The Greeks and Romans used it in their bath water. The name is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash. The smell is fresh and clean. In folklore, lavender maintains chastity, this may be the reason it was one of the few perfumes permitted by the Puritans.
It makes the most beautiful, fragrant, small shrub or path edging for a garden. A bush growing near a path or doorway releases its lovely fragrance when you brush against it. Lavender flowers come in mauve, deep purple, white or pink.
Growing:
Growing Lavender from seeds can be complicated but root divisions and cuttings are easier. Lavender is drought resistant and prefers well drained, alkaline, sandy soil, in a sunny location. There are over 25 species of lavender. English Lavender, one of the best scented and hardiest species, does well in cold climates. Due to their abundant nectar, Lavender flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and bees and lavender honey is delicious.
To dry lavender, cut the stems long and hang in small bunches upside down in a warm, dark place. To make a lavender sheaf, gather dried stems into a bunch, keeping all flower heads at the same height. Tie a bow around the bundle and cut off the bottom of all the stems to the same length. This arrangement can stand on its own or you can put it in a basket or flower pot. Lavender is a fragrant ingredient for sachet bags when storing clothing or fabrics and it repels moths. For sachet and potpourri use only the flowers.
In the Kitchen:
Lavender flowers have a delicate flavor. Lavender sugar can be used to make icing for sponge cake or to make custard sauce or sugar cookies. Cut 2-3 spikes of lavender, dry slightly, place lavender in glass jar and cover with sugar. Put the lid on the jar and leave for several weeks for the scent to be absorbed into the sugar.
Uses:
Antiseptic, antibacterial, antidepressant, carminative, relaxant, antispasmodic, headache relief, burns, digestive upsets, circulatory stimulant, nerve tonic, analgesic, bile stimulant, bug repellent, muscle aches.
Remedies:
Lavender is a natural sedative, used to calm and soothe. Lavender tea, made from an infusion of the flowers, will help ease many symptoms of colds, especially headaches. It will also help calm nerves, flatulence, dizziness and fainting. Infused lavender can be used for a soothing, antiseptic lotion, hair rinse, or a cold compress for fatigue and headaches. In the early days, a decoction of the flowers was used as a mouthwash.
Lavender essential oil can be added to the bath or sprinkled on your pillow to help you sleep, burned in an oil burner to treat anxiety and depression or used in massage oil for tired, aching muscles. Soaking your feet in lavender works wonders on tense muscles. The lavender gets blood flowing all over your body. Fill a basin with hot water and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil for every quart of water, stir and soak your feet for at least 10 minutes.
Lavender oil has antibacterial properties and is a useful remedy for treating inflammation, burns, cuts and stings. The oil is also great for warding off mosquitoes and gnats, just mix two parts essential oil with one part rubbing alcohol.
Warnings:
Never ingest essential oils, even a small amount can be toxic.
Recipe:
- Massage Oil
- 16 drops lavender essential oil
- 8 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops juniper essential oil
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 tsp. Vegetable oil
- 4 tsp. Sweet Almond Oil
- Mix essential oils in amber glass bottle, add vegetable and almond oil.
- Shake gently to mix and rub onto sore muscles.
Herbal remedies should be used with care. Some herbs can be toxic in high doses. Many herbs are unsuitable for use with particular medical conditions and when taking certain prescription medications. Always check with your medical provider before using herbal remedies for health problems. While the information in this column is believed to be accurate, neither the author nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any injury sustained while following any of the suggestions herein.
