Description:- Perennial
- Hardy semi-woody plant that grows in a shrubby mound and bears highly aromatic silver-gray leaves on square stems.
- Deep, dark violet flowers appear in terminal spikes in summer.
- Needs full sun, loose well-drained soil pH 7 to 8.5 and little or no fertilization.
- Good cutting flower and perfect for edging in the garden.
- Prune after flowering to keep plants compact.
- Grosso is a major source of French lavender oil.
Culinary Uses:- Lavender lends a floral and slightly sweet flavor to most dishes.
- Fresh flower buds can be added to salads, jams, jellies and vinegar or can be candied and used to decorate cakes.
- Lavender flavors baked goods and desserts (it combines very well with chocolate) and can be used to make "lavender sugar".
- Leaves and flowers are infused to make herb tea on their own or can be blended with black, green or other herbal tea to add a fresh, relaxing scent and flavor.
Parts Used:- Leaves and flower buds.
- Pick throughout the growing season.
Medicinal Uses. It is said that:- The fresh/dried flowers contain the medicinal properties of Lavender and are antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive and anti-depressant.
- Internally:
- For stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, colds, digestion, flatulence, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder problems, nervousness, loss of appetite and as a breath freshener and mouthwash.
- Externally:
- Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used full-strength on the skin.
- Apply directly to cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, insect stings, rashes, muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, cold sores, canker sores, blisters, bruises, athlete's foot and rubb directly onto the temples - headache/migraine.
- Inhaling the essential oil will induce relaxation and sleep, ease symptoms of depression and reduce headache pain.
- To inhale:
- Boil 2 cups of water, add 2 drops of essential oil and inhale the steam.
Other Uses:- Use unsweetened lavender tea as a hair rinse to help reduce hair loss and dandruff.
- A few drops of oil dropped into warm bath water will refresh and relax.
- Stuff dried flowers in sleep/dream pillows, potpourris, sachets and tuck in drawers to freshen clothing and repel moths.
- Clean stripped stems can be burned like an incense stick and can be used in basket weaving.
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