Lavenders Blue

From its first appearance in written records, Lavender was used for scent. The ancient Greeks knew of it and scented their rooms with it; the Romans bathed in it and the ancient Libyans created perfumes with it. The name lavender,( lavandular) comes from the Latin 'lavare' , the word 'to wash', and according to records from the Middle Ages, lavander or lavender meant 'to launder'. Lavatories were stone-floored rooms for washing clothes.

Though lavender is grown all over the world, the best lavender is still produced in its real home, The Mediterranean. A small bush, with silvery leaves and exquisitely pale lilac flowers, lavender actually belongs to the Labiatae, or mint family and like its distantsisters - rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, it is intensely fragrant due to the oil it contains. There are actually 39 varieties of lavender, some bushy and some that grow woody and tall.

Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant, through a disillation process and is used in aromatherapy and other aromatic preparations.The flowers have long been used in potpourris, and in small lavender bags to scent clothes and bedding...French lavender is famous for this.

Apart from its scent and beautiful flower, lavender has been found to have a long list of healing properties:

*Stress: lavender's refreshing aroma can still the nerves and help to alleviate headaches, anxiety and depression

*Hair care: good for dry scalp conditions and the combatting of head lice

*Blood circulation: can help reduce blood pressure and increase the circulation

*Digestion: it increases the mobility of the intestine and stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile so offering solace to those suffering from indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhea. (I used to rub lavender essential oil on my daughter's tummy when she was a baby and suffering from wind and the cure was miraculous!)

*Skin care: Lavender oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties and is used to cure skin disporders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis. It can also heal cuts, burns and sunburn. It can be added to chamomile to treat eczema.The story goes that in the early 20th century a French chemist burnt himself quite badly whilst experimenting. The only liquid to hand was some lavender oil, into which he plunged his hand. To his astonishment the burn healed quickly, with no lasting scarring. So impressed was he that he spent the rest of his days studying lavender's medical uses.

*Breathing problems: used as a vapor or smoothed on the neck, chest and back, lavender can help with flu, coughs, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis and tonsilitis.

*Urine: lavender stimulates the production of urine and can also cure inflammation of the bladder and cystitis.

*Sleep: a drop of oil on the pillow helps reduce insomnia and helps you to relax

*Pain relief: lavender essential oil is an excellent remedy for sore and tense muscles, rheumatism and joint pain.

All in all, it is a bit of a wonder herb, as well as being harmless...you can't overdose on lavender. Burn fresh lavender to keep the flies and mosquitoes away, and put dried lavender amongst your clothes to see off the moths. Dab oil on insect bites to take away the itch. Try boiling some lavender flowers with water, and then add to pen ink to create scented letters.

One word of caution, which applies to many essential oils, is that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and diabetics, should avoid using it.

There is also a wonderful floklore attached to the lavender plant with a host of Old Wives'Tales to consider. In England brides wove lavender into their hair to retain female power and goodluck. Irish brides wore lavender garters to protect them from withcraft and the Bible mentions lavender as a charm against the devil.It was also thought that you could attract a husband by rubbing yourself with lavender oil or, conversely deter a suitor and protect one's chastity!Couples who place lavender flowers between their bedsheets will never quarrel; it is also supposed to be an aphrodisiac.

In addition to all this, lavender really is such an exquisitely beautiful plant whether grown in pots or flower borders. Just looking at its delicate hue has a calming influence and brush against the flowers to get a rush of heady scent.

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