Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.
Where does most lavender come from?
Today, lavender is cultivated commercially in France, England, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada, to name a few. The South of France, in Provence, lavender blooms in late June and fills the countryside markets with the wonderful fragrance.
Does lavender grow naturally?
Lavender’s native habitat is the area around the Mediterranean Sea which has dry, chalky/rocky ground, so it thrives on hot, dry, rocky, or sandy soil. Good drainage is a must – too much rain and it drowns. Some people have great success growing the hybrid Lavandula x-intermedia, var.
Can lavender be poisonous?
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
What was lavender used for in the Bible?
The biblical meaning of lavender symbolizes purity, devotion, and love; that’s why lavender is referenced more than a hundred times in the Bible by the name of nard or spikenard by Hebrews. The Hebrew meaning of lavender is the flower that was used as an offering in the Jerusalem temple.
Can you smoke lavender?
It is possible to smoke lavender in a similar way to tobacco. People can grind dried lavender into small, smokable pieces and roll it into cigarettes, either on its own or blended with other plants. It is possible to add it to tobacco, cannabis, or other herbs.
Can you eat lavender?
Though most lavender is technically safe to eat, culinary lavender is typically cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants (commonly known as English or “true” lavender) and has a lot less oil than the aromatic lavender used in perfumes or soaps.
What state does lavender grow best?
Hardy lavender varieties thrive in Colorado’s USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7. Lavender grows best in full sun and slightly alkaline soils, which makes it a perfect plant for Colorado.
Why does lavender make you sleepy?
Lavender works as an anxiolytic (an anxiety reliever) and as a sedative, to increase relaxation and calm, and help bring about sleep. Lavender interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA to help quiet the brain and nervous system activity, reducing agitation, anger, aggression, and restlessness.
Do dogs like lavender?
Since dogs have a very good sense of smell, the lavender oil should always be diluted, otherwise, it is too potent for any dog to enjoy. Although most dogs seem indifferent to the aromatic smell of lavender, some dogs appear to actually like it a lot even though it is quite rare.
Can you drink lavender?
To make lavender tea, you can steep store-bought tea bags in hot water or brew your own. Pour 1 cup (250 mL) of water over 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender buds, and let it steep for a few minutes. As with most herbal teas, there are some precautions to consider with lavender tea.
What oils did Jesus use?
According to his account, the holy apostles took from the spices that were used to anoint the body of Jesus Christ when he was buried, added pure olive oil to it, and prayed over it in Upper Zion, the first church where the Holy Spirit fell in the upper room.
Is lavender holy?
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used to prepare the Holy Essence and Nard, or ‘spikenard’ is mentioned in the bible in the ‘Song of Solomon’ among other places. Lavender derives its name from the Latin ‘lavare’ meaning ‘to wash”. The Romans used Lavender to scent their baths, beds, clothes and even hair.
What does a lavender symbolize?
Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury, too. The color is also associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity.
Can we drink lavender tea?
Drinking lavender tea is a great way to induce relaxation and unwind after a tough day. It’s packed with healthy compounds that can boost your immune system and alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. Drink lavender tea from flowers in your own garden or opt for pre-dried batches from your favorite tea seller.
Does lavender help anxiety?
Smoking lavender can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation by allowing certain terpenes to be absorbed into your bloodstream through smoke inhalation. One of the primary terpenes is linalool which helps the body to fight stress and also strengthens the immune system.
What can I do with lavender leaves?
6+ Uses for Lavender Leaves
- Infused Oil. You can make lavender oil from lavender leaves in the very same way that you make an infused oil with the flowers.
- Headache Salve.
- Bug Bite Itchy Sticks.
- Green Lavender Bath Soak.
- Infused Vinegar.
- Cooking with Lavender Leaves.
- 18 Comments.
Can lavender make you sick?
When taken by mouth: Lavender is commonly consumed in foods. It’s possibly safe when taken as medicine. Side effects might include constipation, diarrhea, and headache.
Does lavender have any health benefits?
Helps with mood, anxiety and depression: “Lavender is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, lift the mood and even lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Lin. “Research links lavender usage to less anxiety and depression.”
What medicine is lavender used in?
Other uses
Aromatherapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain.
Is lavender hard to grow?
Growing lavender is easy and rewarding. Lavender can be grown in garden beds or in pots. To grow lavender successfully it needs well-drained soil and full sun. In arid climates lavender grows well as a perennial, but in humid climates it is often grown as an annual.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.