Can I drink lavender in my tea? A guide to making and enjoying it

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Lavender has been used for centuries for its soothing properties, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was prized for bathing and herbal remedies. This fragrant herb is well-known in aromatherapy, but many people are curious: can I drink lavender in my tea? The answer is yes, as long as you use the correct, food-safe variety and take certain precautions.

Quick Summary

Brewing lavender tea is safe and beneficial when using culinary-grade buds. It's known for calming effects, improved sleep quality, and aiding digestion. Use the right variety and proper steeping techniques to avoid a bitter taste. Important precautions should be considered for certain individuals.

Key Points

Use culinary-grade lavender: Only use English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) specifically labeled for culinary use to ensure safety and prevent a bitter taste.
Start with a light steep: Steep for 5 to 10 minutes using water that is hot, but not boiling, to avoid a soapy or overpowering flavor.
Enjoy relaxing benefits: Lavender tea is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote better sleep quality.
Aid your digestion naturally: The antispasmodic effects of lavender can help soothe stomach cramps and bloating after meals.
Take necessary precautions: Avoid lavender tea if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, scheduled for surgery, or taking sedative or blood pressure medications.
Enhance with other flavors: You can blend lavender with other complementary flavors like chamomile, mint, or lemon to create diverse and delicious teas.

Using Culinary Lavender for Tea

One of the most crucial steps to safely drinking lavender in your tea is to use culinary-grade lavender. The varieties of lavender grown for ornamental purposes or essential oils may be treated with pesticides or be too potent and bitter for consumption. Culinary lavender, most often Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender), is specifically cultivated and processed for food and drink use.

How to Prepare Lavender Tea

Making your own lavender tea at home is a simple process. Whether you are using dried buds or fresh flowers, the steps are straightforward:

Gather your ingredients: You will need 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender buds or 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh flowers per 8 to 10 ounces of water.
Heat the water: Bring fresh water to a boil, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for a moment. Water that is too hot can 'burn' the delicate lavender buds and produce an undesirable bitter flavor.
Steep the lavender: Place the lavender buds in a tea infuser or directly in your teapot or cup. Pour the hot water over the buds and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your flavor preference. A longer steep will result in a stronger, more floral aroma and taste.
Strain and serve: If you placed the buds directly in the cup, strain the tea to remove them. Enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of honey and a slice of lemon to complement the floral notes.

Health Benefits of Lavender Tea

Beyond its calming scent, drinking lavender tea offers several potential health benefits:

Promotes Relaxation and Sleep: Lavender is widely known for its soothing properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Its calming effects can promote better sleep quality, making it a popular bedtime beverage.
Aids Digestion: The antispasmodic properties of lavender can help soothe digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and cramps. It can relax the muscles of the digestive tract, providing relief after a heavy meal.
Boosts Immune Health: Lavender contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also contains vitamins and minerals that support overall immune function.
Relieves Headaches: For those who suffer from tension headaches and migraines, the anti-inflammatory properties of lavender can offer natural relief.
Eases Menstrual Pain: The relaxing effects of lavender can help alleviate cramping and discomfort associated with menstruation.

Lavender Tea Blends for Different Tastes

Many enjoy blending lavender with other herbs or teas to create unique flavor profiles. Here are some popular combinations:


Blend Combination	Flavor Profile	Best For
Lavender & Chamomile	Sweet, floral, and deeply relaxing.	Promoting sleep and deep relaxation.
Lavender & Mint	Refreshing, cool, and crisp.	A revitalizing and calming iced tea.
Lavender & Earl Grey	Floral with bright, citrusy notes.	A sophisticated, fragrant morning brew.
Lavender & Lemon	Bright, zesty, and tangy.	A refreshing and mood-lifting beverage.
Lavender & Rose	Luxurious, fragrant, and romantic.	A soothing and indulgent special treat.

Important Precautions and Warnings

While generally safe for most people, lavender tea isn't for everyone. It is crucial to be aware of potential side effects and interactions. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before adding lavender to your diet, especially if you are in any of the following categories:

Pregnant or Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information on the safety of lavender for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Young Boys: In some cases, applying lavender oil to the skin of young, pre-pubescent boys has resulted in breast tissue growth due to possible hormone-like effects. While this research focuses on topical application, caution is advised.
Prior to Surgery: Lavender may slow down the central nervous system. It is advised to stop using lavender at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery to avoid dangerous interactions with anesthesia.
Taking Sedatives or Blood Pressure Medication: Lavender can interact with sedative medications and blood pressure medication, causing excessive sleepiness or other harmful interactions.

For most healthy adults, drinking lavender tea in moderation is a safe and pleasant way to relax. Always ensure your lavender is culinary grade, and when in doubt, seek medical advice.

Conclusion

So, can I drink lavender in my tea? Yes, as long as you source the right ingredients and follow a few simple guidelines. Using culinary-grade English Lavender and proper steeping techniques will produce a fragrant, flavorful, and calming beverage. Whether you drink it plain or blended with other herbs, lavender tea offers a variety of potential wellness benefits, from improved sleep to reduced stress. While it is safe for most, be mindful of the necessary precautions and consult a healthcare provider with any concerns before incorporating it into your daily routine. Enjoy this aromatic and soothing treat as a wonderful part of your self-care ritual.

Explore more natural herbs and their uses here.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should only use culinary-grade lavender, typically Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender), in your tea. Other types may be treated with pesticides or have a chemical composition that makes them unsafe for consumption.

To prevent a soapy taste, use a smaller amount of culinary-grade lavender and avoid steeping it for too long. Using water that is just under boiling temperature also helps to extract the flavor without bitterness.

Yes, many people find that lavender tea's calming aroma and soothing properties help to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety, making it an excellent nighttime beverage.

For most healthy adults, drinking lavender tea in moderation every day is safe. However, pay attention to how your body reacts and consult a healthcare provider with any specific health concerns.

Some people may experience mild side effects such as constipation, headaches, or nausea. Allergic reactions are also possible.

There is not enough reliable information to confirm the safety of drinking lavender tea for children. It is best to avoid giving it to young children and to consult a doctor before use.

The best method is to steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender buds in 8 to 10 ounces of hot, but not boiling, water for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, strain and enjoy.