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Sprigs of cut lavender

Lavender

Quick Facts

Produce Type: Herb
Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Seasonality: Mid-spring to late summer
Flavor: Floral & herbal
Complementary Flavors: Lemon, chocolate, pecan, or ginger
Quick Cooking Tip: When using dried lavender, use less than you would with fresh lavender as it’s more potent. 
Cost: $$*
*from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$)

Hands full of fresh lavender buds

The Health Benefits of Lavender and How to Use It in Your Kitchen

Why this fragrant flower belongs in your pantry, not just your self-care routine.

FULL ARTICLE

Lavender Recipes

Pair lavender with various ingredients and flavor profiles for the perfect dish!
Closed Up Photo of Violet Flower

Health Benefits

  • One systematic review found that lavender oil capsules may significantly reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety.
  • Lavender contains active ingredients that may give relief to eczema, psoriasis, or rashes.
  • In one randomized controlled trial, people with migraines experienced fewer and less severe headaches after three months of lavender use.
  • Animal and in vitro studies indicate that lavender oil can suppress the production of pro-inflammatory compounds.
  • A small trial found that postmenopausal women taking lavender oil capsules reported improvements in sexual dysfunction and other symptoms.

Making Lavender Kid-Friendly

Add a small pinch of dried lavender to fruit smoothies or Paleo muffins for a subtle, floral flavor for children to enjoy.

Blueberry-lavender mocktail prep on the stovetop.

Make the Most of Leftovers

Turn leftover lavender stems into an aromatic spring simmer pot and fill your home with a subtle, floral scent.

FULL RECIPE

Sustainability Tip

Make the most of your lavender plant by incorporating the flowers into recipes, using the stems to infuse flavor into broths or teas, and adding the leaves to homemade herbal sachets or as a fragrant garnish.

Use Lavender as a Flavor Booster!

Add a teaspoon of crushed dried lavender to your paleo barbecue sauce for a distinctive and aromatic flavor boost.

FULL RECIPE

Resources

The information above was compiled with help from the following sources.
USDA logo

USDA

Online Resource

Chloe Headshot

Chloe Weiss

Intern,
The Paleo Diet

Isabella Mead Headshot

Isabella Mead

Assistant Project Manager,
The Paleo Diet

Alterative Therapy in Health and Medicine cover.

Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine

Peer-Reviewed Medical Journal

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