There’s something magical about playing with soft, scented dough, especially when it’s infused with healing and calming herbs straight from the garden. This herbal playdough recipe not only entertains kids but also introduces them to the benefits of plants through touch, scent, and creativity!
Best of all, this recipe is safe, non-toxic, and easy to make, using fresh or dried herbs like lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and mint for a natural sensory experience.
Why Add Herbs to Playdough? 🌱
Infusing playdough with garden-grown herbs turns a simple craft into a multi-sensory experience. Different herbs offer various benefits:
✅ Lavender – Calming and soothing for relaxation.
✅ Chamomile – Helps reduce stress and promotes focus.
✅ Rosemary – Enhances memory and boosts mood.
✅ Peppermint or Lemon Balm – Uplifting and refreshing.
✅ Turmeric – Natural colorant with anti-inflammatory properties.
DIY Herbal Playdough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salt
- 2 tbsp cream of tartar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 ½ cups water
- Fresh or dried herbs of choice (finely ground or steeped in the water)
- Natural colorants (optional): beet powder (pink), turmeric (yellow), spirulina (green), cocoa powder (brown).
Instructions:
- Infuse the water: If using fresh or dried herbs, steep them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then strain. This will give the playdough a gentle herbal scent.
- In a large saucepan, combine the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and cream of tartar).
- Add the oil, herbal-infused water, and natural colorant (if using) to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens into a dough (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then knead the dough until smooth.
- Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or peppermint) for extra scent, if desired.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks!
Ways to Play with Herbal Playdough 🌼
🎨 Leaf & Flower Stamping – Press garden leaves, flowers, or herbs into the dough for fun imprints.
🌿 Scent Exploration – Let kids guess the herbal scents by closing their eyes and sniffing!
✨ Color Mixing – Experiment with natural colors like beet juice or spirulina for plant-based fun.
🌾 Garden Storytelling – Shape plants, insects, or garden creatures out of dough and create a mini nature scene!
Join the Seasonal Herbalist Book Bundle Waitlist! 📖🌱
If you love hands-on herbal projects like this, you’ll love The Seasonal Herbalist—my upcoming book bundle filled with herbal recipes, remedies, and creative ways to use garden-grown plants all year long!
🌿 Be the first to know when it launches! Join my waiting list for early access, exclusive content, and special bonuses.
📩 Sign up here: www.steppingstonegc.com
Let’s bring the magic of herbs into everyday life—one season at a time! 🌸✨