Lavender
Lav.en.der
When I think of lavender, picturesque open fields of purple flowers come to mind, the amazing fragrance and feeling of calmness.
It’s no surprise that lavender is found in many aromatherapy products as soaps, candles, essential oils and known for its soothing qualities.
Origin
Lavender grows in many parts of the world and even in our back yards, but its origins date back to over 2,500 years to the areas of Cape Verde and Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Middle East and India. In ancient times in Egypt, lavender oil was used during the mummification process for its scent. Today, it continues to be produced mainly in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America.
Lavender, also known as Lavandula, is derived from the Latin name ‘lavre’ which means to wash. Its aromatic fragrance is used in perfumes, personal hygiene products and even cleaning products.
Lav.en.der
When I think of lavender, picturesque open fields of purple flowers come to mind, the amazing fragrance and feeling of calmness.
It’s no surprise that lavender is found in many aromatherapy products as soaps, candles, essential oils and known for its soothing qualities.
Origin
Lavender grows in many parts of the world and even in our back yards, but its origins date back to over 2,500 years to the areas of Cape Verde and Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Middle East and India. In ancient times in Egypt, lavender oil was used during the mummification process for its scent. Today, it continues to be produced mainly in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North and South America.
Lavender, also known as Lavandula, is derived from the Latin name ‘lavre’ which means to wash. Its aromatic fragrance is used in perfumes, personal hygiene products and even cleaning products.
Recipes
Lavender is not an herb I generally associate with cooking but apparently, there is a culinary lavender that is used for just that. Edible lavender is purchased in spice stores and not picked from gardens so it is chemical free and safe to eat. You may often find a lavender flower bud as a garnish to pretty up a cupcake or a salad but the dried lavender herb is often used in cakes and also as a rub to flavor meats.
Lavender comes from the mint family and is one of the herbs found in Herbes de Provence. Since lavender has a strong flavor, just a touch of it can be added in with other herbs like marjoram, rosemary, thyme and oregano to make the herb mix.
A few dishes that use dried lavender in cooking are grilled pork chops and lavender roast potatoes.
It is also commonly used in baking. Here’s a recipes for a lemon-lavender pound cake, focaccia bread and tea cookies.
Lavender can also be made as a syrup or sugar so it can be used in jams, drizzled over a salad, or simply adding some lavender sugar to make a refreshing glass of lavender lemonade!
Another way to enjoy lavender is in honey which can be bought in stores or made at home.
Cures
Lavender can be enjoyed as a tea which is naturally good for relaxation and calmness. It can also be known to help with an upset stomach.
Lavender oil has been used for centuries to soothe headaches, motion sickness and also serve as a sleep aid for relaxation. You can rub a bit of the oil on your temples or behind your neck for a good night's rest. Lavender pillow mist, room sprays and candles are also popular choices for providing a calm environment.
According to Lavender Sense of Joy, there is “a native American tradition of burning of medicines and herbs for purification to help create a positive mind-set. Lavender is known to restore balance and create a peaceful atmosphere.”
Beauty
Healthline.com notes lavender oil is also known to help improve skin conditions as acne, reduce wrinkles, dry skin or help treat a burn.
Lavender is often found in aromatherapy products as soaps, beauty and bath goods and perfumes. Lavender scents are soothing and calming and a quick whiff of the scent will be sure to relax you.
Household
Lavender is also a great mosquito repellent. You can light a lavender candle or make your own mix of lavender oil and a few drops of water for a home-made mosquito spray.
Lavender flowers can of course also be enjoyed just as is. The gorgeous purple and green stems are beautiful just as is and can be enjoyed in a vase, as a dried lavender bunch hung for its amazing scents or planted in your yard.
Lavender is often found in aromatherapy products as soaps, beauty and bath goods and perfumes. Lavender scents are soothing and calming and a quick whiff of the scent will be sure to relax you.
Household
Lavender is also a great mosquito repellent. You can light a lavender candle or make your own mix of lavender oil and a few drops of water for a home-made mosquito spray.
Lavender flowers can of course also be enjoyed just as is. The gorgeous purple and green stems are beautiful just as is and can be enjoyed in a vase, as a dried lavender bunch hung for its amazing scents or planted in your yard.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavandula
http://www.lavendersense.com/index.php/Lavender/Index
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-lavender-plus-10-recipes-that-use-culinary-lavender#what-is-lavender
https://www.healthline.com/health/lavender-oil-for-skin
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265922#interactions
http://www.lavendersense.com/index.php/Lavender/Recipes
Comments
Post a Comment