Plant Of The Month
Lavender
Lavender is part of the mint family and is native to the Mediterranean area. The plants thrive in poor soil and need full sun to develop their volatile perfumed oils. Lavender attracts bees, which makes it desirable in gardens, to help with propagation. It also discourages flies, so try a few sprigs in your rubbish bin. The most common “true” species in cultivation is the Common Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia (formerly L. Officinalis).
Lavender flowers and flower buds are an essential ingredient of potpourri. The flower spikes are popular in dried flower arrangements. Dried lavender flowers have become popular at weddings, used instead of confetti. When dried and sealed in pouches, lavender repels moths, which is why it is popular in the wardrobe and drawers. Some people put some in the hems of their curtains. It gently scents the room, especially when the window is open and the breeze wafts through the curtain.
English Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, yields an essential oil with sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandin, Lavandula x intrmedia (also known as French Lavender), yields a similar oil, but with higher levels of terpenes including camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Spanish Lavender, Lavandula stoechas is not used medicinally, but mainly for landscaping.
Lavender is grown commercially for extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. The oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals in the early twentieth century to disinfect floors and walls.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are said to repel insects. When applied to the temples it soothes headaches and helps with relaxation. Seeds and flower heads are added to pillows to aid sleep. Dilute lavender oil with water 1:10 and use to heal acne.
Lavender has been used for thousands of years. It was valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans and was considered a holy herb in Biblical times.
William Turner in ‘A Newe Herball ‘ (1551) – I judge that the flowers of lavender quilted in a cap and dayley worne are good for all diseases of the head that come of a cold cause and that they comfort the braine very well.
Precautions
As with many herbal lines, there is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of lavender oil. Ingesting lavender should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Some people may be allergic to lavender and Lavender Oil should not be used by anyone with a perfume allergy.
In some cases it can increases photosensitivity.
Linalool is a naturally occurring substance responsible for the fragrance of lavender. It has been associated with skin cell cytotoxity. There is controversy over findings because in nature the concentration is at a safe level, where synthetic forms can be harmful.
Two essential oils, lavender and tea tree oil, have been anecdotally implicated in causing abnormal breast tissue growth in prepubescent boys. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine claimed that the use of shampoo and similar products containing lavender and tea tree oils, in three boys, resulted in this condition. It should be noted that the type of lavender used in the shampoo causing the problem was not likely pure essential oil but fractionated perfume grade oil.
Therapeutic grade lavender oil should be used to avoid unwanted side effects.
Most people however find lavender to be a pleasant scented and beneficial plant.
Here is a soothing tea, which helps relieve insomnia and tension headaches.
1 cup of boiling water
4-5 dried lavender heads
Honey
Pour the water over the lavender and leave to infuse 4 minutes. Strain and serve sweetened with honey. Do not add milk or cream.
Next month will feature Chamomile.
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