Lavandula/Lavender. Home Remedies

Lavandula (lavender) is a genus of about 25 aromatic evergreen perennial shrubs, and are among the most popular plants for herb gardens because of their subtle colouring and delightful fragrance. They can be found naturally throughout the Mediterranean region, and are now widely cultivated throughout the world.

Lavandula augustifolia, (formerly L.officinalis) commonly called English lavender, although it's common name is not strictly correct as it was introduced to England by the Romans, is used for medicinal purposes along with L.dentata, L.latifolia, L.multifida and L.stoechas. All the other types of lavender are mainly used for either essential oils, or dried for potpourris and scented products.

Traditionally in ancient Persia, Greece and Rome, lavender was used as a disinfectant for sick rooms and hospitals. It's reputation as an antiseptic spread from the Mediterranean region to India and later to Tibet. In both these regions lavender further gained a reputation for helping to suppress anxiety and clear the mind. In India, they found that lavender was very useful for the treatment of depression associated with digestive dysfunction, and in Tibet, they still use it for the treatment of mental illness.

Lavandula was commonly grown in monasteries during the Middle ages and was used for cuts, insect bites and stings, coughs and colds, chest infections, rheumatism, insomnia, depression, headaches and flatulence. It is still used today in much the same way.

In ancient times lavender was said to avert the 'evil eye'. In medieval England, peddlers hawked lavender as a charm against evil. Even today gypsies carry on this tradition. Crosses made of lavender were often hung on doors to ward off evil spirits.
The plant was also purported to invoke ecstasy and constance in love. It was believed that sprinkling lavender water on someone's head would keep him or her chaste. Young maidens would sip lavender dew on Saint Luke's day and at the same time chant the Saint's name, so that they would see their true love in a dream. Spouses would place sprigs of lavender between the bedsheets so that they would never quarrel.

Normally Lavandula is propagated from cuttings taken from the side shoots of mature plants in mid to late summer. The plant needs well drained soil and plenty of sun. The flowers are harvested in summer just as they begin to open, as this is when the plant produces it's highest levels of volatile oils. The flowers are used fresh for the production of essential oils and dried for infusions, tinctures and other preparations.

Preparations:

Ointments and creams
Tea Infusion - For indigestion; 1/2 cup twice a day.
Tincture - For insomnia; 1/2-1tsp with water at night.
Essential oil - For headaches; combine 20 drops with 20ml carrier oil, such as almond oil, and massage into temples.

The key actions of Lavendula are carmative, relieves muscle spasms, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, stimulates blood flow and antioxidant.

Lavender Antibacterial Spray

This spray smells wonderful and can double as a disinfectant and air freshener. It’s perfect for garbage cans.
1 cup warm water
25 drops lavender essential oil

Combine water and oil in a spray bottle and shake well to blend. To use, spray into the air or onto the surface you’re disinfecting.