Herbal teas, also known as infusions or tisanes have been around for centuries and used to treat minor medical ailments. Many of you may already be familiar with chamomile or mint teas, readily available at most supermarkets.

An herbal tea that’s perhaps not so common is lavender. If this pretty perennial plant isn’t growing in your garden or containers already, all garden centres should carry stock and it’s very easy to propagate from semi-ripe cuttings or to sow from seed.

To Grow Lavender From Seed

Sow the seeds in February into individual modules using soil that will resemble the plants final growing place. Sow them 2.5 cm deep, cover with compost and keep moist as the seedlings grow using a spray bottle containing tap water. It’s essential to keep the seedlings in a warm, bright area until they’re established. In May plant the seedlings into well-drained soil or large containers in full sun.

To Make Lavender Tea or Tisane

Just add a teaspoon of dried lavender blossoms to hot water and allow to infuse for five or ten minutes then strain the liquid into a tea-cup.

Lavender tea is said to be good for insomnia, helps to calm if you’re anxious, is good for headaches, and apparently acts as a great mouthwash for halitosis!

Does it work?

I’ve been drinking this tea today and certainly feel calmer than I did this morning so would definitely recommend trying it if you’re feeling at all stressed.

That said, herbal remedies can cause allergies and if in doubt you should always  check any medical symptoms with your GP.

If you’d like to find out more about this wonderfully scented plant, Naomi over at Dr How’s Science Wows wrote a lovely blog post which includes recipes for bath bombs and oil.