Welcome to the first summary-style post on the sacred and sensational herbs loved by Pagans, witches, New Age practitioners, and gardeners alike.
Lavender is one of my all time favourite plants, let alone herbs!
It smells divine - calming and somehow like England itself, can be dried in bunches for decoration, dried to create incense, put into cakes and food, is hardy, easy to grow, can be violet, purple, or blue, and it can be short, tall, small, good for containers, and a wonderful 'carpeting' plant depending on species.
Introduction
Lavendula is part of the mint family Lamiaceae (which makes sense, since both mint and lavender have such strong fragrances). It's native to Africa, Europe, and Asia, and found in huge amounts in my home country, England.
Many of the varieties of lavender are cultivated purely for colour and decorative purposes, and can be perennial or annual with leaf shape distinctly diverse across the genus. However, the most commonly cultivated lavender variety is Lavandula angustifolia (formerly named L. officinalis). I believe this common lavender is also sometimes referred to as English, Common English, or Old English.
Care
Lavenders grow best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravel soil in the sun. All types of lavender require little or no fertiliser and good air circulation - so take note of that if you wish to grow indoors!
Uses
- Lavender Oil - antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory. The oil is also used for the fragrance, in bubble bath for example.
- Condiment - in salads and dressings.
- Monofloral Honey - produced in the Mediterranean from lavender because of it's nectar that bees love.
- Cooking - The dried buds of lavender are used to infuse a floral and slightly sweet flavour to most dishes, but usually cakes and/or sweets.
- Aromatherapy - used commonly along with Chamomile to help relax and soothe.
WARNING: Always check that anything you create is safe to consume or use! I cannot stress this enough. Wikipedia and/or a herbal database will be invaluable for checking.
Where to Buy
Seeds
Unwins: Lavender (various varieties)
Plants
Lavender World: Lavender (various varieties)
Unwins: Lavender (various varieties)
