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Focus on Herbs:
Lavender
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by Lynne Latella
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One of the most popular and
versatile members of the mint family, lavender has long been cultivated
for its aromatic flowers and oil. From the Latin lavare, which means
“to wash,” lavender was used by Romans to perfume bath water. In fact,
Roman women who were purported to be amorous, frequently bathed in it.
Whether strewn on floors for festive occasions or burned in bonfires to
ward off evil spirits, it has been highly prized by many cultures.
Lavender was first cultivated in England in the 1500s, then brought to
America by Pilgrims. Its earliest uses were in fine varnishes and
lacquers, condiments, flavorings, snuff and embalming preparations.
Found in tea cakes and potpourris and used to scent linens and
clothing, its uses extend beyond kitchen and bath. Not only is it an
effective moth deterrent, but it also repels flies and mosquitoes.
Applications of lavender oil on the skin or the hanging of lavender
around the house have been used as safe repellants. Veterinarians have
recommended it to kill lice and other parasites. In fact, some
zookeepers swear that lavender makes lions and tigers docile. Not to be
excluded, honey bees favor lavender for honey production.
Lavender’s antiseptic applications were widespread during wars to swab
wounds, ulcers, burns, sores, bruises and cuts. It has carminative (gas
expelling) and calming properties, and is also an expectorant and
antispasmodic. It is beneficial for toothaches, flatulence, fainting,
spasms, colic, palpitations, palsy, insomnia, asthma, bronchitis,
coughs, flu and colds. As an immune system strengthener, lavender
promotes healing. It encourages appetite and helps relieve depression,
hysteria, worry and stress. A few drops of lavender oil applied to the
temples can relieve some types of headaches. Lavender compresses can be
applied to strains, sprains, stiff joints and painful areas affected by
rheumatism and neuralgia. Add 10 drops to bath water to relieve
tension, and include 3 drops per person in Jacuzzis to ward off
bacteria. Distilled lavender water makes a good gargle for hoarseness
or loss of voice. It is also good for puffy eyes and skin blemishes.
High doses of lavender can be poisonous, so care should be exercised in
its internal use. Also, pregnant women should check with their doctors
before using lavender.
The Co-op carries lavender in bulk, essential oil and in cosmetic
preparations, such as facial care products, soap, shampoo, deodorant,
floral spray and massage oil.
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Here
are are six useful recipes that can be easily made at home.
Foot Soother
Place smooth round rocks at the bottom of a bowl. Pour hot water over
them and add 5 drops lavender oil. Gently rub feet over the rocks.
Lavender Steam
Mix 1 cup each lavender, thyme and comfrey. Use ½-cup to steam
face, rinse hair, or as a douche.
Roman Lavender
Bath
Steep ¼-cup lavender flowers in 1 quart water brought to a boil.
Don’t boil herbs or they will lose their potency and aroma. Strain and
add to bath water for a relaxing experience.
Lavender Powder
Grind fine 1 oz. lavender buds and 1 oz. orris root. Add 2 oz. orris
root or cornstarch.
Lavender Rub
Mix 1 part lavender oil with 3 parts olive oil. Use sparingly to
massage sore muscles.
Lavender Tea
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp. dried lavender, and infuse 10
minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day for fatigue, exhaustion or
headaches.
Grind fine 1 oz. lavender buds and 1 oz. orris root. Add 2 oz. orris
root or cornstarch.
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