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Lavender (Lavandula vera) came to us from the mountains around the western edge of the Mediterranean. Today it is cultivated throughout Europe, America and even in Australia, mainly for its fragrance and secondly as a medicine. Lavender was used by the ancient Romans to scent their baths, giving its name which is taken from the Latin "lavare", to wash. It is a favorite flower of bees and consequently a good source of honey. It wasn't cultivated in England until 1568 but quickly became very popular. A low-growing, shrubby plant, lavender reaches a height of about three feet tall, producing spikes of purple flowers throughout the summer. Although it has aromatic, carminative and nervine properties, it is rarely used internally today. The essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for calming the nerves and as a remedy for depression, faintness, shakiness or spasms. It can be applied to sores, burns, scalds, bruises, bites, and used as an antiseptic. Sachets of the flowers and leaves are kept in closets and drawers for a pleasant scent as well as to repel insects. In the garden: Lavender grows best with full sun in light soil that has excellent drainage. Plants should be planted about 12 inches apart. It is usually grown from cuttings or root division because seeds are difficult to germinate. Harvest the flowers early in day but after the dew has dried. To keep the plants going strong year after year, prune them annually right after they bloom. Precautions: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid lavender. Do not apply the oil to open wounds. References: A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M Grieve www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavendercareandtips.htm |
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Thyme Bay Laurel Mint Answers to Spring Equinox Quix Dandelion for Spring Tonic Fiddleheads Nettles for Spring Daffodil Quiz Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: THE SACRED OAK Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: VERVAIN Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: MARIGOLDS AND MAIDENS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08: THE CHARM OF IVY Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: GREEN WHEAT EARS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: FLAX BLOSSOMS Beltaine Treasure Hunt '08 - GARLIC Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: EGLANTINE Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Magical Fern Seeds Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: BOX SPRIGS Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: APPLE Holly Crocus Brighid's Imbolc Garden Beltaine '08 Treasure Hunt: Hawthorn Cure for Fairy Stroke Cure for ElfShot Cure for Flea Infestation Cure for Giggling Fits Hemorrhoid Remedy Flatulence Itching Love Spell Cure Warts & Carbuncles |
