La-la-la-la-lavender!

Do some herbs sort of make you want to sing ? not to sound too goofy or anything like that, but between all of this gorgeous sunshine and the smells of spring out there, I am definitely in a joyful mood!

My favourite thing about spring is all of the plants coming back to life… my little balcony garden out here at the homestead is coming along nicely. The park in behind the building is turning much more green these days too. The birds are returning and the days are getting longer. Yup… it sure feels lie spring is here!

So I figured, why not make a delicious spring-themed drink for this weekend for my man and I? seems like a good idea, but what to make…?

Then it hit me. Lavender. Anything lavender pretty much. And because spring is such a good season for detoxing, maybe some citrus… so why not lavender lemonade?

This is a super simple but REALLY yummy recipe. It has all of the health benefits of lavender (so that means that it’s anti-septic and anti-inflammatory, and can used to help with issues like insomnia, anxiety, depression and restlessness[1]. It can even help with digestive issues like vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach and abdominal swelling[2]. The lemons that are the base for the lemonade have their own range of benefits as well… they support our heart health, while helping control weight, preventing kidney stones, improving digestive health and even reducing cancer risk[3]! Put these two potent ingredients together, and you get a delicious, refreshing and totally-ready-for-spring drink!

Enjoy these out in the sunshine on those evenings when it’s warm enough outside to do so!

Lavender Lemonade:

· 2 cups freshly boiled water

· 1 cup lavender flowers, dried

· 2 cups cold water

· ¾ to 1 cup lemon juice

· 1 cup sugar (or to taste)

· Sprig of lemon balm, for the garnish

1) Boil the water, then pour over the lavender flowers. Allow to infuse for about 10 minutes

2) Strain and discard the lavender. Put the water back in a pitcher

3) Add the cold water, lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves

4) Place the pitcher in the fridge and allow to chill for at least 1 hour before enjoying

5) Serve over ice, garnished with lemon balm if you like

[1] Lavender: Health benefits and uses (medicalnewstoday.com) [2] Lavender: Health benefits and uses (medicalnewstoday.com) [3] 6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons (healthline.com)