LAVENDER
This small shrub with a woody stem averages between 6 and 24 inches in height, and has many branches. The leaves are opposite, very narrow, anywhere from 3/4 to 2 inches in length, are gray-green in appearance, and more or less tomentose. Lavender flowers appear from June to September, but stay in bloom a little longer with one species, (L. latifalia). They are small, baby-blue in color:, strong-smelling, and culminate in spikes at the end of long stalks. One species in particular (L.. angustifolia) has the finer odor. However, the flowers of all lavender species yield a highly perfumed, colorless, volatile oil that contains linalyle acetate and an hydroxycoumarin called herniarin. Lavender has been one of the best loved scented herbs for thousands of years. An infusion or tincture of lavender or inhalation of the essential oil has a wonderfully relaxing effect on mind and body. Lavender makes a good remedy for anxiety, nervousness, and physical symptoms caused by stress such as tension headaches, migraine, palpitations and insomnia. Lavender oil is considered a balancer to the emotions, lifting the spirits, relieving depression and balancing inner disharmony. Lavender also has a stimulating edge to it, acting as a tonic to the nervous system, restoring vitality to people suffering from nervous exhaustion. Lavender's relaxing effect can be felt in the digestive tract, where it soothes spasm and colic related to tension and anxiety and relieves distension, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, and enhances the appetite. Its powerful antiseptic volatile oils have been shown to be active against bacteria including diphtheria, typhoid, streptococcus and pneumococcus. As tea, oil inhalation, or vapor rub, lavender is effective for colds, coughs, asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, tonsillitis and laryngitis. The tea or tincture can also be taken for stomach and bowel infections causing vomiting or diarrhea. Taken as hot tea, lavender causes sweating and reduces fevers. Lavender helps to detoxify the body by increasing elimination of toxins via the skin and, with its mild diuretic action, through the urine. Lavender is a useful external disinfectant for cuts and wounds, sores and ulcers. Lavender stimulates tissue repair and minimizes scar formation when the oil is applied neat to burns and diluted in cases of eczema, acne and varicose ulcers. PARTS USED Flowers, essential oil. USES Nervous system - Lavender is well known for its soothing and calming effect, and is combined with other sedative herbs to relieve sleeplessness, irritability, headaches, and migraine. Lavender also helps to alleviate depression. Digestion - Like many herbs with a significant volatile oil content, lavender soothes indigestion and colic, and relieves gas and bloating. Asthma - Lavender's relaxing effect makes it helpful for some types of asthma, especially where excessive nervousness is a feature. Essential oil - The oil is an invaluable first aid remedy. Lavender is strongly antiseptic, helping to heal burns, wounds, and sores. Rubbed on insect stings, lavender relieves pain and inflammation, and lavender can be used to treat scabies and head lice. Massaging a few drops on the temples eases headaches, and 5 drops added to a bath at night relieves muscle tension, tones the nervous system, and encourages a good night's sleep. Other medical uses - Denture problems, Herpes, Mouth ulcers, Ovulation pain, Pharyngitis, Phobia, Wrinkles. Culinary uses - Use dried lavender -leaves, buds, and flowers -to season meat and vegetable dishes. Add flowering tips and freshly chopped leaves to dressings, salads, wine, and vinegar. Flavor desserts such as ice cream, jellies, puddings, and fruit, especially berries, with lavender blossoms. English lavender's sweet lemon-floral taste can be quite intense, so use sparingly.To make refreshing, aromatic lavender tea, steep 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of dried flowers or 15 ml (3 teaspoons) of fresh flowers in 250 ml (1 cup) of boiling water. Lavender honey is deservedly considered a gourmet's delight.Herbes de Provence, the classic dried herb blend, contains lavender blossoms as well as thyme, savory, basil, and fennel.Lavender oil extract is used commercially to flavor candy, baked goods, chewing gum, gelatins, puddings, and various beverages.
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