Information on Lavender Flowers

Rich History

• We have known and used the herb lavender for more than 2,000 years. It may have been domesticated by Arabians in BC 600, but it spread across Europe. Ancient Egyptians used lavender oil pressed from the flowers for mummification and as perfume. Romans bathed in water scented with lavender flowers and the herb takes its name from the Latin ?lavo,? which means to wash.

  In the 17th century, lavender plants made the crossing to America. At the same time, England got its first sniff of the herb with flowers that delighted the senses of royalty and commoner alike.

In the Kitchen

• Lavender flowers and leaves add memorable flavor to food. Use the flowers and leaves fresh and buds and stems dried. Lavender flowers combine well with rosemary, sage, oregano or savory. English Lavender (l. angustifolia and munstead), with its light citrus flavor and sweet floral notes, is commonly used in the kitchen.

  Lavender has a sweet, floral flavor, with lemon and citrus notes. Because the flower's strength increases when dried, use 1 part dried flowers to 2 parts fresh. It's important to experiment with lavender in your recipes. Begin with small quantities and add more after tasting because too much lavender will cause the dish to be bitter.

  Sprinkle lavender flowers over a salad for color or replace rosemary with it in bread recipes. Cakes and small pastries adorned with lavender flowers make a nice addition to the tea table.

  Do not eat any part of a lavender plant from a florist because these plants have been sprayed with chemical and are not food grade.

Healing Herb

• Taken internally, lavender may help relieve stress and anxiety. It's also been known to soothe headaches, colds and flatulence. In Germany, lavender flowers are approved for use in tea to help with insomnia and soothe stomach irritation caused by nervousness. In some cases, inhaling the steam of 2 cups of water and 2 drops of lavender essential oil can relieve headaches, depression, or insomnia.

  Lavender oil at full strength is one of the safest essential oils for use on your skin. Rubbed gently on the temples, the essential oil reduces headache pain. Apply directly to your skin for stings, rashes, blisters and bruises.

Personal and Beauty Care

• Since ancient times, lavender flowers and the oil pressed from them have scented soap, baths and perfume. Lavender was the delight of England's Queen Victoria. It scented every room of her royal homes and made an essential posy for the queen to carry so she never had to be without her ?signature fragrance.?

  Today, we scent our homes with lavender oil and sprinkle dried lavender flowers in linen closets and dresser drawers. Mildly astringent, lavender is an integral part of beauty regimens where women use its oil for hair care, skin care and bathing.

Relax With Lavender

• The soothing scent of lavender has captured the attention of the scientific world. Evidence shows that aromatherapy using lavender flowers and oil slows the nervous system and helps promote restful sleep. The scent of lavender can improve your mood and relieve anxiety. Some studies have found that lavender used in aromatherapy may reduce agitation in patients suffering from dementia. Used to fill sachets and pillows, lavender flowers scent a room to help with relaxation.