Flora Friday - Lavender

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Hello all!! This week's Flora Friday is Lavender! 

Lavender (Lavandula) believe it or not, is part of the Mint family with 47 different species. I have determined the lavender pictured above to be English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as:

- True Lavender
- Dutch Lavender
- Garden Lavender
- Common Lavender
- Narrow-leaved Lavender

This lovely plant has been used for various things over the years due to it's lovely scent and many properties both medicinal and magical. 


Where to find

Lavender is native to Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean and southwest Asia to India. As this plant covers a large area, it's quite possible that you've seen some growing in a garden or on a woodland trail without realising it.


Edible Parts

Lavender is edible!! To dry the plant, it's best to harvest the lavender buds when they are still closed (best way to preserve essential oils), being sure to wait to pick on a dry day. Hang buds upside-down in bunches (secure with rubber bands to allow for shrinking stems as the plant dries out) in a dark place for two to three days to absorb all their moisture and then store in an airtight jar/container away from direct sunlight (otherwise their colour and fragrance will fade). The flowers can be eaten fresh (once cleaned), dried, or frozen from fresh. Tender leaves and stems can also be eaten. Lavender oil can also be used in cooking and dried lavender is often used in Herbs de Provence. A little goes a long way so only use a pinch and add more if needed.


Medicinal Uses

The flowers and leaves are used in herbal medicine. Lavender oil or a diffusion of herbal tea can alleviate symptoms such as anxiety and aid in falling asleep. Lavender essential oil, when properly diluted with a carrier oil, is commonly used as a relaxant in massage therapy. It's fragrance makes it a good candidate to help battle stress. The oil can also be used as an anti-inflammatory (great for headaches)!


Magical Uses

Lavender is used for:

- Protection
- Sleep
- Purification
- Happiness
- Peace

Lavender, both plant and oil, are good offerings to leave for deities.


Victorian Flower Language

In Victorian Flower Language, Lavender flowers denote purity, silence, devotion and caution/mistrust. They denote caution/mistrust because, depending on where they grow in hot/warm climate, poisonous/venomous animals (mainly snakes) like to hide in the plants.


I hope you've found this week's Flora Friday useful!! Look out for next week's instalment and tomorrow's Full Moon blog!!

This blog is for educational purposes only, consult local experts if you're unsure. Consult your doctor before trying home remedies.

Blessings,

C )0(


👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

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