Breathing in the calming scent of lavender has been proven to actually lower heart rate and blood pressure. (source: Health.com.)  This is why it is used at dentists’ offices and in soothing teas, it promotes relaxation.

Sounds like the perfect gift for Mom this year on Mother’s Day!  Make her this Lavender Simple Syrup that she can use in her tea or coffee, on ice cream and even in a fancy cocktail.

Just like the name states, this syrup is very simple.  Just make sure you use Culinary Lavender.  I purchased mine from Amazon.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 T culinary lavender

Directions:

• Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan over med. heat.  Cook until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes.
• Turn off heat and add lavender.  Let steep for about 5 min.
• Pour syrup through a fine mesh colander into a glass jar, to remove lavender.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Enjoy!