The lavender plant is an ancient plant that has been used for medical purposes throughout the ages. Some of the formulas have been passed down through generations to use for fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and depression, not to mention it looks and smells great in your garden. Not only has it been used medically, but it can be used dried, fresh, and as an essential oil in flower arrangements, wreaths, and anything else you want to use lavender for in your home or office.
There are many varieties of lavender plants such as Provence Lavender, Grosso Lavender, Munstead Lavender, and Hidcote Blue Lavender. However, the most widely used is English lavender. Its Latin name is Lavandula angustifolia and ancients have been using it for formal gardens, to relax and calm the nerves for ages.
Today, it’s used in sachets, soap, and lavender dream pillows as well as balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. It’s great for wounds from acne or uninfected wounds. Lavender has great antibacterial properties as well as antiviral properties. It’s also use in aromatherapy and hydrotherapy to relax the body, mind, and soul when stress is taking over. There are many way to use lavender for medical purposes, but you can also use it for culinary dishes.
Lately, there have been many recipes involving the lavender plant. The flowers are used for decorations but they can also be added to drinks for a slightly different flavor. Lavender essential oil is used by massage therapist, chiropractors and acupuncturist. Lavender lifts the mood, reduces anxiety and improves concentration. There are many uses for lavender and the plant can grow in most area. All it requires is well drained soil, water, and sun. If it’s watered too much the lavender plant will develop root rot and die out. However, it will come back year after year, if treated properly.
It’s best to purchase a lavender plant since the seeds can be hard to start. You can make a lavender border or use it in the herb garden. The smell of the lavender plant is wonderful when walking through the garden. It’s one of the first smells in the spring.
Lavender is grown throughout the world regardless of the climate. They need well drained soil and plenty of sun. If you live in a cooler climate, Hidcote Lavender is well suited for colder areas. If you live in an area that has more humidity, Spanish Lavender plants like that type of environment. It’s not as sweet smelling, but will attract honey bees but other insects tend to leave it alone. Lavender honey is great for keeping anxiety down, plus, honey is also antibacterial, so they makes lavender honey twice as strong for wounds.
There are over 30 species of lavender plants you can use in your garden. Not all of them have medical properties and can be used in culinary dishes, but they can be used as ornamental plant in any type of garden. You can use you lavender plant for bouquet and wreaths as well as magic wands and dream pillows. Lavender is one of the most used plants, not only for the scent, but it medical properties, as well.
