There are different types of lavender plants, and not all of them are edible. The English Lavender plant (Lavandula Angustifolia) is most often used as an edible lavender, and it has a sweet, slightly floral flavor.
You can tell if your lavender plant is edible by looking at the flower buds or leaves; edible Lavender has a gray-green color. The leaves should be dusty looking and have jagged edges, while the flower buds should be an array of purple, blue, and white.
You can also check the scent; an edible lavender should be lightly floral and fragrant. If you are still unsure, it is best to consult with an expert to make sure your lavender is suitable for consumption.
Are any lavender plants poisonous?
No, lavender plants are not toxic or poisonous to humans, although the sap of many lavender varieties can cause skin irritation if touched, and ingestion can be mildly toxic to animals. Humans should also avoid ingesting essential oils derived from lavender plants, as these can be toxic and even causing seizures, though extremely rare.
Lavender has a long history of being a medicinal and aromatic plant, an aromatic essential oil that can be found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications, sachets, and potpourris, and is a great broth or tea made from lavender flower heads.
It is a calming, soothing and uplifting herb. Generally, lavender is safe to use and poses no real danger to humans, despite the warnings of its potential toxicity.
What is the difference between edible lavender and regular lavender?
Edible lavender and regular lavender are actually the same plant, Lavandula angustifolia, most often referred to as English lavender. The key difference is that edible lavender is specifically grown to be consumed as a food, while regular lavender is usually grown for aromatherapy, potpourri and floral arrangements.
The consumption of lavender has become increasingly popular in recent years as it can be used as an ingredient in beauty products, beverages, and even baked goods. When selecting edible lavender, look for organically grown products as they are chemical-free.
The primary benefit of edible lavender is its ability to provide a range of nutritional benefits, including essential fatty acids, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is also an excellent dietary supplement to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Regular lavender, on the other hand, is primarily used for its exceptional aroma. The oils found in regular lavender are highly concentrated in comparison to edible lavender, making it a great ingredient for aromatherapy.
It also has various properties to aid in stress relief, relaxation and soothing muscle tension. The compounds in regular lavender can also be used to help with insomnia, depression, headaches, and even skin irritation.
Essentially, the key difference between edible lavender and regular lavender is the purpose for which it is grown. Edible lavender is cultivated for human consumption, whereas regular lavender is grown for aromatherapy and other such uses.
Both have unique benefits, and so either option can be used for various purposes depending on the user’s requirements.
Is common lavender edible?
Yes, common lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is edible. It is used to flavor food and drinks, like cake, jelly, jam, sugar, syrup, tea, and even ice cream. Lavender has a slightly sweet, floral, and herbaceous flavor, making it a versatile ingredient.
It can be used to make a simple syrup, infused in sugar and butter, and even used as a garnish! The flowers and leaves can be used fresh or dried. When using fresh lavender, the flowers should be added at the end of the cooking time to retain the delicate flavor and aroma.
Lavender can also be added to dressings or marinades for meat and fish.
Is lavender poisonous to eat?
No, lavender is not poisonous to eat. The plant itself is safe to eat, as it is commonly used as an herb in cooking. Eating lavender leaves and flowers in small amounts is considered safe and may even offer health benefits.
Lavender oil, however, should not be eaten directly and can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. The oil should instead be diluted in a carrier oil before being applied topically or used to make an herbal remedy.
Lavender tea is another popular way to use the herb safely, although it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using any type of medicinal herb.
How do I know what kind of lavender I have?
In order to determine what type of lavender you have, you should look at the physical characteristics of the plant, such as the stems, leaves, flowers and the oils that it produces. Generally, there are four types of lavender: English, French, Spanish, and Hybrid.
Each type has distinct characteristics that are helpful in determining which type you have.
English lavender has flowers that range from deep to pale purple and have linear leaves. The foliage also has a grayish-green color and the leaves can range from 2–6 inches long. The stems of English lavender are fine and branchy, and the oils it produces are some of the strongest for culinary and therapeutic uses.
French lavender has leaves that are fleshy, greyish-green and pale green in color. The flowers are larger than the English type, ranging from light to deep purple, and they have a strong fragrance. The stems are usually dark green, and they have a tough but flexible texture.
The oils that French lavender produces are lighter, so it is often used in fragrances and perfumes.
Spanish lavender has silvery-grey leaves and the delicate, deep purple flowers have whitey-silver edges. The stems of Spanish lavender are usually stiff and upright and the oils produced have subtle fragrances that are often used in lotions and soaps.
Hybrid lavender is a cross between two or more of the three types mentioned above. This type of lavender can have many combinations of the physical characteristics of the other three types. Many hybrids also produce oils that are slightly milder than their parent types.
By examining the physical characteristics of your lavender plant, you should be able to determine which type you have. If you are still unsure, you can always seek the help of a gardening professional.
Can I eat lavender from my garden?
Yes, you can eat lavender from your garden! Lavender is a fragrant, flowering herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a mild, sweet taste that pairs nicely with a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
It is often used to flavor teas, lemonades, and ice cream, as well as in baking. It can also be used in salads, sauces, and soups for a unique flavor. Lavender also makes a lovely garnish to decorate desserts and other dishes.
When using lavender in recipes, be sure to use only edible lavender that is grown organically, has not been treated with pesticides, and has been harvested properly. To maximize its flavor, add lavender near the end of the cooking process and use sparingly.
What part of lavender do you eat?
You can actually eat many parts of the lavender plant. The petals can be added to salads and as a topping for desserts like sorbet. The leaves and stems are also edible and can be used to flavor teas, syrups, dressings, and sauces.
The flavor of lavender is distinct, and a little goes a long way. If you’re using fresh lavender, use only the small, young leaves and the flower petals, because the large leaves and the stems have a grassy, astringent flavor.
The dried herb is often used to make herbal tea and seasoning blends. Lavender oil is also edible, but should only be used in small amounts if cooking to avoid an unpleasant soapy taste.
Can you eat any type of lavender?
No, while edible lavender varieties exist, you should not randomly eat any kind of lavender you find growing in the wild. Different varieties of lavender can contain different kinds of toxic compounds, so unless you are 100% sure of the species you should not consume it.
Edible varieties like English lavender can be easily identified by their deep purplish flowers and gray-green foliage that smells sweet and fragrant. Additionally, where it is safe to do so you should purchase culinary lavender from a reputable source.
If you purchase edible varieties of lavender, it can be eaten raw, as a flavoring in recipes, as part of aromatherapy or in homemade de-stressing teas.
Can lavender make you sick?
No, lavender does not typically have any negative health effects on individuals. In fact, there are many benefits associated with lavender, including its use as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, headaches and fatigue.
Lavender has been used for centuries and has been praised for its calming and calming effects.
Lavender is generally considered safe and non-toxic when taken in appropriate amounts, though there are a few potential risks to consider. However, when lavender is used in large amounts or inhaled directly, it can cause allergic reactions in some people due to its volatile oils.
Additionally, people with pre-existing allergies, asthma, and skin conditions such as eczema should exercise caution when using lavender products, as the essential oils may irritate these conditions.
As such, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using lavender if you have any of these conditions.
In general, lavender is safe and unlikely to cause any serious health risks. However, it is a good idea to start with small amounts and speak to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What do you do with homegrown lavender?
Homegrown lavender can be used for so many different and exciting things! The most common use for homegrown lavender is to make sachets or potpourri. Simply dry your lavender in a sunny and dry area for about a week and then place the dried flowers in an airtight container.
You can even add in other dried flowers or spices to the mix. These sachets can be placed in drawers or tucked away in closets to provide a sweet smelling fragrance to your indoor spaces.
You can also use homegrown lavender to make naturally scented and calming body oils or massage oils. Just mix ten drops of lavender essential oil with half a cup of your preferred oil and it’s ready to use! Lavender can also add a wonderful flavor to baking.
Try using fresh or dried lavender to make lavender scones, lavender honey, or even homemade lavender ice cream. Lastly, you can put homegrown lavender to use for its healing properties. Brew lavender tea for a calming and soothing tea or add lavender essential oil to an Epsom salt bath for an indulgent and relaxing bath.
Why does lavender make you sleepy?
The scent of lavender has been scientifically proven to have certain sedative and sleep-inducing characteristics. It is believed that the smell of lavender can reduce anxiety and stress, both of which can make it difficult to fall asleep.
A study from Wesleyan University found that when people smelled lavender, their brainwaves indicated a more relaxed state than those who did not. Lavender also contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate which have a calming effect and can help enhance sleep quality by helping relax the body.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that the scent can directly trigger the release of serotonin and melatonin which act as natural sleep aids. Ultimately, lavender can be used as a helpful tool to assist in creating a more peaceful environment, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
Is lavender toxic to dogs?
No, lavender is generally not toxic to dogs. However, like with people, different dogs may react differently to lavender. Some dog breeds, such as herding dogs, tend to be more sensitive to the essential oils of the plant, so they may experience side effects related to lavender after exposure.
Additionally, lavender products may contain other ingredients that could be toxic to dogs, such as artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives.
If you are concerned about your dog and whether or not lavender is toxic, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance on what type of lavender products are safe for your pet and the best way to manage any potential side effects.
Is French Lavender toxic?
No, French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is not toxic. It is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It has gray-green aromatic leaves and bright purple-pink flowers that are often used in aromatherapy, potpourri, and perfumery.
Lavender oil is used in many skin and health care products and is known to have a number of health benefits. When used judiciously and in moderate amounts, lavender is not considered to be toxic. In some cases consuming large amounts of lavender oil, particularly on an empty stomach, has been known to cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms, so it is important to use caution and follow the instructions on the product labels.