Lavender
(also referred to as...)
Common Lavender, English Lavender
Latin Name: Lavandula augustifolia
Family: Labiatae
Description
Lavender has one of the most universally recognized scents. It has a long history of use for its magical powers. North African tribal women used it as protection from mistreatment by their husbands, while, in Tuscany, Lavender was thought to shield children from the "evil-eye".
The conquering Romans took lavender to England where it quickly became a popular herb used to freshen the air and add scent to linens. It has been used for centuries in fragrant sachets, soaps, perfumes and pot-pourri. Lavender was introduced to North America by early settlers who also used the herb as an anti-septic and healing agent.
This perennial is a member of the mint family and is native to Mediterranean regions, Middle East and India. It is widely grown in North America. Lavender prefers well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil, in an open, sunny location. Many lavenders are barely winter hardy and should not be cut back until spring. The plants should also be mulched in the fall for added protection. Lavender becomes woody with age and should be replaced every five to seven years.
Flowers are picked as they begin to open and used fresh, distilled for oil, or dried for use in infusions, spirits, tinctures, and pot-pourri.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
There are many varieties of lavender and they are among the most popular plants of herb gardens. One of the most important lavenders for medicinal purposes is L. augustifolia.
This aromatic, tonic herb has a pleasantly sweet scent. It relaxes spasms, promotes digestion, stimulates peripheral circulation and the uterus, and lowers fevers. Lavender also has anti-depressant properties and is useful in treating depression, irritability, anxiety, and exhaustion. It also has anti-septic properties.
Lavender can help tension and migraine headaches. It is also useful in bronchial complaints, including tuberculosis.
Use this herb externally for burns, cold sores, head lice, insect bites, muscular pain, rheumatism, skin complaints, snake bites, sunburn, and vaginal discharges
Source
Flowers
Preparations
Essential Oil: This is one of the few essential oils that can be used, undiluted, directly on the skin. Also useful added to baths and as an inhalent.
Infusion: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to one cup hot water. Drink three times daily.
Tincture: Take 60 to 100 drops three times daily.
Lavender may be combined with rosemary for depression and tension headaches, with vervain (Verbena officinalis) for migraines and nervous tension, and with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) or black cohosh for rheumatism.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
No known contraindications
Ailment / Situation Listing
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