Dancing in the Moon Garden: Lavender (Herb Study)

Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia, L. Spica, L. officinalis, L. dentate, l. stoechas, L. Viridis,

Family: Lamiacea (formerly Labiatae)

Lavender is an attractive and aromatic plant. It is a popular plant in many herb gardens and is known for its fragrance more so than for its culinary uses. Lavender has numerous different varieties. The English lavender tends to be a small bushy shrub that grows to about 3 feet high. It has silvery gray-green leaves and slender stalks that have clusters of purple, lavender, or mauve flowers. It is the variety most often used for culinary uses. The French lavender has much less aroma than the English lavender and a thicker leaves. Though the flowers of the French lavender have less scent, the leaves have more fragrance and this makes it a very good variety for decorative use.

Origins and Folklore

Lavenders are native to the Mediterranean. There are some varieties that were known to the ancient Romans and Greeks. It was frequently used in bathwater and thus it is safe to say that the origin of the name comes from the Latin “lavare” which means to wash. Not surprising then that it is still a popular scent for bath and beauty products today. The lavender from England was said to be the best in the world until the late 20^th century when Tasmania became the primary producer of lavender essential oils.

It is said that lavender was worn by prostitutes to advertise their profession and attract men.

Culinary Uses

Lavender is not a commonly used herb for culinary use. It should be used sparingly or it can become very overpowering and add bitterness to your food. It was used more commonly in the 17^th century as a culinary herb along with some other flowers to make a conserve that was mixed with sugar and used kind of like an icing for cookies and cakes.

The Moroccans used lavender along with rose petals, orris root powder, saffron, numerous spices and some “mind altering substances” and is added to the exotic blend called “ras el hanout.” It is also found in some of the savour herb blends called hebrs de Provence.

Lavender goes well with sweet dishes that contain cream. It is also used to add colour and flavour to shortbread.

Magickal Uses and Information

Gender: Masculine

Element: Air

Planet: Mercury

Deities: Venus, Aphrodite

The most common uses for lavender include: love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification, happiness, and peace. Some further uses include:

Added to love spells and also mixed in food to strengthen love
Used in love sachets and in drawers to attract love
Write love letters on paper that you have rubbed lavender
Used in sleep spells
Protects against abusive treatment by a spouse if worn
Scattered around your home it will bring about a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere.
Smell often to bring about long life
Used in healing mixtures
Used to see ghosts
Offers protection from the evil eye
Used in purification baths
Used in wish divination

Medicinal, Homeopathic and Aromatherapy Uses

Some of the uses for lavender include:

Made as a tea, then cooled, used for a hair rinse to reduce dandruff
Lavender has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, and anti-depressant qualities
Treats the following conditions:

Stress	Anxiety	Exhaustion
Irritability	Headaches/migraines	Insomnia
Depression	Colds	Digestion/flatulence etc.
Liver and gallbladder problems	Loss of appetite	Breath freshener/mouthwash
Relaxation/sleep aid	Healing cuts, scrapes, wounds	Soothing bee stings and insect bites
Muscle aches	Rheumatism/arthritis	Cold sores & cankers
Blusters	Bruises	Athletes food
Rashes