Lavender or Lavandula is a flowering plant in the mint family.
Its derives from the Latin word ‘lavare’, which means ‘to wash’.
It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic properties.
In Ancient Egypt, lavender was used for the process of mummification.
Ancient Romans used it for cooking and bathing.
Island of Hvar (Croatia) is known as “The island of lavender”.
Bulgaria has overtaken France as the world’s biggest producer of lavender oil.
Lavender festivals are organized all around the world during the months of June and July.
During London’s great Plague, people had bunches of lavender in their clothes to fight infection.
Uses
Dried flowers can be tucked under the pillow in case of insomnia.
Its oil has shown benefits in the treatment of acne, eczema and dermatitis.
Use lavender oil if having stress or anxiety problems, it will help you relax.
Lavender oil can be applied to the skin for hair loss.
Inhalation method can reduce migraine pain and nausea.
It is useful as an insect repellent.
Colic, colds or irritability symptoms in babies can be relieved with a gentle massage on the chest or neck with lavender oil.
The floral water of lavender and the essential oil is often recommended in cases of rheumatic pains.
Put some dried flowers in a gauze and place it in your closet. It will protect your clothes from moths and will leave some pleasant perfume.
Infusion of lavender alone presents strong diuretic properties. To achieve the desired effects, it is necessary to put a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of 250 ml of boiling water and consume three times a day.
Make a super relaxing bath with 7 drops of lavender oil and enjoy. Will help with aching muscles too.
In case of sinusitis use lavender tissues.
In a case of minor skin burns that don’t require a medical care, use of its oil will speed up the healing process.
Adding a few drops of its oil in a hot bowl of water and inhaling will help in case of the flu, coughs or colds.
In a case of fever (works for children too) put few drops of oil in a bowl of tepid water and sponge yourself down with it.
If you want to repel mosquitoes apply its oil directly to you body or put some bunches of dried lavender in the room.
Lavender tea helps with digestion and bloating.
Lavender flowers are used fresh or dried in cooking. Flowers are used for making cookies, cakes, ice creams, beverages like tea and lemonade. (See our Recipe page for some lavender recipes like Lamb with herbs or Lavender risotto.)