Lavender Overview

Lavendula officianlae, L. vera

Folk Names:     Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike
Gender:            Masculine
Element:           Air
Planet:              Mercury
Zodiac:             Virgo, Gemini
Meaning:          Love, Devotion, Luck


Health Benefits: 
Lavender has been used to cure acne, anxiety, burns, colds, depression, headaches, hypertension, and insomnia.  


Attributes: 
Attracts love and romance, protects, brings luck, happiness, peace and restful sleep. And if that isn’t enough, it ensures a long life for those who regularly seek out its aroma.
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Uses:         

1. Make a tea and sweeten with honey for a restful night’s sleep.
2. Place lavender under your pillow to make a wish before going to sleep. 
3. Make a sleep pillow with lavender, catnip, chamomile, mint, rosemary and rose petals.
4. Rub lavender on your fore head to relive a headache. 
5. Rub fresh flowers on your arms and legs to repel mosquitos.
6. Rub fresh flowers on your pet to discourage fleas and ticks.
7. Make  lavender wands, lavender hearts, or tie flowers together to make sachets for your lingerie drawers or to scent and preserve heirloom garments or wedding gowns. The fragrance repels moths, silverfish and other insects. 
8. Add a Tablespoon of fresh lavender flowers  and a sprinkling of cinnamon to vanilla ice cream or your favorite sugar cookie recipe. 
9. Make a lavender syrup. Simmer 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 Tablespoons lavender flowers  for 15 minutes. Pour over fresh berries or use to flavor ice tea. 
10. Add  1 Tablespoon flowers to your favorite oil and vinegar salad dressing.
11. Make a sugar scrub to use after gardening. Mix together 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup oil, 10-15 drops lavender essential oil, 2 Tbsp dried lavender buds. 
12. Freshen your carpet by sprinkling lavender flowers on your rugs, wait for a couple of hours and then vacuum.