and lavender buds passing time in a cool, dark corner of the pantry and am checking it weekly, semi-patiently waiting for the fragrance to reach the point at which I will finish the infusion process. There also are recipes for beverages and spreads, as well as baked goods. Scones, anyone?

As someone who loves a commercially available black tea with lavender, I was curious what a book just about lavender would have to offer. I was not disappointed. This book has so much information about growing and harvesting lavender as well as culinary and other recipes. The author's love for the plant and its uses comes across clearly. The book starts with cautions about lavender's use—and as an RN, I appreciate the level of detail she goes into here. General information about lavender follows this about including growing and harvesting it. Again, the amount of detail in this section really gives you an idea of what you need to do if you plan to grow lavender yourself for personal use. Recipes take up the bulk of the book, first of the non-culinary variety, like bath and massage oils, lip balm, essential oil blends for a variety of uses, and even craft items like drawer/dryer pouches, wreaths, and eye pillows. This non-culinary section is split into topics like body, mind, skin, and even gifts (though you might want to make some for yourself as well!). As a cook who enjoys working with herbs, I loved the recipe section, which had several teas (a personal favorite) as well as incorporating lavender to make fruity desserts and baked goods... and so much more. If you love lavender like I do or love to incorporate herbs into your baking and cooking, you may enjoy this book on the many ways to enjoy lavender as much as I did.I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

This is such a truly beautiful book. It is ideal for lavender lovers everywhere!The hardcover, photo-rich format makes this extraordinarily giftable as well as a beautiful addition to your own personal library.Now, I love that this text begin with actually growing lavender! And I love how it discusses the benefits of growing lavender: like how it is great for bees! And, I love that it details proper Ph level, watering, etc. The book sets you up for success. Nice!In addition to all of the glorious personal care product, I adore that this book discusses the culinary applications for lavender! I already love lavender yogurt, lavender candy, etc. So, it was really grand to read about lavender as a substitute for rosemary! Who knew it could be that simple? (The lavender sugar and fig jam are amazing! And pair that fig jam with goat cheese! It's amazing!)This book is such a visual treat! Likewise, it is a wealth of unexpected information. What a delight!

I always have lavender in my garden even if growing lavender is not easy in Texas. The scent of lavender brings me to a happy place and Bonnie Louise Gillis book is a treasure for lavender lovers with plenty of ideas on how to use lavender for your home, body and mind starting with growing it. I am especially interested in her recipes for using lavender in food and drinks, something I have never tried to do. The book has plenty of photos which I always find inspiring. I would make a lovely gift for gardeners, crafters, cooks and anyone interested in aroma therapy.If you found my review helpful, why not click the “helpful” button. Thanks! Enjoy your day! 😉

I loved this book. It has great photos, wonderful ideas and feeds my addiction to lavender in a most gracious and lovely way.