Lavender Lady

07/05/2025

How to Make a Jewelw**d Salve

This simple, yet effective salve requires a few basic pieces of equipment. You can take up to 48 hours to infuse the jewelw**d salve for more potency but leaving it overnight does just as good a job.
� Materials:

* 1 ½ – 2 cups crushed Jewelw**d stems and leaves
* 1 ¼ – 1 ½ cups of oil (olive oilworks great but choose any neutral-flavored oil)
* 1 ounce of beeswax
* Optional: A drop of essential oil of your choice
Equipment required:
* Medium-sized mason jar
* A medium-sized pot
* A rock or trivet
* A container for the salve
* Cheesecloth

Directions:

1. Bruise and crush the jewelw**d leaves and stems small enough to fit in a mason jar. Ensure you are packing down the leaves and fill it until there is a ¼ inch gap at the top of the jar.

2. Fill the mason jar with the oil of your choice until the leaves are covered.

3. Add 1-1.5 inches of water into your pot. Place the rock or trivet on the bottom of the pot and place the mason jar on top of it. This is so the glass does not have direct contact with the bottom of the pot.

4. Heat the water until it reaches about 120° and then shut off the heat and cover.

5. As the salve cools down, heat it back up to temperature again. The idea is to only have direct heat on it periodically. Also, keep an eye on the water level and replenish the level if it falls too low.

6. Once completed, strain the oil using the cheesecloth. Pour the warm oil into a heatproof bowl.

7. Add the beeswax to the warm oil.

8. Stir until it is smooth and even.

9. Pour the salve into its final container and let it cool down for 45 minutes before using.
It’s important to let it cool down so that the beeswax has time to set. It'll produce a soft material, with a smooth surface. Keep it away from high heat sources or out in the sun for long periods to avoid degradation of the medicinal qualities.

How to Apply the Jewelw**d Salve

Before you apply the salve to the affected area you’ll want to clean the area with cold water and soap. Any soap you have on hand will work, the idea is to get the oils from the irritant off of your skin to minimize the damage. Using hot water will irritate the problem further by increasing the amount of inflammation.

Once it is cleaned and dried thoroughly you’ll want to apply a thin layer of the salve with your fingers over the affected area. Doing this as quickly as possible after exposure is important because a problem such as poison ivy will get worse over time as the irritating oils set into your skin.

A temporary solution if you don’t have any jewelw**d salve in your kit is to take a part of the plant and crush it between your fingers. This will release the weary sap which can then be applied to the affected area. While it will lessen the initial sting it will lack the potency of a salve.

Tips for Making a Jewelw**d Salve

Add lavender for relaxation: Lavender is used to help people relax before going to bed. It also helps reduce scarring and the redness associated with skin irritation.

Sage can be added for antiseptic qualities: Adding sage to your jewelw**d salve will enhance it with antiseptic qualities that can help prevent infection. Simply add a small amount of sage extract to the end step of the salve-making process.

Mix English plantain with the jewelw**d: Also known as Common plantain, it is widely considered a w**d in North America; However, it has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Gather some plantain leaves and steep them with the jewelw**d to increase the overall effect.

Jewelw**d (Impatiens capensis), also called Touch-Me-Not is a flowering annual plant that has been used in traditional Native American medicine for healing various ailments. It is generally made into a multi-purpose salve that can be stored for months without showing signs of degradation.

It is widespread in Northern and Eastern North America. You’ll find it in forested floodplains and lining the edges of bogs and marshes. Often it can be found lining roadside ditches where culverts direct water.
Jewelw**d grows in the same habitat as stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). If you’re in doubt about whether or not there is jewelw**d in the area, check for these other plants as an indicator that there is a possibility that it grows there.

Ironically, jewelw**d can be used to treat the stinging effects of both of these plants.

It is identifiable before August by its oval leaves with toothed edges that are alternately occurring on the stem. After mid-summer and until the first frost they will be mature and display beautiful orange flowers. The plant is used both when it’s flowering and when it’s not.

Both the stem and the leaves contain a sap that may help relieve the itchy symptoms caused from:

* Poison ivy
* Bug bites (Mosquito, black fly, horse fly, deer fly)
* Stinging nettle
* Hives
* Bee stings

https://pin.it/1MsS49Vlc

07/04/2025

Let freedom ring!

07/03/2025

When and how to harvest lavender

07/03/2025

Earlier I posted the recipe for Earl Grey Brownies with Lavender Honey Ganache. The Ganache recipe was not included. Here is a recipe for the ganache:

Lavender and Chocolate Ganache Recipe

THE COMBINATION OF FRENCH LAVENDER AND RICH BELGIAN CHOCOLATE CREATES A SMOOTH, FLORAL-INFUSED GANACHE.
It is perfect for filling macarons, cakes, or pastries. This recipe balances the delicate, aromatic notes of lavender with the deep intensity of dark chocolate, resulting in a luxurious and flavorful treat.

* Yields: Enough for 20 macarons or as a filling for cakes and pastries
* Prep time: 10 minutes
* Resting time: 1 hour
* Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

To achieve the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients:
* ½ cup (115g) heavy whipping cream – This gives the ganache a creamy texture and helps blend the flavors.
* 120g dark chocolate, finely chopped – A good-quality Belgian or French dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa provides a smooth and intense taste.
* 2g French lavender – Dried culinary-grade lavender adds a floral aroma and a hint of sweetness.

Equipment Needed
For an easy and successful ganache, gather these kitchen tools:
* Small saucepan – To heat the cream and infuse the lavender.
* Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth – To strain the lavender from the cream.
* Mixing bowl – A heatproof bowl for melting the chocolate.
* Silicone spatula – Essential for mixing and ensuring a smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Heat the Cream with Lavender
Infusing the cream with lavender is key to creating a well-balanced floral flavor:
* Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan.
* Add the dried lavender and stir gently to combine.
* Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil too hard, or the cream may scald.
* Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes to fully infuse the lavender flavor.

Step 2: Strain the Cream
To prevent the ganache from having an overpowering lavender taste or unwanted texture:
* Place a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth over a heatproof bowl.
* Slowly pour the infused cream through the sieve to remove the lavender buds.
* Press lightly on the lavender with the back of a spoon to extract all the flavors, then discard the lavender.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Properly melting the chocolate ensures a smooth ganache:
* Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof mixing bowl.
* Gently pour the strained hot cream over the chocolate.
* Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.

* Step 4: Stir to Create a Smooth Ganache
The way you mix the ganache affects its texture:
* Using a silicone spatula, start mixing in the center of the bowl.
* Stir in small circular motions, gradually working outward.
* Continue mixing until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Let the Ganache Rest
Allowing the ganache to chill helps it reach the perfect consistency:
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
* Place the ganache in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour.
* Once cooled, the ganache will thicken and be ready to use.

For Drizzling & Dipping:
* Reheat slightly and drizzle over cookies, brownies, or fruit.

Enhancing the Flavor
* Add ½ tsp of honey to the cream before heating for a touch of natural sweetness.
* A pinch of sea salt can bring out the depth of the chocolate.
* Try a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of complexity.
From: My French Recipe

07/02/2025

Earl Grey Brownies With Lavender Honey Ganache

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate �6 oz. unsalted butter (1.5 sticks, cut into quarters) �6 oz. eggs (4 large) �13.5 oz. granulated sugar (1.75 cups) �1 Tbsp. vanilla extract �3 Tbsp. looseleaf Earl Grey tea, ground in a coffee grinder �5 oz. cake flour (1.25 cups) �3/4 tsp. baking powder �1/2 tsp. salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray or butter pan.
2. Melt the chocolate with the butter over a double boiler.

3. While the chocolate is melting, whip the eggs and sugar in a large mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment for 10 minutes.

4. Combine Earl Grey powder, flour, baking powder and salt. Sift.

5. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla to the eggs. Stir by hand to blend completely. Fold in the flour, mixing until just combined.

6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

7. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until an inserted tester comes out with just a few crumbs attached.

8. Allow to cool, then add ganache and garnish with crystallized lavender (recipes link in the description).

Earl Grey Crystallized Lavender For Brownies

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED
Crystallized Lavender:�1 egg white (pasteurized, if desired) �1/4 cup lavender �1/2 cup sugar �food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Color sugar with food coloring, using fingers to spread color evenly. I divided the sugar and used both pink and lavender.

Spread lavender onto a sheet pan covered with aluminum foil. Using a pastry brush, coat dried lavender with egg white. Spread sugar over lavender, mixing with fingers to coat evenly. Allow the lavender to dry.

Stir lavender to remove clumps, and transfer to an airtight container.

07/02/2025

The war is on! These critters have a voracious appetite for my lavender. It took me two and a half years to discover what was eating the lavender right down to sticks. The Asian Garden Beetle only comes out at night and spends the days in the soil. I’ve spent the last two nights hand picking these obnoxious bugs from my plants. Last year they destroyed about 90% of my new plants. Sigh! It’s going to be a long summer.

07/01/2025

For my Ohio followers-sounds like a fun day!

Pick your own lavender July 2nd & 3rd from 5:30-8:30 pm, $5/bundle or 5 bundles for $20. We have both purple and white lavender blooming! We’ll supply the scissors and the view. Enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade & shop some of our favorite products. Cash is preferred but we also accept Venmo & credit card. 27846 Wildcat Hollow Road, Rockbridge, OH 43149 💜

06/29/2025

caramel, lavender, and fleur de sel lollipops
about 24 small (1 1/2 in round) lollipops

* 1 cup (200 g) sugar
* 1/4 cup (60 ml) light corn syrup
* 2 tablespoons water
* Fleur de sel
* 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

* Spray lollipop molds lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place lollipop sticks in the molds.
* Combine sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F, hard crack stage. Immediately remove saucepan from heat.
* While sugar is cooking, heat cream, lavender and vanilla in a separate small saucepan just to a boil. Turn heat down to low just to keep cream warm.
* Remove cooking sugar from heat and strain cream into sugar slowly; be careful as the mixture will boil up vigorously and settle back down.
* Add the butter a few pieces at a time, stirring to fully melt and incorporate.
* Divide the mixture among the prepared molds. Let lollipops cool and harden, about 15 minutes, before removing from the molds.
* Store wrapped in cellophane bags twist tied shut, in a cool dry place for up to one month.

Dear readers, I’m so happy to announce that my newest cookbook, Lollipop Love: Sweet Indulgence with Chocolate, Caramel, and Sugar, is about to be published! I’ve spent so much of the last couple years dreaming about, researching, and testing out lollipops, so I’m very glad to finally be ab....

06/29/2025

Baby mantises in the lavender! In the first picture there are two. Can you spot them?

06/28/2025

From Garden to Table: Candied Lavender Wands Recipe
By Kathy Gehrt
Published on June 14, 2012

Add a delicate, candied lavender wand on the plate next to your favorite lemon cake recipe or in a sweating glass of iced tea. Kathy Gehrt’s Discover Cooking with Lavender(Florentia Press, 2010) provides this edible garnish recipe that is as clever as it is delicious. This excerpt is taken from the chapter, “Sugars, Seasonings, Blends & More.”

Candied Lavender Wands
Makes 6 to 12 wands

These sweet wands taste like candy. They make fun stirring devices or edible garnishes for iced tea or lemonade.
• 6 to 12 fresh lavender stems, with leaves removed �• 1/2 cup lavender syrup �• 1/2 cup lavender sugar
1. Dip lavender stems in the lavender syrup.
2. Roll the dipped stems in the lavender sugar.
3. Place the sugared lavender wands on parchment paper and let dry for at least 1 hour.

This excerpt has been reprinted with permission from Discover Cooking with Lavender: Fresh & Flavorful Recipes, published by Florentia Press, 2010.

06/26/2025

Lavender, Everything but the Kitchen Sink
by Lavender Lady

Lavender has been used for centuries to alleviate stress, ease headaches, treat minor burns and abrasions, muscle aches and insect bites. It is an important herb in sleep therapy, topical creams and lotions, was (and is) used as a disinfectant and is a natural insect repellent. It is a culinary herb as well, finding its way into both delicious dishes and healing tonics. Lavender originated in the Mediterranean, where it remains a wild herb as well as a cultivated plant. Referred to as “Spikenard” in the Bible, lavender is believed to be the oil used to anoint the feet of Jesus. It is said that the Virgin Mary laid the baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes on a lavender bush to dry, thus gracing the plant with its memorable fragrance.

It’s come to represent devotion, purity, luck, cleanliness, and compassion (Gray 2015: 112). It also represents constancy, faith, humility, and love (Dietz 2020: 126).

Tudor girls made lavender tea to help them see their future husbands. They’d drink it before bed, asking St Luke to bring a vision of their ‘true love’ in their dreams. Conversely, in the Victorian language of flowers, lavender meant distrust (Burke 1856: 36). The asp that killed Cleopatra is said to have hidden in the foliage of a lavender bush. It was once believed that inhaling the scent of lavender gave one the power to see ghosts.

There are 45 species of lavender with over 450 varieties, each with their own characteristics and flavors. Both the buds and leaves are eatable, though only the English varieties, the agustifolia, are palatable. The French and Spanish lavenders are more suited to fragrance applications. Lavender used in recipes should be labeled organic or culinary to assure that it is pesticide free and flavorful. It should be used in moderation, as it has a strong floral flavor which can be overpowering in recipes. Lavender pairs well with lemon, chocolate, vanilla, and other herbs. It can be used in both savory and sweet dishes and makes an excellent addition to lemonade, teas or moon milk as well. There are numerous ways to incorporate lavender into recipes, including lavender sugars, honeys, oils or vinegars, lavender extracts, herbal blends or salts, milk or oil infusions and simply using the buds or leaves themselves.

Growing lavender: Lavender is an evergreen, native to the desert regions of the Mediterranean. It cannot tolerate wet feet. In fact, once it is established, it seldom needs additional watering excepting in very dry climes or conditions. It does best in a well-drained, limey soil and requires full sunlight-12 hours is optimum. Growing lavender from seed is not recommended, as cross pollination can occur- instead, most plants are grown from cuttings to assure the purity of the species or variety. Only the English varieties are suited to our climate in Michigan. While most plants will likely survive our Michigan winters Lavender requires a little help to thrive. Add mulch around the base of plants in the fall to supply a layer of insulation from the cold. Be sure to remove any mulch in the spring after all danger of frost is past. Alternatively, you can use row covers or cloches to protect the plants from extreme weather. Harvest occurs typically in mid to late June and runs through July or later. Harvest depends on the intended use. For most applications, cut stems when the first bud opens. Cut between the first and second leaves to encourage a second bloom.

Lavender uses: In addition to culinary applications, lavender’s uses are innumerable. It has antiseptic qualities, making it a key ingredient in many soaps and cleaning products. In fact, the root word of lavender means to wash. The scent of lavender has been used to ease anxiety and depression and to aid in sleep-it’s applications include oils for defusers, dream pillows, lotions, hydrosols, massage oils, sachets, microwaveable rice bags, eye pillows and sprays. It has been used to prevent or ease headaches and can aid in relief for many of the symptoms from ptsd. For a simple dream pillow or dryer sachet, try placing lavender buds in the toe of a clean sock and tying it shut. Throw it into your dryer or tuck it into your pillowcase for a peaceful night’s sleep. Lavender buds can retain their scent for up to two years and beyond, depending on it’s use and storage. When Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, they found lavender that still contained traces of its scent. As it releases its fragrance, as in dryer use however, it will diminish its strength. Typically such a use would last for about five loads. Lavender can be used to deter clothing or pantry moths as it has insect repellent properties. It is often listed as one of the ingredients in the legendary four thieves vinegar, said to have protected the scoundrels from contracting the plague from their dead or dying victims. Legend has it that during the mid-fourteenth century in the time of the plague, four men-some say brothers-robbed from the dead and dying without consequences from the deadly virus. The men were herbalists, and when they were finally captured, they shared their secret in order to lighten their sentences. The men used a mixture of herbs and spices to wash themselves in, thus protecting themselves from the disease. Four Thieves Vinegar has been used ever since as a powerful cleaning agent and/or tonic and is still used today.

For children: Lavender makes an excellent sensory addition to playdough, which engages a child’s senses and assists in learning and brain development. It can help to calm an anxious child, and playing with playdough helps to develop fine motor skills and encourage problem solving. Lavender hydrosols have been marketed as “monster sprays” to help chase away the bedtime nightmares and ease an anxious child towards sleep. As for sleeping tight and not allowing the bedbugs to bite? Lavender has that covered as well. While any infestation requires expert intervention, lavender has been shown to be a deterrent to bed bugs. Boo boo bags, used both warm and cold are another use where lavender shines. It not only eases stress, lavender has healing properties as well. It can also be used to ease muscle aches. Dream pillows can be made in all shapes and sizes. A company called Lavender Life Company makes plush rabbits called Xander Bunnies which they often donate to children in foster care. In fact, for every Xander rabbit sold, the company donates one to a foster child. These lavender filled plush toys help to ease a child’s anxiety.

Lavender for sleep: as previously mentioned, Lavender dream pillows and sleep sprays, such as “monsters away” can aid in the sleep of both children and adults. Lavender, based foot creams and body butters or creams, used before bed, are another effective sleep aid. “Moon milk” uses lavender and other herbs and spices to help ease the mind towards a restful sleep.

Warm milk was used as a sleep aid in ancient Indian Ayurvedic practices. These practices use a holistic approach to physical and mental wellbeing. The ingredients in our moon milk were selected to help prepare the mind and body for a restful night’s sleep. A look at the properties of the herbs and spices, with the addition of warm milk, will give you a better understanding of how it works. As previously mentioned, lavender eases anxiety thus lowering blood pressure and calming the mind. You may be familiar with Cardamom as an ingredient in chai tea. It originates in India and has uses in both culinary and medicinal applications. Cardamom has diuretic effects, which can help lower blood pressure. It contains compounds that fight inflammation and antioxidants which help to reduce free radicals in the body. Turmeric has adaptogenic properties which help us cope with stress. Adaptogens help us, increase our resistance to stress and reduce our cortisol levels. Turmeric – and especially its most active compound, curcumin, have many scientifically, proven health benefits, such as the potential to improve heart health, and prevent against Alzheimer’s and cancer. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It may also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.

Crafts: lavender crafts include wreaths, lavender wands or baskets, lavender dolls, candles, wedding favors such as rice bags or bubbles, boutonnières or bouquets and table displays. Lavender seed paper is another fun and popular craft. Check out my page (Lavender Lady) for more information and for a variety of crafts, recipes and uses. As for the kitchen sink? Lavender loves a challenge! A simple scouring powder can be made using ½ cup washing soda, ½ cup baking soda, 1 ½ tsps. citric acid and 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Whisk ingredients together and store in an airtight container.

Some of my references were gleaned from the article Lavender Folklore: The Tales Behind The Calming Plant
March 19, 2022 by Icy Sedgwick

From my presentation for Howard City friends of the library-Lavender-Everything but the Kitchen Sink

06/25/2025

Chocolate Lavender Dream Cake
For lavender milk:�1/4 cup milk�2 Tbsp dried culinary lavender
For the cake: �2 cups sugar�1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour�3/4 cup dark cocoa powder�1 1/2 tsp baking powder�1 1/2 tsp baking soda�1 tsp salt�2 eggs�1 cup 1% milk�1/2 cup vegetable oil�2 teaspoons vanilla extract�1 cup boiling water�Cocoa powder to dust the pans�Blackberries and edible flowers for garnish�Lavender frosting, recipe follows
Directions:
1. In a small sauce pan, heat 1/4 cup milk with 2 Tbsp dried culinary lavender. Remove from heat, let cool, and allow lavender to steep for at least four hours in the fridge.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 8″ cake pans and coat thoroughly with cocoa powder.
3. Combine sugar, flour, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large mixing bowl. Add eggs one at a time and mix until incorporated. Add milk, oil and vanilla all at once and beat on medium speed of mixer about two minutes. Stir in the boiling water. Divide batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
5. Spread frosting on three layers of cake, leaving the sides naked. Top with blackberries and fresh cherries.
Lavender Frosting
6 cups powdered sugar�1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature�1/4 cup lavender-infused milk (see above)�1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer. Add 3 cups powdered sugar and beat until uniform in color.
2. Strain dried lavender from milk by pouring it through a sieve. Top off with additional milk if needed so that you have 1/4 cup. (Some of the milk may have been absorbed by the lavender.)
3. Add lavender-infused milk, vanilla extract, and remaining 3 cups powdered sugar to frosting and beat until smooth. Tint desired shade of purple.
From The Rose Table