Every summer growing up, my family went through gallons of lemonade. Our freezer was well stocked with the little frozen cans of concentrated, lemony goodness.
“Homemade” lemonade meant adding water, lots of sugar and giving it a good stir.
As a Scratch Mommy, I’ve cleaned up my diet a little (okay a lot!) since my childhood. And as good as that really bad-for-you lemonade tasted at the time, this stress busting, lavender lemonade tastes even better.
When we think of lemonade, we typically think of a sugary, hyperactivity-inducing beverage. By making your own lemonade though, you get to control the ingredients. Not only does this lavender lemonade recipe taste good, but it has some surprising health benefits.
- 4 organic lemons, freshly squeezed
- 9 c pure water
- 2 T lavender flowers
- ¾ c raw honey
- Heat 1 cup of the water until it's very hot, but not boiling. Steep the lavender and hot water for 3-4 minutes in a covered container. Strain and cool the infusion in the fridge.
- Add the honey, lemon juice, lavender infusion and 8 cups water to a large pitcher. Stir well until combined.
- Serve chilled with ice and lemon slices if desired.
Lemons
Well of course every lemonade is going to have lemons, but did you know that they can help your body to naturally detox? There have even been books written about lemonade cleansing diets.
I don’t know if I’d be committed enough to only have lemonade for a week though.
According to this website, lemon juice “helps balance blood sugar and has an alkaline effect on your body, helping to regulate PH.” (source) It’s also high in Vitamin C and can aid digestion (source).
Sweet, sweet honey
Raw honey is so packed full of nutrition, it could have its own article. Actually there have been quite a few articles written on honey. Unlike refined sugars, raw honey hasn’t been heated and stripped of its vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are so good for you.
I actually like honey’s antibacterial and antimicrobrial properties so much, that I use it in my blemish busting honey face mask. We talk about a honey cleanse at Scratch Mommy as well.
Lavender
The unique player in this recipe though is the lavender. The floral flavor pairs perfectly with the tart bite of the lemons. Lavender is well known for its calming properties.
It’s my favorite essential oil to help my son settle down at bedtime, and is frequently in our diffuser at night. This wonder herb helps with upset stomachs, anxiety and has even been used to help with insulin resistance. (source)
