LAVENDER

LAVENDER

(lavandula angusifolia)       Top Pick

Other Names

Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike.

Description

Lavender is a shrub native to the Mediterranean.   It is also widely cultivated throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe for its fragrance.   The gray-green, 1 to 2 foot stems are covered with fragrant, lilac colored tubular flowers that bloom from July through September.   The bark of the Lavender flakes easily.

Classification

Dry

Taste

Bitter

Balance Yin/Yang

Cool

Humor

Fire  ê  Water   ê  Air   Û

Uses/Applications

Use Lavender for headaches, stress, depression, fainting, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.   Use as a tonic for the nervous system.   Lavender is most popular as an oil derived from the flowers.

Flowers

Infusion

Take for nervous exhaustion, tension headache, or during labor.   It is also good for colic and indigestion.   A weak infusion of 25% normal strength can be given to babies for colic and irritability.

Tincture

Use for headache and depression.

Essential Oil

Chest Rub

Use for asthmatic or bronchial conditions.

Cream

Use for eczema.

Hair Rinse

Lavender is excellent for head lice.

Lotion

Use for sunburn or burns.

Massage Oil

Use for painful muscles.   Massage into the temples and nape of the neck for tension headaches or at the first sign of a migraine.

Oil

Apply to insect bites and stings.   It can also be used for stomach problems, nausea, and vomiting.

Combinations

Rosemary, Kola. 

For depression combine with Skullcap or Lady Slipper. 

For headaches combine with Valerian.

Constituents

Up to 5% Volatile Oil, Linalyl, Acetate, Linatol, Cineole, Geraniol, Limonene.

Action

Carminative, Anti-Spasmodic, Anti-Depressant,, Anti-Emetic, Nervine, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic.

Food Values

None

Part Used

Flowers, Leaves.

Collection

Collect the leaves from early summer to late fall, just before the flowers open up.   Collect the flowers while in bloom.

Preparation

Chest Rub

Add 1 ml. oil and 5 drops Chamomile Oil to 10 ml. Almond or Sunflower Oil.

Cream

Add a few drops of Lavender Oil to Chamomile Cream.

Hair Rinse

Dilute 5 - 10 drops of oil in water.   You can also apply a few drops of the oil to your comb.

Infusion

Steep 2 Tsp. leaves in 1 cup water.   Take 1 cup per day.

Lotion

Add a few drops of oil to a little water.

Massage Oil

Dilute 1 ml. Lavender Oil in 25 ml. Almond or Sunflower Oil

Oil

Take 5 drops on a sugar cube two times per day.   You can also inhale the oil or rub it into your skin.

Tincture

Take up to 5 ml. two times per day.

Growing Directions

Take 2 inch cutting in the summer from the side shoots.   Place them in moist, sandy soil.   When the plants are one year old, transplant 4 feet apart in dry, light, gravely soil.   The first year clip the plant to keep it from flowering.

History

Historically, Lavender has been a poplar medicinal herb.   In Arabian medicine it was used as an expectorant and antispasmodic.   In Europe it was used mainly to heal wounds and as a worm remedy for children.

Additional Information

1.   Lavender is widely used in perfume, air freshners, medicine, and just about anything you can think of.

Cautions

1.   Lavender is a uterine stimulant so do not use high doses during pregnancy.

Magick Information

Gender:

 Masculine

Planet:

 Mercury

Element:

 Air

Deity:

 None

Powers:

 Longevity, Love

Magickal Uses:

 Use Lavender in love spells and sachets.   To attract love rub Lavender on your clothing.   Write love notes on a piece of paper that has been rubbed with Lavender.   Smell Lavender to ensure longevity.