Description
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A perennial, this evergreen produces blue-violet flowers. It can be found in the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. This is one of the most popular garden herbs in some areas because of its attractive fragrance, which comes from its volatile oils, and its beautiful color.
Lavandula in Latin is Lavare, which means, “to wash the body, mind and soul.” It is considered an herb of harmony because of its healing properties, and ability to produce sweet and invigorating perfumes. Lavandula angustifolia was popular in France for its scented oils that where commonly used in Aromatherapy and perfumes.
Lavandula latifolia is used in cleaning products and insect repellent but used less than angustifolia. In Greece, people used Lavender as a room freshener, perfume, and in bath products mostly when combine with essential oils from other herbs. It was mainly imported from Syria. In Spain and Portugal, Lavender was used for decorations in homes and churches.
Medicinal uses of this herb include relieving stress & tension, headaches, mood swings, pain and abdominal spasms. It stimulates and helps repair skin problems such as pimples, acne and blemishes. The dried leaves, when steamed, are used as a steam facial to cleanse the pores. It also invigorates the nerve tissues if taken as a tea and is said to be good for cleaning the abdominal tract to rid it of toxins.
Other uses include killing lice when rubbed in the scalp, antiseptic when used as a mouthwash for toothaches, throat infections, cure for vomiting and good as an anti-diarrhea agent. It is also used to clean wounds. For culinary use, lavender is used in sachets, potpourris crafts, cakes, icing and ice cream.
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