A natural way to relax? Lavender! Properties and uses

Delicate violet hues, a subtle fragrance, and a whole host of remarkable properties – lavender has been associated with relaxation, calmness, and natural care for both body and mind for centuries. Although we most commonly find it in scented sachets and cosmetics, it is increasingly making its way into our mugs – or more precisely... into cups of tea or mate. Lavender infusions offer not only beautiful aroma but also a wide range of health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the applications of lavender, and the flavour and scent it brings to infusions. Does lavender really help us relax? What are the benefits of lavender tea? And how does lavender yerba mate work? Let’s find out!

Summary:

1. Lavender – get to know this unique plant!
2. Properties and uses of lavender – more than bedtime tea
3. Lavender tea – the taste of calm and a hint of provençal charm
4. Lavender and yerba mate – can it work?

Lavender – get to know this unique plant!

Lavender (Latin: Lavandula) is not just a beautiful ornament for gardens and the fields of Provence. This evergreen plant from the Lamiaceae family has much more to offer than it might seem! It was known in ancient times – the Romans used it in baths, the Greeks believed in its healing powers, and during the Middle Ages, it was considered a protective plant against disease. Thanks to its scent and incredible properties, lavender is currently experiencing a true renaissance – widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, and even cookery. And increasingly, it’s also used in our daily infusions – no surprise, as dried flower petals, including lavender, delight not only with their flavour but also with their beneficial effects.

What should you know about lavender?

• ✔️ The most commonly used species in herbal medicine is English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also referred to as true, garden or narrow-leaved lavender.
• ✔️ In nature, lavender grows in warm and sunny climates. It thrives in dry, rocky soils – no wonder it’s associated with southern France or Italy.
• ✔️ Its intense, characteristic aroma comes from essential oils – it contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for most of its therapeutic effects.

Thanks to its high content of essential oils, dried lavender flowers offer many beneficial properties for the body. Above all, it is best known for its calming and relaxing effect – making it the perfect plant for those struggling with stress, irritability, or insomnia. Lavender infusions are often recommended as a natural remedy for better sleep and evening relaxation. Lavender also supports the digestive system – it can be helpful in treating bloating, mild abdominal discomfort or digestive issues. That’s why it features not only in teas but also in blends with other herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile or mint.

When it comes to uses, the possibilities are almost endless. In its dried form, lavender is a great ingredient in teas and herbal infusions, an addition to baths, and a component of natural cosmetics – from creams and oils to scrubs. Its scent is also commonly used in scented sachets for wardrobes or pillows, as it helps to repel moths... and relax humans! Interestingly, it’s also occasionally used in culinary applications – small amounts of dried lavender flowers can be found in honey, lemonades, and desserts.

Lavender is not only a feast for the eyes and senses – it also carries a wealth of benefits. It has a soothing effect, supports sleep and digestion, and it pairs beautifully with other herbal infusions. Its dried, organic flowers make for an excellent base for lavender tea, and also work wonderfully in blends with yerba mate or guayusa tea.

Properties and uses of lavender – more than bedtime tea

For many people, the first thoughts that come to mind when picturing lavender are of calmness, sleep or... moths, which are kept at bay from our clothes by its scent. It’s all true – but that’s just the beginning! This modest plant has a truly broad spectrum of effects and is effectively used both in peaceful home rituals and by enthusiasts of natural infusions, cosmetics, and aromatherapy.

What makes lavender so special lies partly in its rich phytochemical composition. Its fragrant flowers contain natural essential oils – including linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for both its signature scent and many of its beneficial qualities. Thanks to this, lavender has found a place both in herbal medicine cabinets and in teacups enjoyed around the world.

Among the most commonly mentioned benefits of lavender infusions and aromas, we can list:

• ✔️ a pleasant, calming scent ideal for winding down in the evening,
• ✔️ mildness that allows it to blend well with many other herbs and flavours,
• ✔️ a fresh, floral aroma that pairs nicely with mint, chamomile or lemon balm,
• ✔️ the natural presence of compounds that promote relaxation and peace,
• ✔️ a refreshing effect as dried flowers in sachets, incense or cosmetics.

Lavender infusions are growing in popularity as part of evening rituals – many turn to them before bed, after a long day, or during a relaxing break. The mild taste combined with floral aroma is a great alternative to traditional tea or herbal blends. Many also report that lavender’s fragrance has a positive influence on interior spaces – which is why it’s often used at home as a natural air freshener.

Although lavender is most associated with sleep and tranquillity, that doesn’t mean it can’t be combined with something more energising. In the next part of the article, we’ll talk about what lavender tea tastes like, in what form it can be enjoyed, and what exciting qualities it brings to yerba mate – time for more lavender inspiration!

Lavender tea – the taste of calm and a hint of provençal charm

Delicate, floral, and slightly herbal – lavender tea is an infusion that captivates not only with its aroma but also with its gentle, calming character. It may look modest in a cup, but it brings a touch of luxury and a Provençal atmosphere to everyday rituals. After all, lavender is a symbol of southern France – and by brewing a cup with its dried petals, you can momentarily transport yourself to sun-drenched lavender fields.

Tea and lavender? Yes! Although it may sound unusual, it is increasingly appearing as an alternative to classic herbal blends. It’s lovely on its own – especially in the evening – but also pairs beautifully with other ingredients. It’s often used as a base for more complex teas with added chamomile, mint, lemon balm, or even citrus peel. Thanks to its light flavour profile, it doesn’t overpower the other herbs – it actually enhances them.

How to brew lavender tea? It’s very simple! Just prepare:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers
• 200-250 ml of hot water (around 90°C)

Place the dried flowers in a cup or an infuser, pour over hot water, and leave covered for 7-10 minutes. The cover is important – it ensures that the aromatic essential oils don’t evaporate during steeping. After that, you can strain the infusion and add a personal touch, such as: a bit of honey – for natural sweetness, a slice of lemon – to add a citrus note, a pinch of dried rose petals or orange blossom – for a deeper flavour bouquet. Served in your favourite teacup or a glass with an infuser, lavender tea can turn an ordinary moment into a soothing ritual!

This tea is best enjoyed in the evening before bed, but many herbal enthusiasts reach for it during quiet, lazy afternoons as well. In such moments, lavender tea becomes more than just a drink – it becomes part of a true relaxation ritual. Simply add a few touches: light a lavender incense stick or an oil burner, snuggle up in a blanket, pick up your favourite book or plan a short meditation session. This kind of ritual is a fantastic way to end the day, unwind, and practise a little self-care in the spirit of slow life.

Lavender tea and lavender lemonade are just two of many ways you can incorporate dried lavender flowers into your daily menu. Whether you choose a sleep-time infusion or a refreshing summer drink – lavender adds more than just flavour to a mug or a glass. It’s a ritual, a fragrance, and a moment of relaxation enclosed in purple petals.

So perhaps it’s time to add a touch of this floral magic to your cup? In the next section, we’ll explore how lavender combines with yerba mate – and why it’s worth giving this duo a try!

Lavender and yerba mate – can it work?

At first glance, it seems like an unlikely pairing. On one hand, there’s yerba mate – intense, smoky, deep in flavour, packed with caffeine that energises and gets you going. On the other – there’s lavender – delicate, calming, fragranced with the sun of Provence. But… it’s often contrasts that create the most interesting duos! And combining lavender with yerba mate is a true surprise – harmoniously blending physical stimulation with mental peace.

Contrary to what one might think, lavender pairs beautifully with yerba mate. It enhances the blend with a floral aroma and a touch of lightness – especially when accompanied by additional ingredients such as lemongrass or fruit. These elements help balance the flavour and soften the characteristic bitterness of the dried leaves. As a result, the infusion becomes more universally appealing, even for those just beginning their yerba mate journey.

If you’re curious about the flavour of this duo, we recommend trying a unique blend: Yaguar Lavender Romance. This aromatic mix contains yerba mate, lavender, orange peel, cranberries, lemongrass, and visually striking petals of calendula and cornflower. The flavour is finished off with a delicate wild strawberry aroma.

The floral-citrus note gives the infusion a refined and mild character. It’s a perfect option for fans of creative blends, as well as those looking for something a bit different than classic mate tea. It tastes excellent both hot and cold – as a refreshing tereré.

Looking for something milder? Try guayusa!

For those seeking a gentler alternative to yerba mate, a fantastic option is Guayusa Pachamama Lavanda – a delicate, organic guayusa tea with added eco-certified lavender. It comes from sustainable farms and contains natural caffeine, but released more gradually than in yerba mate.

This infusion does not cause sudden stimulation, but rather wakes the body gently, helping to maintain inner balance. The addition of lavender means it’s an ideal drink not only for mornings but also for calm work or study sessions.

Lavender combined with guayusa offers a great choice for those wanting an energising effect alongside a sense of calm and lightness. It also tastes wonderful with a splash of lime juice or a slice of orange.

The combination of lavender with yerba mate and guayusa tea represents a meeting of two worlds – South American power and Mediterranean subtlety. It simultaneously stimulates and soothes, energises and comforts the senses. If you haven’t tried such blends yet – they’re well worth exploring. You may just discover a new favourite ritual!

Summary – lavender from kitchen to mate

Lavender is far more than a fragrant ornamental plant. Its delicate flowers conceal a natural wealth of aromas that fit perfectly not only in tea or relaxing baths, but also in yerba mate and guayusa. Whether you’re looking to relax, unwind, or energise – lavender can beautifully complement your ritual. The best way is simply to try it in a few different forms and discover which one becomes your favourite.

Lavender tea, yerba mate with lavender, or guayusa with hints of purple blossom – choose your favourite form and bring a touch of natural peace and aromatic beauty into your daily brews. Discover products from our selection:

• 👉 Yaguar Lavender Romance – aromatic yerba mate with lavender flowers and a hint of wild strawberry
• 👉 Guayusa Pachamama Lavanda – organic guayusa tea with eco-certified lavender
• 👉 Mary Rose – dried lavender flower (BIO) – perfect for teas, cold drinks, and baked goods

Now... it’s time to brew something aromatic!

Sources:

1. Wikipedia: Lavandula, Lavandula angustifolia.
2. R. Prusinowska, K.B. Smigielski, Composition, biological properties and therapeutic effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.). A review, Herba Polonica, 2014.