Traditionally, lavender wands have been used across the Mediterranean for perfuming clothes’ drawers, where they also act as a natural moth repellent.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) blooms during the summer months and should be gathered just before the flowers open. A lavender wand captures the essence of summer for the months to come. It’s such a delight to open a drawer during the cold season and be greeted by the sweet scent of this friendly herb. Lavender, with all its different species, is an easy herb to come by. If you don’t grow lavender, take a peek in your friends’ gardens and balconies, or visit your local garden centre and get yourself a pot or two.
Ingredients
bunch of freshly cut lavender sprigs with stems at least 8 in. long
2 pieces of string or satin ribbon, in a colour of your choice, each 8 in. long
scissors
spoon (optional)
Directions
Remove any leaves from each sprig.
Hold all the sprigs together, aligning the buds. Tie one piece of string or ribbon around the base of the flowers, in a tight knot, and cut the ends.
Holding the bunch with the flowers pointing down, gently fold each stem over the tied string and the flower heads, as if you were putting the flowers in a cage. Space the stems evenly, being careful not to snap them. (Hint: Try pressing the stems together under a spoon before folding as this helps to loosen the fibers and makes them more pliable.)
Hold the long stems together just below the encased flowers and wrap the second piece of string or ribbon around them a few times before tying a tight knot.
You may now trim the stems evenly and, if you fancy, tie another knot using a third piece of string or ribbon at the base to make either a bow or a loop, so the wand can be hung in a closet.
The stems may release oils during the first few weeks, so it’s best to hang your wand in a closet, for example, before placing it in a drawer among your clothes to avoid any staining.
These wands will easily keep their scent for a couple of years, with the more elaborate one retaining it the longest. To release the natural oils and refresh the fragrance over time, you can gently roll the wand between your hands.
Here are some other botanicals that make aromatic wands.
Rosemary
Pine
Juniper
Ingredients
Base plant – 2 large sprigs of Rosemary
Secondary plant – 1 large sprig of Pine
Top plant – 2 small clippings of Juniper
Directions
Use the rosemary as a base.
Begin by placing the pine on top of the rosemary.
Next, place the juniper on the pine.
Create a small bundle in your hand.
Wrap the three plants together, starting at the bottom.
Wrap until you reach the top and tie off the string.
To Use:
This plant wand can be burned fresh or dried. In a well-ventilated area, light your plant wand from the top. Blow out the fire and allow the smoke to waft around you. This plant wand can help cleanse and bless your sacred space.
For more ideas check out the following posts at Nature Crafting | Fleurish Living.
Resources:
https://theherbalacademy.com/lavender-wands/?ap_id=fleurishliving
https://theherbalacademy.com/plant-wand/?ap_id=fleurishliving