Historically lavender has been used for aromatic, medicinal, decorative, culinary and other purposes. With references in ancient times, lavender as one of the best known and most loved all all herbs, and the wide range of lavender appeals to many people.
Lavenders (genus Lavandula) are summer flowering, perennial shrubs with many small fragrant flowers clustered in spikes that extend above the green or grey-green narrow lanceolate or toothed leaves. Flowers range from deep purple through violet, blue, pink to white, depending on the cultivar.
Lavender can be found around the world, but thrives at the 45th latitude, both north and south.
Excellent growing conditions begin with the proper soil. This would consist of well drained soil with a pH of 6-8. It is a happy in stony, calcareous (limestone derived) or sandy soils. Water is most important when planting young plants. After plants are settled in, they can tolerate droughts. The most common cause of failure n the home garden is over-watering. It is also important to prune the shrub after harvesting the flowers. This will promote a healthy, long-living plant.
Medicinal Uses for Lavender:
*calming
*antiseptic
*antibacterial
*analgesic
*antipyretic-fever reducing
Lavender oil is antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It enhances the immune system, and has cell regenerative properties. It promotes the healing of scars and burns, and is great for eczema and other skin problems. It soothes insect bites, stings and aids in settling the mind, and body before sleep. It is safe to apply directly to the skin (though for infants it should be always well diluted in a carrier oil). It is used the following ailments:
*colds/flu/fever
*cuts/scrapes/burns/bug bites
*eczema
*bruises
*sleep problems
*growing pains
Lavender essential oil is the only oil safe enough to use undiluted on the skin or open wound. This was demonstrated in WWII when British physicians used lavender oil as the antispetic in the field. It has proven to be an effective antiseptic and promoted rapid healing of wounds.
Lavender is very effective at killing cold and flu germs. It is best used as a preventative measure. During flue season, when traveling, or in crowded rooms, inhaling the essential oil will protect against many germs.
Culinary and Other Uses:
Lavender is a marvelous flavor enhancer and should be included in the spice cupboard along with other herbs. It is in the same family as mint and rosemary and can be used interchangeably. Of the three herbs, lavender is the strongest and should be used sparingly. It is found in both sweet and savory recipes.
Dairy: Delicately flavor creams in desserts by steeping lavender buds in warm milk or cream before making ice cream, whipped cream or creme brulee. Combine lavender and other herbs with soft cheeses such as goat cheese or bake with brie for a delicious appetizer.
Tea: Use Lavender steeped in hot water for a tisane. This can be combined with you favorite tea, or can be sweetened and used as part of the water for making lemonade. Include lavender shortbread cookies for a lovely afternoon treat.
Recipes are abound on the internet, but be certain to use cooking lavender in your recipes. Other lavenders can taste bitter. The best cooking lavenders are the augustifolias.
Marinades: Use with olive oil, garlic, soy and lavender for a tasty marinade for fish, chicken or grilled vegetables.
Laundry Bar: Lavender Hill Farms has created a stain removing bar with lavender. It is designed to stopthe use of harsh or poisonous chemical as a pretreatment for laundry. The laundry bar successfully removes all food stains, including the hard ones: coffee, tea, red wine, dried blood, tomato sauce, makeup, ring around the collar, grass stains, grease and many more. The product is wrapped in biodegradable paper to avoid adding more plastic bottles to landfills. This addition to our line of products is another way to use all parts of the valuable plant.
Sachet: Lavender is an insect repellent and is often used in closet and drawers to keep moths and other bugs away from linens and woolens. It also keeps closets fresh smelling when closed for long periods of time.
The stem, leaves, and flowers of the plant are aromatic and useful in the home.
Source:
Lavender Hill Farms
07354 Horton Bay Rd., N.
Boyne City, MI 49712
1-231-582-3784
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