Lavender

Lavender is one of the most versatile herbs around. It has many different types and varieties in its family and they all their own unique coloring, fragrances, growth patterns and so forth. Though there are many hybrids and cross varieties as well the most popular is the simple common lavender and it is grown and used the most widely. Lavender is a great addition to gardens and works wonderfully in flower arrangements or potpourri. They are beautiful and long lasting when dried and pressed and they are also often kept in pouches and place d between items of packed clothing to deter moths. Because of this lavender is wonderful to decorate with and it makes for beautiful flower pieces in and around a home. It’s also commonly used as wedding confetti and as a fragrance for linens in drawers.

Lavender is also commonly used in culinary uses and it’s very popular to find honey and even ice cream that has been flavored or instilled with lavender in some way. It does well as a caked decoration or if its flowers are candied and it’s also common to find it flavoring baked goods and desserts as well as in an herbal tea. There are many people who also make scones and marshmallows that are lavender flavored as well as a syrup from france that is extremely popular.

When it comes to medicinal use lavender is very popular and very effective at taking care of many different conditions. Lavender is often use to deal with things like sore throats, headaches, insomnia, the flu, colds, and other similar illnesses because it is antiseptic and also anti-inflammatory. It very effective as a cleaning agent and was even used in hospitals in world war one to clean the walls and floors. Lavender also aids sleep and relaxation and can even heal insect bites as well as deter further ones. It is said that a bunch of lavender can keep a whole swarm of insects away. Lavender also provides a lovely essential oil that has a sweet fragrance to it which is often used in balms, cosmetics, fragrances, salves, balms, and other topical applications. Lavender can also be effective if applied to the temples of the face to sooth headaches, and if placed in pillows lavender can aid sleep and relaxation. Lavender in baths is very good for soothing and relaxing just before bed time and it can also heal acne when diluted with water and witch hazel. It’s also very good for skin burns and other inflammations. It is important however to use caution when taking remedies that include lavender as it can be a very powerful allergen and it shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. The oil can also mimic estrogen so men should be careful about using it.

Lavender has many uses across all sorts of areas and it’s a very useful herb to either grow or to keep on hand in your house. It can be used on short notice to cure a lot of different things, to freshen your home up, to flavor or decorate a cake, and many more things. Get creative and see what fun ways you can use your lavender.