Lavender – Lavandula

Listed with most sources as native to the Mediterranean, several botanists think that India may also have been part of its native range. In southern France, an entire culture has risen up around the use of lavender as a culinary and as, a medicinal especially in aromatherapy. It also used as an ornamental. A visit to the region Provence in summer is a treat for lovers of lavender. Field upon field as far as the eye can see is filled with lavender, and this is the center of France’s perfume industry. You can also Visit Fields of lavender on farms in The Pacific Northwest of Washington State.

The Romans used Lavender to disinfect their baths and most likely brought it with them when they conquered England. The colonists took it with them to the New World. It is now cultivated throughout the world. Its botanical name, Lavandula, comes from the Latin word for “to wash”. It is in the same family as mints. It has a square stem just like members of the mint family.

Those who don’t appreciate the aroma of lavender are few and far between. It would be hard to list all the uses of the herb. The leaves, stems, buds, and flowers all contain essential oils and all are valuable for different purposes. The plant can be used fresh, dry, or in essential oil form.

The essential oil is used in perfumes, potpourris, sachets, soaps, cosmetics, bath oils, and massage oils. It is one of the only essential oils that is mild enough to apply directly to the skin without first diluting it in a carrier oil. Combined with southernwood or wormwood, it is an effective moth repellent. It can be a fine air freshener simmered on the back of a wood stove. A flat sachet tucked into your pillow can help you to sleep.

Tuck one between the sheets in the linen closet or in the clothes drawer.

Keep one in the car. Lavender holds its smell for years. Burn the stems as incense. Add drops to the final rinse for hair. Add sprigs to wreaths or nosegays. In the language of flowers, lavender represents ardent attachment, devotion, success, and luck.

Medicinally, the aroma of lavender is said to have soothing properties that relieve stress and help you sleep. A few drops of oil in a warm bath or rubbed on the temples can soothe the nerves and alleviate a headache. Fill a mask with lavender and put it over your eyes for relaxing. Drink lavender tea as a circulatory and uterine stimulant (AVOID USE IN PREGNANCY). Use it in salves as an analgesic for bug bites to relieve itching and reduce swelling and for mild burns. Mix a few drops in water and spray on sunburn.

Mix pulverized lavender with arrowroot and white clay for baby’s rash.

Lavender is a common cooking herb in southern France.

Herbs de Provence are a mix of Lavendar, Marjoram, Savory, Basil, Rosemary, and Thyme for seasoning, wonderful for chicken or fish or lamb but strong so go light.

To Harvest Lavendar Use small hand shears to snip flower spikes. Harvest only when dew is off the plant. The time of season to harvest is when flowers have achieved full color and before the buds begin to open. Hang upside down in small bunches held together with a rubber band in a warm, dry, dark spot. The faster they dry, the better the color and fragrance will be preserved. About a week is average, depending on the humidity. Store craft material in a box as darkness will keep the color from fading.

Culinary lavender can be kept dust-free in a sealed plastic bag.

Resources:

• The Herb Book ~ By John Lust
• Wyman’s Gardening Encyclopedia ~By Donald Wyman
• The Herbalist ~By Joseph Myer
• A Field Guide To Edible Wild Plants ~By Lee Allen Peterson
• Manual of Mythology ~By Alexander S Murray
• Family And Friends

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