Lavender

The Botanical name Lavandula comes from Latin lavare, meaning "to wash". It has been used in Persia, Greece and Rome to disinfect hospitals and sick rooms. It was use during the Plague and ecognized in British Pharmacopceia for over 200 years. During the War the French used the oil for surgical purposes. Essential of Lavender has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. The flowers are used in cooking to flavour sugar, as tea and in vinegar.


Species



There are many species of Lavender



The non English Lavenders ( Lavendula Stoechas)



Yellow, Spanish and French



Yellow- Pineapple shaped ,lemon coloured. Yellow green leaves


Spanish- Dark Purple pineapple shaped with dark green leaves


French-- Gray leaves with serrated edges

Photo taken from http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavendercareandtips.htm

English Lavenders ( Lavendula Angustifolia)

Left to right - Vera, Munstead, Hidcote , Jean Davis

Large leaved and tall. Vera is thought to be the true English Lavender. Called True or Fine Lavender. Best quality comes from altitutes of2500 and 4500 feet.

Lavandin ( Lavendula x intermedia)

The Botanical name of Lavendins is Lavendula x Intermedia. It is a cross between augustifolia and latifolia. Long Gray leaves, twice or more the size of augustofolias. Much larger and faster. France produce thousand tons of this oil. Most of it to distiller in Grasse.

Spike Lavender ( Lavendula Latifolia)







Dr Rene- maurice Gattefosse reported that during a lab experiment he seriously burned his hand and immediately immersed the hand into a bowl of liquid on a table near him. The pain went quickly away and heal in a short time without scarring.


Beneficial Effects
Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, pain relieving,diuretic,healing, insect repellent.



Improve the following conditions:
Burns, wounds, eczemas, dermatitis, boils, abscesses, herpes, headache, yeast infections, athele's foot, influenza, insomia,nervousness, stress, depression, anger, irritability, anxiety, nausea, dizziness




Mind and Spirit
Balancing, Cleansing, Calming


Skin
Deodorizing, balancing, circulation stimulant, detoxifying,tonic, all skin type, acne


Hair
Hair loss, Dandruff



Lavender Hydrosol

Lavender hydrosol is gentle, balancing for all skin types, cooling , soothing sunburns, healing irritation, gently tones oily, dry and mature skin, cleanses gently and safely. Lavender has always been recommended for fragile or damaged skin. The hydrosol makes a wonderful ingredient for face masks for all skin types, a gentle toner or cleanser; and a great mister to ease sunburn or windburn.

Emotionally, Lavender Water is relaxing and revitalizing. It can ease stress and reduce mental fatigue. Lavender is an "adaptor," adapting itself to your body and your psyche's needs, soothing or revitalizing as needed. Jeanne Rose recommends it as a remedy to jet lag.