So grateful to friends who have given me glorious bunches of lavender over the years. Apparently it grows easy enough for others. I confess to have limited success growing this, one of my favourite plant allies! Here's Lavender 101 ~ my favourite ideas for WHY you want to get to know this special ally!
Traditional herbalists view lavender (lavandula spp) as an integral part of the herbal apothecary. Personally, I use it often in formulae for my family, friends and clients.
We use the "herb", which means the top of the above ground parts of the plant. In Ontario, we harvest lavender in late June to mid July ~ at the beginning to the middle of the flowering period when a good percentage of the flowers are open. I use the gifts of lavender in many forms ~ tincture, tea, glycerite, salves, bath salts, refreshing lemonades, herbal honey, harvest vinegars, culinary blends.
It's a long list and here's WHY:
Lavender Herbal Medicine Highlights:
Check herbal glossary under here if you need clarification. These attributes are just highlights ~ there are many more!
- Anti-depressant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anxiolytic
- Carminative
- Nervine
- Relaxant
- Vulnerary
Lavender, is a master healing plant. It has analgesic qualities so can help with pain relief. It is very helpful in formula as support for the digestive system, urinary system, cardiovascular system as well as it's obvious use in nervous system tonic formulae. It's also what we call "amphoteric" which is quite amazing.. Lavender knows what we need. If we need to be uplifted, the powers of lavender flowers can uplift us. If we need to be tranquil, peace-filled or simply calm, the gifts of lavender flowers can soothe us.
Lavender Herbal Medicine:
In herbal medicine clinic, I find lavender tincture an excellent ally for nervous system conditions such as anxiety, depression or when help dealing with stressful situations is indicated.
Lavender is an effective herb in cases of bloating or gas ~ pretty well any digestive system issues.
Lavender is a super addition to a 'sleep formula' and very soothing in a tea blend for the insomnia.
Lavender offers the gift of soothing a migraine or a tension headache.
Lavender is very specific to treat acute issues of the gallbladder, bile duct, and can be an effective part of a formula to diminish gall stones.
NOTE: Lavender is most effective when used in formulae, in conjunction with other allies. Lavender, as gentle as she is, should not be used in pregnancy ~ at least that is my own experience.
Whichever way you find you can include lavender in your own life ~ it's sure to be a joyful experience! If you have a local source for 'lady lavender', that's a good place to start. If you'd like a good quality online source, Mountain Rose Herbs offers lavender flowers 'by mail'!
Want some ideas? Here's an easy remedy to make and have on hand for winter! It's a family favourite! Here.
Mmmm..
Here's a recipe for lavender brownies!!
Please leave a comment and tell me how you use this glorious gorgeous herbal ally, and ask questions, if there are any. I will be pleased to answer them if I can.
Until next time, enjoy lavender whenever you can + stay tuned for more lavender love... Carol xo
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