"Forgive your enemies,
but never forget their names."
John F Kennedy
Lavender
Description: Lavender is a woody perennial that is native to the Mediterranean region. It can grow up to 18 inches or more (some are three feet) with flower colors of purple, deep blue, pale or dark pink. The plant can appear as a bushy multi-stemed planting with silvery-green foliage. The leaves are narrow and grow to about two inches in length. It has a sweet/deep smell that is most pleasing.
History: Lavender has been in use for thousands of years. The Romans were especially instrumental for the spreading of this wonderful smelling plant. They wanted to make sure it was available for the baths, soaps and oils they used to stay clean. It was also used extensivly in the ancient medical areas and no reputable doctor was caught without it being on hand. it as used to treat everything from stress andheadaches to bug bites and chest infections. During the Black Plague, lavender was thought to ward off death, so many people carried sprigs in their pockets. Modern testing is showing that Lavender does have medical properties, and the oil is antibiotic. During WWI and WWII, lavender was used extensivly on the battlefields to prevent infection as well as to prevent pain. Today we use lavender for much the same reasons as well as to simply enjoy the smell.
Parts used: Flowering tips and dried stems
Usages: Lavender is being proven helpful for those with sleep disorders, letting them sleep longer. This plant is used in cooking, arts and crafts, medical and aromatherapy. Medical testing is showing lavenders antibiotic and sleep inducing properties, although more testing needs to be done. This plant is used for colds, bug stings, rashes, dandurff, headaches and stress relief. The flowers and leaf stalks can be used to keep moths away while keeping your clothes from getting that "stuffy" smell. The oil from the flowers is used for perfumes, cosmetics, skin care and massage therapy.
Growing your own: Lavender can be started from either seed or tip cuttiings. Lavender thrives in full sun and prefers sandy, sweet soil. Use compost and make sure the soil has good drainage. Talk to your local nursery to find out which variety grows in your area. Lavender begins blooming in June, depending on the area and weather. Harvesting is generally from July to September and it is best to pick the flowers when they start to open.
Magickal propertiesLavender is used for love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification, happiness, peace and the Air Element.
Lavender Recipes
WARNING: I have not come across any warnings for lavender, but I do recomend knowing where your plant comes from. Don't use flowers exposed to pesticides or lead, and stay away from areas using chemical fertilizers. If you buy them from a vendor, check referances and don't be afraid to ask questions. As always, don't go overboard, and check with your doctor.
Lavender Tea
Using dried flowers, make an infusion of 1 1/2 tsp flowers to 8 oz water.
Bite-Sized Strawberry Pies with Lemon-Lavender Cream
16 oz plain nonfat yogurt
3-4 tbsp sugar
2 tsp lemon zest
several drops orange extract or flower water
1 tsp dried lavender
16 (3 in) wonton wrappers
*butter-flavored cooking spray
16 large ripe strawberries (about 2 cups)
2 tbsp red currant jelly melted with 1 tbsp water
2 tbsp chopped pistachio nuts
1. Drain yougurt 6 hours. Transfer yogurt "cheese" to a large mixing bowl; whisk in sugar, lemon zest, orange extract, and lavender.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray small (2-in.) fluted molds with cooking spray. Line molds with wrappers. Spray insides of pastry shells with cooking spray and bake until crisp and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from mold. Cool on a wire rack.
3. Cut several parallel slices (1/8 in. apart) in each berry, starting at the pointed end and slicing halfway down through the berry. Gently fan out strawberry with your fingers. (Recipe can be prepared in advance up to this state.)
4. To serve, place 2 tbsp cream in each tartlet. Top with strawberry fan and brush with jelly. Sprinkle with pistachios. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
Strawberry and Lavender Pie
Simple lavender Diffusion
Blend:
10 to 15 drops lavender oil
1/4 cup distilled water
Pour mixture into potpourri pot. The gentle candle heat will diffuse the oil.
Gentle Bath
5 drops lavender oil
2 drops rose oil
2 drops sandalwood or patchouli oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil such as sweet almond or grapeseed
Add to running bath
Lavender
Lavender Lemonade
5 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
12 stems of fresh lavender
2 1/4 cups lemon juice
boil 2 1/2 cups of water with the sugar. Add the lavender stems and remove from heat. Place on the lid and let cool. when cool, and 2 1/2 cups of water and the lemon joice. Strain out the lavender. Serve the lavender lemonade with crushed ice and garnish with lavender blossoms. Serves 8
Lavender
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