Naturally repel insects and treat bug bites with lavender

The great outdoors — from playing in the backyard to exploring the back country — can also come with great quantities of bugs.  No one enjoys the buzzing and whining and subsequent biting and stinging.  These au naturel irritations can be avoided and treated, however, by the use of some of lavender's longest recorded properties as an insect repellant, antiseptic and topical anesthetic.

These are our favorite farm-made products to naturally repel insects and treat bug bites using our own organically certified lavender that we grow, harvest and distill right here at our San Juan Island, WA farm.

Lavender Insect Repellant

Let's start with avoiding pesky bug bites altogether.  How does one do that and avoid equally unpleasant commercial insect repellants that may contain harsh chemicals, be unpleasant to smell, feel sticky or may irritate sensitive skin?
 

Effectively repelling mosquitoes, gnats, flies, fleas, etc., our Lavender Insect Repellant is an ideal, all-natural alternative containing no harsh chemicals, dyes or synthetics.  Lavender has long been used as an insect repellant both on the body and in the home.  Our organically certified lavender essential oil is a powerful natural insect repellant that is safe to use on sensitive skin, children and pets.  Bonus — its pure scent is also soothing and calming!

It is perfect for all outdoor activities – gardening, hiking, camping, walks on the beach, weddings, parties, concerts, etc.  Available in multiple sizes, pack it for travel and keep a large bottle at home for family-use.

Lavender Treatment Stick

As much as we all try to avoid insect bites, they can still sometimes occur.  Thankfully, there is a way to quickly treat them when you are on-the-go hiking, biking, camping, having picnics in the park or taking trips to the beach.  One of our perpetually popular products, and for good reason, is our versatile Lavender Treatment Stick.  It is a must-have for soothing the minor cuts, abrasions, bug bites and burns of outdoor fun.  Lavender's naturally occurring antiseptic and topical anesthetic properties promote the healing of these skin irritations in an easily applicable stick form.  Kids, especially, enjoy applying it themselves to their "ouchies".  Keep one with your camping gear and hiking backpack, as well as picnic basket and beach bag. 

 

Learn why a Lavender Treatment Stick is a "must have" for your First Aid Kit.  

An ideal skincare pairing for outdoor living during the summer, adventuring near and far or for tropical vacations, is our Lavender Insect Repellant and Lavender Treatment Stick.  This preventative and treatment duo also make a thoughtful and very useful gift for the outdoorsy types.

Fire Ant Bite Treatment

If you reside in an environment shared with little Fire Ants, you know the pain associated with their bites.  Fire Ants bites can occur simply by walking through your yard, the playground or the park, leaving one with painful, burning blisters that can last multiple days.  If you have been unfortunate enough to have been bitten, you know the desire for immediate relief from the pain and discomfort.  We create a Fire Ant Bite Treatment that uses the natural anesthetic and antiseptic properties of lavender to ease the inflammation and pain of these bites. Our natural formulation uses no harsh chemicals and is safe enough to use on the most sensitive skin.  The soothing properties of this specialized treatment are a must if you live in an area prone to Fire Ants.  Just add a small bottle to picnic baskets, diaper bags, backpacks and purses for quick relief while on-the-go.

Being outside is good for us all — physically, mentally and emotionally — so grab your lavender and let's head outdoors for some fresh air and adventure!

How to Turn Your Morning Coffee into Lavender Coffee

For many of us, a vital part of our morning ritual is a cup of coffee.  The variations on the theme of the "morning coffee" are practically endless.  We all have our own particular requirements when it comes to preparation, iced or not, flavor,  coffee to milk ratio, milk preparation, type of milk or milk substitute, etc., etc.  

Whatever your preferences are, there is an easy way to turn your morning coffee into a lavender coffee — Lavender Simple Syrup!

This lavender kitchen staple is quick to make and ideal to have on hand to bring the exotic and truly distinctive flavor and aroma of our favorite flower to your morning brew.  The wonderful marriage of the strong, full-bodied flavor of coffee and the delicate, slightly sweet floral notes of lavender is a unique treat for the adventurous palate.

Add Lavender Simple Syrup to your black coffee, latte, americano, cappuccino, etc., to be transported to our blooming lavender fields in summer.  Start with 2 tablespoons per 8 fluid ounces of liquid and scale up or down according to taste.

To continue your morning of lavender, try our Lavender Waffles with Lavender Whipped Cream!

Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe

Simple syrup is an important and versatile lavender kitchen staple.  Use as a base for fruit sauces for pancakes, waffles, ice cream or as a simple syrup in whipped cream, a coffee drink, a cocktail or non-alcoholic mocktail.  Keep this recipe on hand for your own culinary adventures with lavender!

Lavender Simple Syrup

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon Organic Culinary Lavender (lightly ground)
  
  

Directions:

Step 1 — In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar.  

 

Step 2 — Heat over a medium heat until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat. 

 

Step 3 — Add lavender in a tea infuser to the heated syrup and let steep until cooled. (If you do not have a tea infuser, add the lavender to the hot syrup, then strain the syrup through a fine mesh colander when cooled.) 

Step 4 — Remove lavender when the syrup has completely cooled.  Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.

You now have a delicious syrup ready to be added to your favorite summer fruit, lemonade, juice, coffee, tea, cocktail or cider!

Download a printer friendly version of this lavender recipe here.

Note: Lightly grinding the lavender buds will bring the flavor out more readily.  Using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle works well.  If neither of these are at hand, place the lavender between two sheets of parchment paper and lightly grind it with a rolling pin. 

This delicious waffle recipe is the only one you'll need to make exciting homemade waffles for breakfast or brunch.  As a lavender-flavored canvas, they can be dressed up with lavender whipped cream, fresh berries or fruit, butter and maple syrup or honey, crushed nuts, homemade jam or any combination of tasty toppings that strikes your fancy.

Lavender Waffles with Lavender Whipped Cream

 

Serves 2 — Scale up the recipe to serve more or to freeze for later. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Culinary Lavender (lightly ground - see note below)
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (substitute note below)
  
• 6 Tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup Lavender Simple Syrup (recipe below)
  
  

Directions:

Step 1 — Preheat the waffle iron. 

 

Step 2 — In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking soda and powder, sugar, salt and add the lavender. 

 

Step 3 — Beat the egg yolks until they are pale yellow.  Add the buttermilk and butter. 

 

Step 4 — Combine wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. 

 

Step 5 — Beat the whites until stiff.  Gently fold the whites into the batter. 

 

Step 6 — Cook in the waffle iron using non-stick spray or a little more butter. 

Step 7 — Make the Lavender Whipped Cream by combining ingredients in a medium bowl.

Step 8 — Using an electric mixer, beat on high setting for 3-5 minutes until peaks form when a spoon is pulled from cream.

Step 9 — Dress up your lavender waffle with all your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Toppings Tip: Lavender pairs especially well with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches and plums.

 

Lavender Simple Syrup

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon Organic Culinary Lavender (lightly ground)
  
  

Directions:

Step 1 — In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar.  

 

Step 2 — Heat over a medium heat until sugar is dissolved and remove from heat. 

 

Step 3 — Add lavender in a tea infuser to the heated syrup and let steep until cooled. (If you do not have a tea infuser, add the lavender to the hot syrup, then strain the syrup through a fine mesh colander when cooled.) 

 

Step 4 — Remove lavender when the syrup has completely cooled.  You now have a delicious syrup ready to be bring lavender flavor to whipped cream, fresh fruit or berries, waffles, pancakes, coffee, etc.

More Brunch Recipes for Cooking with Lavender

• Lavender Lemon Mimosa
• French Toast with Lavender Blackberry Syrup
• Lavender Lemon Asparagus (pairs wonderfully with poached eggs topped with Lavender Gourmet Salt and Pepper!)
  
• Lavender Lemon Bars
  

Craving some lavender treats, but don't have much interest in dirtying your kitchen (and cleaning up, of course)?  Try our handcrafted shortbread cookies, teas, chutneys, chocolates, and other delightful treats - or come visit the farm this summer for a taste of our seasonal ice cream made with our very own Organic Culinary Lavender.

If you are interested in learning more about cooking with lavender, we have lots more information here.

 

Note: If you don't have buttermilk on hand, pour 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice into a 1 cup measuring vessel.  Fill the rest of the 1 cup measuring vessel with milk.  Gently stir and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.  This will allow the milk to slightly curdle, giving it a buttermilk-like texture and taste.

 

Note: Lightly grinding the lavender buds will bring the flavor out more readily.  Using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle works well.  If neither of these are at hand, place the lavender between two sheets of parchment paper and lightly grind it with a rolling pin.

Plant-Based Non-Toxic Home Care

There are dozens and dozens of "natural" home care solutions out there, but all too often a read of the long and unpronounceable ingredients list still leaves one baffled as to what they contain.  We find this altogether unnecessary when there are plant-based, non-toxic, simple ingredient home care remedies available that do not contain dyes, synthetics, preservatives, perfumes or other potentially undesirable ingredients.  At Pelindaba Lavender we are committed to creating home care products that are effective and safe for our families and yours.

Let's take a closer peak at a few of these small-batch products that many find useful in their homes and you might too!

Lavender Linen Water

Fresh fragrance, moth repellant, sleep aid

Lavender Linen Water has a long history as a means to caring for linens and textiles to maintain their freshness and repel moths and other fiber-loving critters.  The added benefit of aiding in sleep when used on bed linens is a much appreciated use of lavender essential oil's long-established, natural soothing and calming properties.

Love to spray my bed each night just before getting under the covers. So light and relaxing! - Mary from MN

I spritz this lavender water on my pillows before I go to bed. I love the scent and I do get a sense of relaxation. This is a wonderful product, and I like the minimal ingredients. - ALWA from FL

Spray it on my pillows at bedtime and sleep like a baby. - KW from OH

Spray this on your sheets and pillowcases, and fall into a calming sleep. - Anonymous from CA

I use this on fresh-out-of-the -dryer laundry, the kitty sleeping quarters, as well as all the people beds in the house. - Gwen from CA

I can’t even tell you how much I love this stuff!! I spray on all fresh laundry and on my bed before I go to sleep. My 5 year old son loves it too and sprays it on his pillow at night. - Whitney from WA

Read how hundreds of others use it in their daily lives right here.

 

Lavender Castile Soap

Naturally antimicrobial, disinfectant and sweet smelling

Increased handwashing is here to stay, as are the effects of harsh, chemical-based soaps.  Lavender Castile Soap is here to provide a gentler, yet equally effective, cleansing without drying out the skin, leaving the pleasant and pure aroma of lavender essential oil.  This multi-use product can also double as a liquid dish washing soap and body wash.

Great for hands without drying them out. - Aloria from WA

This soap coats my hands in a lovely scent. My hands feel clean and super smooth. - Forest from CA

My son, husband and I love the lavender liquid soap. It is a mild scent which we like. Plus your hands get completely clean. - Jan from CO

I used this product in my guest powder room for years and recently decided that we were all worth the quality so I ordered 5 for every bathroom in the house! - Sissy from WI

First time I tried this soap. The best soap I've used! - Retha from WA

When I wash my hands I get an aromatherapy burst as well. It is good for cleaning, but I also take the time to slow down and enjoy the fragrance. - Terri from PA

Read more reviews of this effective, everyday product here.

Lavender Household Cleanser

Gentle abrasion for those tougher clean ups

Lavender essential oil's natural solvent, antimicrobial and disinfectant properties lend themselves to this effective Lavender Household Cleanser powered scrub for areas in the home that need a little something extra — baths, toilets, sinks, ovens and the like.

Love this as a non toxic cleaner. It leaves my house smelling so fresh. Other cleaners irritate me so I'm happy to have found this as a safer alternative. - Cynthia from TN

I really like this product for cleaning shower stall and bathroom sinks. - Susan from WI 

It’s great to clean with and leaves a nice fresh scent. Soothing and family friendly. - Melanie from OR

Scent, cleaning ability and packaging all fab! Love that I can keep it out on my sink and it looks like it should be there, not just a cleaning supply. I clean more often because is smells so great. - Anonymous from WA

The cleaner works great and it make me feel better knowing I am not cleaning with harsh chemicals. - Anastasio from FL

It is amazing how something that smells so good can have such cleaning power. It doesn't dry out my hands like most cleaners. I like the attractive container that you can leave out on the bathroom counter and it can serve a dual purpose as an air freshener. I have two sons and it even keeps their bathroom smelling fresh and clean. - Tara from WI

Read how other natural product enthusiasts use it in their daily lives right here.

Organic Lavender Hydrosol

Multi-use throughout the home and beyond — personal care, medicinal and pet care too!

Farm-distilled from the lavender flowers grown in our own organically certified fields on our San Juan Island farm, this multi-use product brings lavender's many natural properties to a wide variety of applications.  Some of lavender hydrosol’s primary uses are as a completely non-toxic, multi-purpose disinfectant and natural solvent for hard surface cleaning.  Throughout the home, from kitchen counter tops, to floors, bathrooms and windows, lavender hydrosol has plentiful uses.  For the body, use it to safely clean wounds and soothe irritated skin.  For pets, use it to treat “hot spots” and freshen coats in between bathing. It can even be used as a mouth wash for humans and pets alike!  For a full list of uses - click here.

The home smells so good after I steam clean the tile floor with the lavender hydrosol. I vacuum thoroughly, spray the floor with the hydrosol from a bottle, wait a minute or two, then use the steamer to lift the dirt. Much better than using harsh chemicals. I also use the hydrosol for pet accidents and I do not see a repeat performance. I could go on and on... - Stephanie from WA 

I am using it to clean my yoga mat! Really cuts the odor. I have also sprayed it in our dishwasher and it cut the odor. - Mary from WA

Love the way the lavender cleans the windows. No chemicals. No manufactured colors and smells. - Alan from OK 

I've used the hydrosol for years and love how well it cleans and has a nice scent that disperses over time. I use it all through the house on most surfaces. - Susan from WA

I had not used lavender hydrosol before. I was not sure what to expect, but I liked the organic, natural option. This lavender hydrosol beat all my expectations! It cleans the kitchen with ease. Cleaning windows is a breeze!! The best product I have ever used!! - Teresa from OR

I love this product and use it everyday. I use it as a room freshener, linen spray, on minor cuts and abrasions, and on my roses to prevent aphids. - Theresa from NV

Read over 800 reviews of this truly remarkable product and how it is beneficial to the lives of so many here.

Caring for the home shouldn't come with worry about the products you are using.  At the farm we use only naturally-sourced ingredients, produce in small batches and maintain tight quality control throughout the entire process from raw material to finished product.  You can come see for yourself, experience the fields and see where all the handcrafting is done!  In the meantime, explore all the ways lavender brings everyday benefits to the natural home.

Lavender Hydrosol is the oft-overlooked workhorse in the lavender world.  It contains all the same properties and attributes of lavender essential oil, but in a less concentrated form which makes it highly versatile around the home, office, etc.  

 

What is lavender hydrosol?  It is a natural and (technically speaking) permanent colloidal suspension of a small amount of essential lavender oil in a large volume of water.  This means the essential oil and water will never separate, as is normally the case when mixing oil and water.  Lavender Hydrosol, also known as floral water, is produced during the steam distillation of lavender essential oil.  In fact, this is the only way to produce it!  We are sometimes asked if adding lavender essential oil to water will produce the same effect.  The answer is an emphatic no!  A fragrant water will have been produced, but it is not a hydrosol and will not be as effective for all the many applications we are going to share below.  Read on!

 

We bottle our versatile Lavender Hydrosol in multiple convenient sizes at the farm

How to use lavender hydrosol in everyday life

 

PERSONAL CARE and THERAPEUTIC USES

Deploying lavender essential oil's naturally occurring properties, it is highly effective as a topical antiseptic and skin soother in common personal care and therapeutic situations:

• rinsing, cleaning, and promoting rapid healing of skin abrasions and cuts
• soothing itchy skin associated with sun or wind burn, eczema, dryness and aging
• as a preferred wet wipe for infant and adult personal hygiene (particularly useful in healing and preventing diaper rashes)
• as a mouth wash
  

Learn why Organic Lavender Hydrosol is a "must have" for your First Aid Kit. 

HOME and PET CARE USES

Our lavender hydrosol is free of synthetics, dyes or harmful chemicals, safe to use around the entire family (small children and pets too!) and ready to be an effective part of the natural lifestyle...

• for washing fruit and vegetables (safe to spray on or near food)
• for cleaning and disinfecting all hard surfaces (sinks, counters, floors, refrigerators, microwaves, stove tops, desks, dashboards, etc)
• for general dusting
  
• as a natural solvent for removal of oily substances from kitchen counters, bathroom and other hard surfaces
• for spot cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery (test in a discrete location first)
  
• as an all-natural no-scrub daily shower spray to help prevent mildew
• for non-streaking no-residue cleaning of windows, glass, mirrors, fine jewelry and digital screens (computer, TV, tablet, smartphone, etc)
• for removing water spots and finger prints from chrome and stainless steel
• for discouraging common insects, including flies, fruit flies, spiders and ants, on and around counters, sinks and garbage areas
• as an extraordinarily effective repellant plant spray for both indoor and outdoor plants, helping rid them of aphids, mealy bugs, etc
• freshening pet coats and pet mouths
• treating "hot spots" on pet skin
  
  

When considering any product, especially one used to care for body, home and pets, quality is of the utmost importance.  To ensure optimum quality all our hydrosol is USDA Certified Organic by Washington State Department of Agriculture and distilled right on the farm exclusively from the lavender flowers we grow ourselves here in our own fields.  You can see the lavender fields anytime via our Farm web cam.  Once distilled, we neither add-to nor dilute the lavender hydrosol in any way — it should be used straight for full efficacy. 

Is your interest piqued?  Do you have additional questions and want to learn more about this non-toxic, multi-purpose product?  Check out our lavender hydrosol frequently answered questions for all the answers!

At the farm we often refer to lavender essential oil as "liquid gold".  It's pale golden hue is certainly apt, but it is in the myriad of everyday uses that lavender essential oil's precious value comes to the fore.  It's application spans the breadth of daily life from personal care and therapeutic to home and pet care settings.  Like gold, it is also costly to create.  Our lavender fields produce an average of 1 fluid ounce of pure essential oil for every 2 mature plants in our distillery.  It requires an immense amount of plant material to create a very small amount of essential oil*, but, like gold, it only takes a little bit to be effective.  Lavender essential oil is so potent, any application requires only a few drops.  Scroll down to learn how a few drops will benefit your daily life...

 

We bottle our versatile Lavender Essential Oil in 3 convenient sizes at the farm

How to use lavender essential oil in everyday life

 

PERSONAL CARE and THERAPEUTIC USES

Lavender Essential Oil is one of the few natural plant oils that be can applied undiluted directly to the skin with no toxic effects.  As such, it is highly effective as a topical antiseptic, anesthetic and anti-inflammatory in many common therapeutic situations:

• superficial cooking or baking burns
  
• bee stings or bug bites
  
• abrasions
• preventing wound infection
• treating pimples (utilizing lavender's natural solvent property as well!)
• minimizing scar formation during healing processes

Learn why Organic Lavender Essential Oil is a "must have" for your First Aid Kit. 

Additionally, it can be used on the body as a...

• soothing, calming sleep inducer (dab a drop or two on the upper lip at bedtime)
• tension headache and stress reducer
• perfume with the added benefit of an insect repellant
• bathing adjunct to create a fragrant aromatherapy soak
  
  

This 5ml dropper bottle is an excellent size to start benefiting from lavender's many uses

HOME and PET CARE USES

Lavender's naturally occurring solvent, disinfectant and insect repelling properties are an ideal means of broadening the use of natural, non-toxic remedies throughout the home and with four-footed family members.  For example...

• Use to remove difficult adhesives, oils, paint and tree sap as a natural solvent instead of resorting to chemical treatments
• Regularly apply between your dog’s shoulder blades to keep fleas and tics at bay
• Freshen linens and keep moths away from woolens
• In the form of a lavender candle or room mist or with an ultrasonic diffuser to keep your living space or office fresh and fragrant
  

Lavender Essential Oil is also the "active" ingredient in Lavender Hydrosol.  This non-toxic, multi-use home care product can only be produced during the steam distillation of essential lavender oil and is an ideal means of bringing the all-natural disinfectant, cleansing, oil solvent and insect repellent properties of lavender essential oil to an even wider range of household, workspace, pet, plant, automobile, boat and other care applications...

• for washing fruit and vegetables (safe to spray on or near food)
• for cleaning and disinfecting all hard surfaces (sinks, counters, floors, refrigerators, microwaves, stove tops, desks, dashboards, etc)
• for general dusting
  
• as a natural solvent for removal of oily substances from kitchen counters, bathroom and other hard surfaces
• for spot cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery (test in a discrete location first)
  
• as an all-natural no-scrub daily shower spray to help prevent mildew
• for non-streaking no-residue cleaning of windows, glass, mirrors, fine jewelry and digital screens (computer, TV, tablet, smartphone, etc)
• for removing water spots and finger prints from chrome and stainless steel
• for discouraging common insects, including flies, fruit flies, spiders and ants, on and around counters, sinks and garbage areas
• as an extraordinarily effective repellant plant spray for both indoor and outdoor plants, helping rid them of aphids, mealy bugs, etc
• freshening pet coats and pet mouths
• treating "hot spots" on pet skin
  
  

Our 1 fluid ounce (30ml) dropper bottle is ideal for the avid user who wants to ensure they always have it at hand

When considering any product, especially one used to care for body, home and pets, quality is of the utmost importance.  To ensure optimum quality, unlike many others who buy their oil from "bulk sources" with no clear production history, all our essential oil is USDA Certified Organic by Washington State Department of Agriculture and distilled right on the farm exclusively from the lavender flowers we grow ourselves here in our own fields.  You can see the lavender fields anytime via our Farm web cam.

When primarily applying to the skin, this 10 ml roller-ball applicator is ideal

*This is true for all pure essential oils. Which is why pure essential oils are more expensive than "essences", "oils", "aromas" or any of the other names that others give to products that, rather than containing only the pure plant oil, often contain fillers or synthetic fragrances.  It's best to avoid these imposters and use only, pure plant essential oils.  Because they are unadulterated, a little bit goes a very long way and they have very long shelf-lives — both mitigating the initial cost.