HISTORY:
One of the most popular and best know herbs,
Lavender is a valuable herb for numerous health problems.
The fragrance of Lavender is synonymous with cool freshly
laundered linen and clean clothes and is a popular perfume for soap,
bath essences, and toilet water.
In ancient times, diluted lavender
oil was used externally for skin problems and rheumatic pains and it
still forms an important ingredient in massage oils.
'Lavender'
comes from the Latin, 'Lavare' which means 'to wash' &
traditionally, laundry was rinsed in lavender scented water.
PROPAGATION & CULTIVATION:
The easiest way to propagate lavender is to take
cuttings. These should be taken in spring/late summer & inserted
into sandy compost. Once roots have formed, they can be transplanted
to posts or flowerbeds as desired.
Lavender is a hardy evergreen, perennial. It grows
well in a light, well-drained soil and enjoys plenty of sunshine.
Although most text books advise you to replace the herb after about
5 years as they tend to become wood and unruly, regular pruning
helps to keep them youthful. Prune lightly after flowering and then
give a more thorough cutting in the early spring before new growth
begins.
HARVESTING & STORING:
Harvesting should be done when the Lavender
spikes are in full flower. Cut the spikes and put them head first
into paper bags in bunches of about 20 stalks. Tie the bag and hang
in a warm, well ventilated place for about a week. Once dry, the
flower heads will fall into the bag and will retain their colour and
scent.
USES:
The flowers are used to flavour jams, vinegar,
and creams and are crystallised for decoration. Dried flowers are
stripped for use in sachets and potpourris. Flower tea can be used
to treat anxiety, nausea, dizziness, headaches and digestive upsets.
The stalks can be dried and used as incense sticks. Flower water is
useful as a skin toner to speed cell renewal and acts as an
antiseptic for acne etc. The essential oil is added to baths as a
relaxant. It is also used to treat insomnia, depression,
high blood pressure, lymphatic congestion and menstrual problems.
Actions: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antidepressant,
relaxant, antispasmodic, circulatory stimulant.
Parts Used: Flowers, shoot/stem,
essential oil, leaves
Note: Avoid high dosages
during pregnancy
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