Lavender Cotton (Santolina) is a total gem for any garden just based on its looks alone. But here’s the thing: those bright yellow blooms are packed with beneficial compounds, and it would be a real shame to let them fade away without putting them to use! Luckily, it’s super easy to tap into its soothing properties right at home.
The Good Stuff Inside Lavender Cotton
The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all loaded with ingredients that herbalists love. We’re talking about:
- Essential oils
- Bitter compounds
- Tannins
- Resins
The highest concentration of these goodies is found in the flowers and the upper tips of the shoots. That’s why you’ll want to prune your Santolina during its peak blooming season from June to August. You can use the cuttings fresh, or tie them into small bundles and hang them upside down to air-dry for later.
Using It as a Natural Boost
Now, a quick heads-up: while the medicinal benefits of this plant haven’t been fully documented in massive clinical studies, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Generations of gardeners and herbalists have sworn by it for years. That said, using it at home should be seen as a supportive boost. If you’re dealing with something serious, it’s definitely not a substitute for a doctor’s visit. On the plus side, the plant is completely non-toxic and can be used both topically and internally.
Brewing a Healthy Tea
You can brew a tea using fresh or dried flowers, leaves, or even seeds. Thanks to those essential oils, the tea has a nice stimulating effect. Meanwhile, the bitter compounds and tannins work to soothe the stomach and aid digestion. Many people also find it helpful for relieving cramps during their period. Historically, it’s even been used to help flush out intestinal parasites.
Ways to Use It Topically
Lavender Cotton is great for calming irritated skin. One of my favorite tricks is adding ground or finely chopped leaves to a warm (not hot!) bath. If you’ve been eaten alive by mosquitoes, you can mash fresh leaves into a paste and apply it directly to the bites—it works wonders for taking the sting and itch away.
Cooking with Santolina
Yes, Lavender Cotton (botanically known as *Santolina*) is edible! It’s a great way to sneak some healthy nutrients into your diet. The flavor is definitely unique—very aromatic and slightly bitter—so you’ll have to see if it’s your cup of tea. Try finely chopping a few leaves into a fresh salad or blending them into a Mediterranean-style pesto for a bit of a kick.
Quick Tip:
Fill small herb sachets with dried flowers and tuck them into your closet. Not only will your clothes smell amazing, but it’s a natural way to keep moths at bay!
