Lavender is the common name of Lavandula species, from Labiatae family.
Lavender flowers
Image credit: strife
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Features of Lavender
Height to 24-28 inches. Spread to 36 inches. Zone 5-8. Perennial.
dark-brown, ovate seed.
gray-green, linear, needle-like, scented leaf.
purple, scented, spike-clustered flower.
Growing Lavender
- by cutting during spring and autumn. Take 4-8 inches of softwood cuttings. Use only stems without flowers.
- by seed during summer and autumn. Sow fresh seeds on soil surface.
Soothing properties of this purple flower were already well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who often added it to bathwater. The practise was what lent lavender its name from lavare in Latin, meaning "to wash"
Fields of lavender have been grown in France for the perfume trade since the 17th century.
The plant yields valuable essential oil known for its sedative effects on the nervous system, though essential oils from different species can vary greatly in quality.
Some are used in high-end perfumes and aromatherapy products, while others are delegated to cleaning products and insect repellents.
Using Lavender
Cosmetic
Bath
Add a few drops of essential oil for a relaxing bath. (Use flower)
Massage
Lavender massage oil has a calming effect and relieves muscle pains. (Use flower)
Perfume
Essential oil are used in perfumes.
Rinse
Infuse to make a hair rinse. (Use flower)
Tonic
Infuse to make tonic water for sensitive skin. (Use flower)
Culinary
Dessert
Add lavender flavour to cakes, ice-creams, and other desserts. (Use flower)
Sauce
Make lavender vinegar. (Use flower)
Household
Fragrance
Burn dried stems as incense. (Use stem)
Fragrance
Add dried flowers to sachets and potpourri. (Use flower)
Repellent
Put dried flowers in sachets to repel moths and other insects. (Use flower)
Medicinal
Essential oil
Dilute essential oil and apply to burns and insect bites. (Use flower)
Essential oil
Blend with massage oil and use for tensions, headaches, migraines, and muscle pains. (Use flower)
Essential oil
Inhale the scent to ease tension and anxiety, lighten depressive moods, and relieve insomnia. (Use flower)
Tea
A soothing tea for headaches, nervous tensions, dizziness, and flatulence. (Use flower)
Traditional Remedies
- Skin » wounds and sores, burns, insect bite
- Digestive » flatulence
- Mood » anxiety, tension, insomnia, depression, restlessness
- Disorder » headache, dizziness
- Other » bad breath
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using lavender for health related purposes.
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