The Pagan Heart
Callum's Herbaria

January-February 2006 Issue
   

Herbs Under Scrutiny: Lavender - "From Garden to Brothel"

By Jill Bentley

When picking out plants to landscape my yard, lavender seemed a natural choice. (I learned later that by planting it around your home you can keep away bad luck and evil spirits). Not only is lavender a beautiful plant with unusual purple, white, or pink flowers, it is drought tolerant (great for CA), hardy (great for brown thumbs), and fragrant (great for people that own dogs that are continuous poop machines - mine seems to poop more then most). But lavender is much more than just a plant that protects my dog's dignity; it is a powerful herb with magical and healing properties backed by history and legend and still used extensively. Seeing that it's springtime, or nearly so, its association with cleaning, new growth, and love makes lavender a perfect herb for this time of the year.

Today, most might see lavender as just a fragrance for potpourri, perfumes, lotions, and oils, but throughout history this has been its least impressive quality. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean mountains and grows best in southern Europe, Australia, and the USA. The flowers are the most often used, as this is where the essential oil is extracted from. As an understated perennial herb of the mint family it is not only popular in my garden (and others) but one of the most popular herbs used in the commercial industry. In fact, in 1999 the International Herb Association named it "Herb of the Year."

The history of lavender is quite detailed so I'm just going to hit the high points but if you wish for more in-depth look at how lavender evolved through the ages go to Lavender Enchantment.

The name "lavender" comes from the Latin word lavare, or 'to wash'. This is believed to come from the Romans and their use of it in their baths to purify the body and spirit. Later the Romans brought lavender to Britain and by the late 1800's lavenders were washerwomen and lavatories were the stone-floored rooms used for washing clothing. Even before the Romans, early Egyptians wrapped their dead in lavender-dipped shrouds and the Greeks were the first to use it to counter insomnia (clinical studies prove they were on the right track) and insanity. By the Middle Ages there are records of it being used in medical practices, especially as a plague remedy. By the Renaissance the plant itself become widely used as ornamental hedges in gardens. By the Victorian era lavender was used in polishes and soaps. By WW1 it had become in use as an antiseptic, healer promoter for wounds and burns. Today lavender seemed to be found in everything from lotions and cleaning productions to herbal supplements and oils.

Lavender's documented history does not come close to it colorful legends. It was once believed that where lavender grows, fairies or elven folk gather and can bring healing and protection. For this reason it is sometimes called Elf Leaf. Lavender has long been associated with love and lust, its fragrance considered a magical drug. Scott Cunningham describes its power in his book Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs: "The scent of lavender particularly attracts men, and lavender water or the essential oil was worn by prostitutes several centuries ago to both advertise their profession as well as to attract (through magic) customers." Later he explains that the fragrance is so powerful that "the odor of lavender is conductive to long life, and so should be smelled as often as possible if this is a concern." On the flip side it was also used to protect a young girl's chastity from dishonorable intentions. Also there is a legend that lavender came from Eden, introduced into the mortal world by Adam and Eve when they were banished. The legend I enjoyed the most was the belief that "spouses who place lavender flowers between their bed sheets will never quarrel." Not far from this assertion I learned that the plant was also considered an aphrodisiac. I wonder if there is a connection.

Lavender seems to have concentrated magical properties, focusing on the heart. It has calming and relaxing effects and is used to promote peace and love by imparting positivity, stabilizing moods, and increasing mental capacity. It is a strong protectant against the evil eye and other negativity as well as purifiying for the mind, soul, and body. In other words try to sprinkle a little in every time you take a bath. Not only will you live longer but you will be a more relaxed and happy person.

Lavender's medical uses are just as impressive. As already stated it is clinically proven to help insomnia with its sedative effects. It slows the activity of the nervous system and makes you relax. I like to use a frozen bag of rice, lavender, and other aromatic herbs on my head when I have a migraine. I find the strong, fresh sent helps while my meds are trying to kick in. Lavender is used to treat headaches, nervous disorders, exhaustion, nausea, skin ailments, wounds, burns, eczema, acne, circulatory disorders, and rheumatic. It can detoxify and boost the immune system. I did find a reference that some individuals can be allergic to lavender and that pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it. So just like any other substance you put on or in your body be aware of the effect to yourself.

I never realized how extensive our use of lavender was, myself included, until I started this article. I would say that lavender is well on its way of taking over the world. So while doing your spring-cleaning this year of either your home or your life don't forget the most important ingredient - Lavender. With that thought, I will leave you.

Below you will see two simple recipes using lavender that you can easily try at home (both come from Herbal Teas where there are plenty more to try):
   

Lavender Tea
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 heaping teaspoon dried lavender flowers. Cover and let steep 3-5 min. Strain and serve. Sweeten with honey, if desired.
   

Lavender Lemonade
Heat 1.5 cups water to boiling, adding 1/4 cup dried lavender blossoms (or 1/2 cup fresh); let steep 20 min. Strain flowers, reserving tea. Let cool. Prepare a 12-ounce can of frozen pink lemonade per directions (on can) using the lavender tea as part of the water. Mix well, and chill. Sweeten with sugar to taste.