Light and fresh, lavender has a soft floral aroma. This timeless fragrance provides a restful, calm feeling and helps reduce stress. A member of the mint family, lavender is also a culinary delight in a variety of recipes. Check out these five ways to add some relaxing lavender to your life.
1. Relax and Refresh.
Mist this calming fragrance onto sheets, towels and other linens. Made from a combination of lavender, patchouli and other essential oils, Rested Linen Spray is a perfect way to welcome guests and to add relaxation to your home. Climb into a freshly made bed and have sweet dreams tonight. It can really be a soothing sleep aid. Rested Aromatherapy Linen Spray, $10, Paisley & Company, 275 W. Main St., Kutztown, 484.646.9515. paisleyandcompany.com
2. Pure Comfort.
Sit back and enjoy a leisurely morning with a lavender latte. Savor this delectable twist on the classic combo of espresso and milk. Made from organic lavender, this delicious beverage is crafted with Wild Sage’s own lavender syrup. Sweet floral notes add comfort and balance to your morning caffeine. Lavender Latte, $4.30 (.40 extra for alternative milk), Wild Sage Coffee & Kitchen, 731 Washington St., Reading, and Fairgrounds Farmers Market, 484.755.5454. wildsagecoffeeandkitchen.com
3. Classic Clean.
This soap is handmade with natural ingredients. Lavender essential oil provides a charming fragrance and shea butter keeps skin soft. Indigo powders give this artisan soap its deep blue color. Make some suds and breathe in the soothing scent. Betula’s Botanica Lavender Soap, $6.95, available at Oley Valley Organics, 3071 W. Philadelphia Avenue, Oley, 484.755.4208. oleyvalleyorganics.com and Betula’s Botanica, 412 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 484.516.2321. betulasbotanica.com
4. Good Thoughts.
Start the day on an optimistic note. Lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense and rose essential oils come together to create a body and air mist that’s “wonderfully aromatic and intended for good vibes.” Spray some on when you get ready in the morning and add a burst of positivity to your day. Pick some up and gift it to a friend, too. Anti-Bad Vibes Shield, $28, Allison Clothing Company, 522 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 484.709.2563. allisonclothingshop.com
5. Shower Spa.
Transport yourself with summer memories of the beach. These steamer tablets feature sea salt and lavender to transform your shower into a home spa. Add some water and listen to the tablet fizz. Once it’s activated, move it to the back of the tub and unwind with the tranquil lavender scent. Sea Salt & Lavender Shower Steamers, $4, Stinkleberry Soap Co., Hamburg, sold at The Mint Leaf, 1008 Stinson Drive, Leesport, 610.615.5134 and The Red Barn, 965 Park Rd., Blandon, 484.793.0370
