Lavender

Jun 25

6 min read

Lavender is the most universal of all herbs, it is gentle and safe for children and the elderly and can be used for just about anything. When in doubt of what to use reach for lavender!

Printable for Herbal

Lavendula angustifolia

Family: Lamiaceae - mint

Parts used: blossoms, leaves

What's in a Name - Lavendula angustifolia

Lavendula stems from the Latin word, lavare which means "to wash". The name is in reference to its traditional use as a cleaner.

Angustifolia means "narrow leaved" in reference to the leaf shape of the common, English lavender. This species has the highest amount of medicinal properties and is used for herbal tea and essential oil. Formerly this species was referred to as officinalis and vera.

Officinalis comes from the Latin word officina, in reference to a plant that was grown in monastery gardens or prepared and sold in apothecary shops for the use of healing. These plants were historically recognized and used as an "official" medicine.

Folk Names:

Elf leaf
Nard (Greek reference) was exported from markets in the city Naarda in Syria.
Spikenard (Bible reference)

History

Used medicinally in ancient times and to freshen rooms, linens and the body.
Egyptians put it in tombs of royalty and used as a perfume.
Romans used it in their baths and for cleansing and purification. They paid a months salary per pound. They introduced it to Britain for healing burns and repelling bugs.
The first herbal lavender appeared in was Dioscorides, De Materia Medica in 77 BC.
During the Middle Ages monks grew it in their monastery gardens as medicine.
It has been a beloved herb of England. First record of its cultivation there was in 1568. Farmers wore spikes of lavender under hats to help with headache and heat. Women hung laundry to dry on the bushes. The washerwomen were called "lavenders because they used it regularly for cleaning laundry.
Women in labor were given a sprig to hold and squeeze during birth so that it would release the fragrance to ease suffering.
17^th Century France used it for perfumery. They used the fragrance to cover strong scents. Leather gloves were coated with it to cover the smell and those wearing the gloves during the plague did not contract it.
Lavender was hung throughout London during the Great Plague in 1665 to mask the smell of death. Four Thieves blend used to protect from the plague included lavender.
Spanish churches were decorated with it on festival days.
Many European cities had lavender woman on the streets selling the sprigs daily.
During the Victorian Era it was the most popular herb in England. Ladies of refinement carried lavender pillows with camphor to revive them from a “swoon” and they were placed in bed pillows to help induce sleep.
Pilgrim Fathers brought it with them to the new world for cultivation.
Up to WWI it was used to disinfect wounds.
1800’s British Pharmacopoeia recognized lavender as a medicinal herb.

L'agreable parfumeuse (The Perfume-Seller) by Charles Philipon

Actions

Analgesic

Anodyne

Anti-Bacterial

Anticatarrhal

Antidepressant

Antifungal

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Rheumatic

Antiseptic

Antispasmodic

Aromatic

Carminative

Circulatory

Decongestant

Deodorizing

Diaphoretic

Diuretic

Expectorant

Nervine

Relaxant

Sedative

Stimulant

Vulnerary

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Drying

Bitter

Nervous

Skin

Heart

Emotional Energy:

Calms both the mental and emotional body
Balance emotions, anger, irritability
Uplift and strengthen the spirit, heart, and mind
Cleansing negative emotions
Brings a feeling of peace and tranquility

Constituents/Nutrients

Acetylcholine

Amines

Antioxidant

Choline

Cratetegin

Flavonoids

Hyperoside

Pectin

Phenolic acid

Proanthocyanidins

Procyandin

Tannins

Quercitin

Rutin

Treterpenoids

Vasodilator saponins

Vitamin B, C

Uses

Burns; household, sun, chemical, etc.
Sedative, calming and relaxing (in small amounts)
Stimulating (in large amounts)
Tension, stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Strengthens the nervous systems, calms anger, agitation, and irritability.
Aids circulation, strengthens and soothes the heart.
Headaches and migraines; especially when combined with feverfew.
Very gentle and healing for any concern with babies & children; over tired, fussy, colic, skin problems, first aid, etc.
Any skin condition; dry skin, rashes, diaper rash, eczema, infection, sores, etc.
Fungal infections like ringworm, athletes’ foot, nail fungus, yeast infection, etc. (combine with tea tree essential oil for best results)
First aid; disinfect, cuts, wounds, sprains, strains, burns, etc.
Indigestion; nausea, cramps, tummy ache, flatulence, loss of appetite, etc.
Illness, colds, flu, fever, illness recovery, etc.
Infections of all types
Respiratory; asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis, etc.
Inflammation internal and external.
Insect repellent, parasites, lice, moths, etc.
Mild pain reliever
Muscle aches, tension, and spasms.
Women’s health; PMS symptoms, cramps, vaginal issues, childbirth.
After birth healing; take a lavender bath every evening before bed to speed healing, sitz bath, herbal oil, salve, etc.
Body care; deodorizing, hair loss, dandruff, dry, itchy scalp, tones skin and improves circulation, acne and other skin conditions, good for dry skin especially when used as a facial steam, perfume, mouthwash - freshens and deodorizes the mouth.
Home care; potpourri, herbal vinegar can be used as a multi-purpose cleaner to disinfect, cleanse and deodorize, linen spray, dryer pillow to toss in the dryer with laundry to freshen and disinfect, use in any of your favorite household cleaner recipes.
Sleep pillow; tuck under pillow or next to the pillow for a good night’s rest.
Sachet, muslin bag, sheer bag filled with blossoms or bunches of tied lavender wands placed in linen closets, drawers, closets, cupboards, etc.
Burn the dried stalks like incense; can also burn in bundles to disinfect and deodorize, they can also be thrown in the fireplace to burn.

Herb Preparations

Tea; in addition to drinking, works great as a hair rinse and wash for cuts and scrapes.
Herbal pillow; sleep pillow, first aid pack (keep in freezer for headaches and inflammation), linen closets and drawers, dryer, bath bag, steam pillow, cold pack, etc.
Extracts; alcohol, glycerine, vinegar (an alcohol extract was called lavender water in the 1800s)
Powder, capsules, sprinkles, salts, sugar, etc.
Herbal oil: massage for muscle tension, stress, headache and for calming at bedtime, great for baby and children.
Honey, syrup
Salve, creams, and body care products
Bath, soaks, steams
Compress, poultice
Washes, gargle, douche, enema
Culinary uses; pesto, soups, stir-fry, sauces, marinades, dips, vinegar, salad dressings, meat rub, salt, drinks, breads, treats, smoothies and more.
Essential oil; diffuse, apply to area of concern, put in bath, massage into feet or any area of the body.
How To Make Lavender Wands - The Herbal Academy

Care/Harvesting

Place in a dry and sunny hot spot. It must have well drained soil and can be planted in full sun or part shade. Water lightly.
Best to plant from a root division or get a plant from the nursery.
Space plants at least 12-24” apart. Mulch in the fall.
For highest quality medicinal properties harvest the lavender flowers when the buds are just opening.
Cut the entire stem, keeping the plant in a mound shape.
Both leaves and blossoms can be used but the most power lies in the blossom.
Process or dry immediately to maintain medicinal quality.

Symbolism

Protection

Constancy

Devotion and loyalty

Faith/faithful

Humility

Love

Peace

Courage and strength

Stillness and serenity

Myth/Folklore

Used in bonfires on St. John’s day, when evil spirits are abroad, as protection.
Plant around homes to protect from evil spirits.
Sprigs given to newlyweds bring good luck.
Sniffing lavender allowed one to see spirits.
Scented clothing and note paper was said to attract love.