Herbal Wisdom

Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly,

Lavender’s green.

When I am queen, dilly, dilly,

You shall be king.

Who told me so, dilly, dilly,

Who told me so,

‘Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly,

That told me so.

- Author Unknown

When my children were babies, I used to sing them to sleep with this song. Now that they are older I use real lavender to calm and relax them and myself.

One of the loveliest plants in the herb garden, lending a cool violet-blue shade to summer, Lavender is most highly valued for its fragrance; and no herb garden is complete without this calming, soothing, most fragrant of herbs.

Lavender is a shrubby perennial that grows in zones 5-8. It grows about 2-4 feet tall. The most well known varieties are lavender in color, but pink, white, bluish and dark purple varieties are also available. It prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun, but even in my rocky hilltop garden, with its nutrient-deficient soil, it grows well. It has been said that growing lavender will attract elves. Some believe that smelling lavender or carrying lavender with you, will help you see ghosts.

Seeds do not reliably produce identical plants, so it’s best to start by buying plants. Once a plant is established, cuttings can be taken in the Spring and Fall from the side shoots, to start new plants. Lavender also does well in pots. Harvest the flower spikes just as they are beginning to open, during dry weather. Tie them into loose bundles and hang them upside-down to dry. Keep them away from sunlight and in a dry, well-ventilated, dust free area. They can be dried in an oven or carefully in a microwave, but those methods do not preserve the essential oil as well. When the bunches are dry, you may use them for dried floral arrangements or strip off the flowers and store them in a dark, dry location. Although French lavender is quite lovely, English lavender produces higher quality oil. The Spanish or Italian lavenders produce more oil, but of a lesser quality.

There are records of its use as far back as 2,500 years ago. The word lavender comes from the Latin lavare “to wash”. The Greeks and Romans sprinkled it in their baths to perfume the water and for therapeutic value. In ancient Europe lavender was used for purification rituals. In North Africa, women used it to prevent being mistreated by their husbands. In medieval times lavender was strewn on floors to repel odors and insects. Making sachets and placing them in drawers can help repel moths.

The most well known use of lavender in cooking is in the famous herb mix, “Herbs de Provence”, a mixture of dried Mediterranean herbs for cooking. It may be made of several different herbs, but must include lavender. As with cooking of all herbs, make sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.

Try tossing in a sprig of lavender when making simple syrup. It is exquisite on strawberries and melons. … And lavender can make lemonade extraordinary.

Try this elegant dessert the next time you entertain.

LAVENDER SORBET - Serves 4

* 2 cups water * 6 heads of lavender * 1 cup sugar * Juice of 1/2 lemon * optional: lavender flowers to garnish * optional: 2 tbs. vodka * (see below)

Put one cup of water into a medium sized saucepan. Over medium heat, add the sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the lavender flowers. Continue stirring and bring to a boil. Add the lemon, cover the pan and allow to cool. Strain the liquid through a sieve. Add the remaining water and the vodka if using it.

* Using a little alcohol helps keep the sorbet soft, as alcohol does not freeze. If you have an ice-cream maker, proceed according to manufacturer’s directions. If you do not wish to use an ice-cream maker, pour into a large shallow container and place in the freezer. When it begins to freeze, mash it with a fork and put it back in the freezer. Mash it again after about an hour and return to freezer. When the mixture is frozen, take it out and process in a food processor or blender until smooth. Serve at once or cover and put it back in the freezer until you are ready to serve. Garnish with flowers if desired.

Historically lavender has been used to arouse sexual desire in men. Lavender has also been reputed to be an aphrodisiac and is a major component in many love spells. In fact, prostitutes once wore it to advertise their trade. And I bet you just thought it was an ‘old aunt’ perfume! Just carrying a sprig of lavender is said to help attract a mate. How about thinking about bringing love into your life or self-love into your life while making these bath bombs? Just watch the power of your intent unfold!

LAVENDER BATH BOMBS

Make these on a dry day. It is very important that everything is dry, or else you may start things a-fizzin’ too early!

* 1 cup baking soda * ½ cup citric acid * ½ cup cornstarch * 15 drops lavender essential oil * Dried lavender flowers (optional) * Witch hazel (put in a spray bottle)

Mix all the dry ingredients very well. Add the 15 drops lavender oil and the citric acid. Spray a few sprays of witch hazel and mix well with your hands. Keep spraying while you mix until the mixture sticks together. As soon as it sticks, press the mixture into candy molds, cookie molds, ice cube trays or use your hands or a melon-baller and form into one inch balls. Tap the bombs out of the trays immediately, and place on wax paper to dry for 1 to 2 days. Then they are ready to use! Just drop one or three into your bath and enjoy.

Linens were once placed over lavender plants to dry and absorb the scent. Here’s a more contemporary method to gain the same fresh smelling effects.

LINEN SPRAY

* 12 oz. distilled water * 3 drops rosemary or peppermint. * 1 oz. 80 (or more) proof vodka * ½ teaspoon lavender essential oil

Place in a spray bottle and shake well before using. May be sprayed before ironing or directly on sheets to freshen. (test on corner of fabric before applying)

EASY LAVENDER BATH

Place a small handful of dried lavender in a square of cheesecloth or muslin. Gather up the ends and tie with a string. Toss the bag in your bath or tie to the faucet, allowing the water to run over it. As lavender is reputed to stimulate the emotions and the mind, it is believed it can help change our way of thinking. A lavender bath would be a great place to allow yourself to relax and visualize yourself as happy and peaceful.

I make a warm lavender lotion for my children. It calms them right down and they love the scent. It’s especially nice after a bath.

WARM LAVENDER LOTION

Heat just to melting, a couple of ounces of coconut oil. Then add a drop or two of lavender. Stir and test the temperature before using. By using a microwave safe lidded jar, the unused portion may be easily stored for later use. (Be sure to leave the lid off when you microwave.)

Burning a lavender scented candle or using lavender essential oil in a defuser can help with a headache. A drop or two on a pillow also works very well, not only for a headache but to help you relax and fall asleep.

LAVENDER DREAM PILLOW

Here’s a simple project to make and enjoy at the end of your day. Lavender helps with anxiety and sleeplessness, so it is the perfect choice of herb to use in a dream pillow. Using two small squares of fabric, put the outsides together and sew around three sides. Turn inside out so that the outsides are now shown. Stuff with lavender and hand-stitch the remaining side.

* For peaceful sleep and balance use white or silver cloth. * For gentle sleep with healing use green cloth. * To help you remember your dreams, use dark blue cloth. * To receive ‘messages’ from your dreams use lavender or purple cloth.

Sweet dreams!

Disclaimer: Please consult with a qualified health care professional before using any herbs for medical use.

By Victoria Betson