Lovely Lavender

Lavender is one of the easiest to grow and most versatile plants we can have in our garden. Not only is it attractive and beautifully perfumed, it has multiple applications.

The name Lavender comes from a Latin word meaning ‘To Wash.’ The ancient Romans used to use lavender bushes for airing or drying clothes. It has long been used to stimulate the senses and to relax and revive.



There are so many other uses for lavender. Here are just a few:

- Lavender has been used since at least the seventeenth century in bath oils. Combined with other oils such as lemon balm and peppermint it is a perfect relaxant.



- Simply inhaling the scent of lavender has a calming effect.

- Lavender taken as a tea or iced tea relaxes the muscles and aids digestion. An easy recipe is to boil four cups of water and pour into a teapot. Add a tablespoon of fresh lavender flowers to a tea ball and steep in the teapot for about ten minutes. You can add honey for sweetness.



- Lavender can also be used in soaps and shampoos. Here’s an easy shampoo that can be made up as needed: Pour 2 cups water, 2 Tablespoons of baking soda, 2 Tablespoons of corn starch and 15 drops lavender oil – in that order – into a suitable container. Shake before use.

- For restless children, a bath scented with a couple of drops of lavender, or in a diffuser in their room can help them settle.

- Cakes and biscuits can also be made with lavender as an ingredient. You can find recipes on the net.

- A refreshing lemonade can be made by combining lemon juice, water, lavender flowers and sugar.

- Perfumes and room deodorisers can also be made from lavender.



- There are a number of ways that lavender can be used medicinally that include applying to bee stings, cold sores, dandruff and dry skin.

As you can see, lavender ticks all the boxes: Attractive, easy to grow, smells wonderful and can be used in so many ways.


#_wellbeing
#_mood
#_relaxation
#_healing
#_health
#_calm
#_aromatherapy

%selfavenue