Lavender
Family Name: Mint
Family Name: Lamiaceae / Labiatae
Latin Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Genus name derived from the Latin lavare which means to wash. Also referred to as Lavandula officinalis and Lavandula vera ( 4:16 ).
Common Names: True lavender; English lavender.
Related Species: L. latifolia has a very high oil content and thus produces the cheapest oil which is mainly used for soaps. L. intermedia , an angustifolia and latifolia hybrid producing medium quality oil, is both naturally occurring and cultivated.
L. stoechas produces oil as well, but its oil is highly neurotoxic most severely to babies and young children. Pregnant women should avoid oil from this particular species, since it can lead to spontaneous abortion of the fetus (7:2).
Body System Affiliations:
1. Nervous system
2. Skin
Botanical Description:
Habit: Perennial herb with a moderate to slow growth rate; shrub.
Size: 12-24” H x 12-18” W
Arrangement: Opposite or whorled.
Leaves: Silvery, gray-green foliage; linear or lanceolate; pubescent; aromatic
Flowers: Lavender, purple, or white; ¼-½” long in groupings of 6-10; blooms June to July; aromatic; tubular. The highest concentration of oils is found within the seed case, or calyx (4:2).
Stems: Square.
Ecology:
Habitat: Climate of warm, dry summers and mild winters.
Range: Zone 5-9
Native Where: Occurs naturally from the Mediterranean through the Middle East and into India (2:512).
Ecological Relationships: Used in the garden, lavender bushes may act as repellent for ticks, flies, slugs, and millipedes ( 3:35 ). Planted with vegetables, they support populations of beneficial insects (1:177). Friendly lady bugs often choose lavender as their winter home, but watch out for rascally rabbits who love to dig up transplants ( 6:18 ).
Propagation:
Technique: Five weeks of cold stratification is needed prior to germinating seed in spring. In summer, stem cuttings can be taken from non-flowering side shoots. Cuttings produce the best results for propagation since seeds may not produce a plant identical to the parent plant (1:174). Choose hardwood over soft wood cuttings for more reliable results. During autumn, plants can be dug, divided, and transplanted. Layering is another fine way to enjoy increased numbers of plantings. By mounding the soil over a lower stem, a new plant will root from the parent in approximately six months. Cut rooted stem from parent and transplant into a permanent location.
Site: Full sun to light shade, too much shade will not be tolerated.
Soil: Light, well-drained; ideally limey soil; neutral pH or slightly alkaline best. Will also thrive in acidic, moist areas. Roots rot in wet areas.
Timing: As soon as the cutting has rooted, it is very important to transplant it so the young plant does not rot.
Maintenance: Pinching the first year's growth will promote a bushier plant. Pruning can be done in autumn or in early spring. Established plants can be cut back to just above three leaves or leaf nodes from the bottom of the stem, and it is recommended to take from ? to ½ of growth annually (6:4). However, it is also cautioned that cutting too far down into older wood may cause eventual death.
Pests and disease: Caterpillars, root-knot nematode, leaf spot, root rot; seldom pose serious problems (7:1). Humid, shady conditions may encourage powdery mildew ( 4:23 ).
Lifespan: Less than ten years ( 5:14 ).
Harvest:
Plant Part: Flower stalks
Season of Harvest: Gather stems just as the flowers are opening in summer.
Timing of Harvest: Dry weather in late July to early August is best. Rain at harvest can be a disaster, since damp florets turn brown and drop during the drying process ( 3:36 ). Early morning or late evening is optimal. Store out of direct sunlight, or oil may be expelled from cuttings.
Method of Harvest: Dry bundles of flower stems hanging upside down in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Stems can also be dried on open trays. After stripping stems of leaves and flowers, dried stems can be burned as incense.
Ecological Considerations of Harvest: Older lavender plants should not be added to a compost pile. The high content of oil will slow the composting process ( 4:24 ).
Culinary:
Parts used: Leaves/flowers added for flavor used either fresh or dry.
Dishes: Mainly used in sweet recipes such as icings, cookies, and jams; vinegars; ice cream; vinegars; stews. Can be used as a substitute for rosemary.
Materials/Technology:
History: The Greeks and Romans have added lavender to their baths. Individuals in the Middle Ages have simmered lavender to cover offensive smells from home and street (7:1).
Crafts: Today, lavender is used to make sachets and pillows, dried flower displays and wreaths, along with oils, soaps, and candles. Sachets made with dried lavender flowers not only scent drawers but also repel moths. The stems can be used in basket weaving projects (8:1).
Medicine: Essential oil distilled from flower stalks.
Constituents: 180 different constituents “unduplicated by the chemistry of any other plant” (5:9). Linalool/linalyl acetate – highly fragrant (6:2).
External Applications
Medicinal Actions: Analgesic, antiseptic, mildly sedative.
Indications: Stinging or itchy bites; skin irritations and wounds; arthritic or rheumatic pain, aches and sprains. Speeds skin cell regeneration (7:1).
Preparations: Oil may be placed directly on skin. Lavender wash: Helps repel such nasty creatures such as lice, fleas, mosquitoes, and bedbugs (4:1).
Pharmacy: Place one drop on temple for headache.
Other: When added to messaging oils, lavender calms, helps with depression, and can aid in the healing of infections of the throat and sores of the skin (7:1).
Internal Applications
Medicinal Actions: Antibiotic; antiseptic; antidepressant; mild sedative. Cough suppressant, lower blood pressure ( 4:27 ).
Indications: Carsickness, insomnia, fevers, migraine, aids concentration by reducing the feeling of stress (4:2).
Pharmacy: Maximum dosage for one treatment is two drops.
Cautions: TOXIC - When ingesting the oil as a medicine, it is recommended that the maximum dosage for one treatment is two drops. More than this can be poisonous (4:27 & 9:1).
Medicine: Flowers and leaves
Applications: Fresh or dried
Medicinal Actions: Analgesic , antibiotic; antidepressant; mild sedative.
Indications: Headache; insomnia; nervousness; anxiety.
Preparation: Tea infusion; lavender water; steam inhalation; poultice.
Storage: Dry prior to storing for future use. Glass, air-tight containers work best when stored out of direct sunlight.
Cosmetic Application
Parts used: Essential oil and plant material.
Preparations: Soap and many other hygiene products; aroma therapy; giant industry of perfume.
Pharmacy: Apply to hairbrush prior to grooming ( 4:31 ).
Actions: Adds to hair's luster and fragrance.
Caution: When ingesting the oil as a medicine, it is recommended that the maximum dosage for one treatment is two drops. More than this can be poisonous. TOXIC
Personal Experience:
Materials/Technology: Located near the tub, my lavender Yankee Candle fills the room with one of my favorite scents.
Propagation:
Site Location: Working in my home office, I have germinated lavender from seeds planted in miniature greenhouses under artificial lights. The lights are attached to each shelf providing from above, light, and from below, heat.
Technique: I sow two seeds into each pre-moistened soil plug, cover with the lid, and blast them with light for twelve to fifteen hours a day. Encouraged by the warmth underneath the greenhouses, 90% of my seeds sown into the 18 to 24 plugs germinate within three weeks. Merely purchasing the available selection at Fred Meyer, I grow Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead'. One packet provides a plethora of dormant seeds preserved in a labeled, glass-covered tin stored in a cool, dark metal case.
Processing: Once the seedlings have produced three sets of true leaves, I gently transplant them into three inch peat pots and begin my pinching regiment of pinch top one to leave bottom two. After two months under lights, they are ready to be moved into the direct sunlight of my west facing living room window. Once the danger of frost has passed, my success rate has decreased to 50%, and those who remain are moved outside for hardening and planted in various beds.
Experience: One might expect to find many lush lavender plants in my garden, but sadly I have lost every one of them to watering issues. For my first year, I practiced a watering schedule that was undisciplined allowing the seedlings to completely dry up and wither their way to my compost pile. Last year, I watered them so much that I could wring out a peat pot like a sponge. Needless to say, they all rotted their way to my compost pile. My great plan for this season encourages a disciplined watering schedule encouraged by closely observing the needs of the plants rather than my need for convenience. Also, I am sowing them later in March instead of January in the hopes that they will have a chance to prosper outdoors before they get bored inside the house.
Reason/Purpose: Growing from seed and transplanting to the garden is an inexpensive method for propagating a variety of lavender specimens. My ultimate vision for them each year remains unedited. They are to create a drifting hedge surrounding my very young Lombardy poplars. By the time the trees grow into a dense shade, the lavenders will be ready to permanently retire to the burn pit. I wonder how a marshmallow tastes following its roasting over a lavender fire!
Applications: Dream pillow
Reason/Purpose: In February, my Evergreen class participated in a dream workshop. Our mission was to create a personal dream pillow that would enhance dreams and help the sleeper remember them after waking.
Preparation: I gathered all of the materials that I had available: a bowl and wooden spoon for mixing ingredients, fennel seed for filler, and fabric with needles, scissors, and threads. Using a back stitch, I secured three sides of my inverted satin pillow. The fabric was then turned inside out revealing a soft, smooth surface on which to lay may head. From the large sample table, I collected dried mugwart, rose buds, and lavender flowers and stirred them into the fennel seed. Moving next to the essential oil bottles, I transformed into a mad scientist adding eight drops of lavender oil, four drops of eucalyptus, three drops each of jasmine and wisteria, two drops each of gardenia and wintergreen, and finally one drop of peppermint oil. I thoroughly mixed my precious ingredients and carefully transferred them to my satin pouch. I painstakingly sewed the forth and final edge of fabric enclosing my cornucopia of fragrant materials. Once all tools were clean, I was done.
Pharmacy : Upon arriving to my bedroom, my dream pillow had to be positioned between the mattress and the box spring. Even in its concealed resting place, my entire room was filled with its heavenly scent. Since early March, the pillow has been moved to a more traditional location under my sleeping pillow.
Experience: I noticed a great difference in my dreams with its maiden voyage. Crisp images, vivid color, and clear content grabbed my attention immediately. In an unconscious body, my mind was aware of the pillow's role played during my enhanced dreaming experience. Some evenings, the aromatics are too strong for me, so I occasionally move my dream pillow to my bedside table for increased nasal distance.
Cautions based on experience: One's exuberance for essential oils should be balanced by a strong respect for their potency. A wise rule states less is more.
Other Notes of Interest: As there is a language of flowers, there is also a language of herbs. Giving lavender says to the recipient that you are devoted to that person (1:273).
Possible side effects: Trouble breathing with tightness in chest or throat; chest pain; skin hives; itchy or swollen skin; constipation; nausea; headache; vomiting; sleepiness (9:2).
Caution: When ingesting essential oil as a medicine, the maximum dosage for one treatment is two drops. A greater dosage can be toxic.
Work Cited:
1. Burnie, Geoffrey (Editor). The Little Guides Herbs . San Francisco , California : Fog
City Press, 2000.
2. Cheers, Gordon (publisher). Botanica . Milsons Point , Australia : Mynah an imprint of
Random House Australia Pty Ltd, 1999.
3. Evelegh, Tessa. Lavender: Practical Inspirations for Natural Gifts, Country Crafts, and
Decorative Displays . New York : Anness Publishing Limited, 1996.
4. French, Jackie. Book of Lavender . Pymble , Australia : CollinsAngus and Robertson
Publishers, 1993.
5. Kourik, Robert. The Lavender Garden : Beautiful Varieties to Grow and Gather .
San Francisco , California : Chronicle Books, 1998.
6. McNaughton , Virginia . Lavender: The Growers Guide . Portland , Oregon : Timber
Press, 2000.
7. Perry, Leonard Dr. Lavandula . University of Vermont website. Online at
8. Unknown author. Gardenguides website. Online at http://www.gardenguides.com .
Last updated 2002. Visited 2-10-2006.
9. Unknown author. Healthtouch Online website. Online at
http://wwwlhealthtouch.com . Last updated 2006. Visited 2-5-2006.
Copied Print:
Lavandula angustifolia
Copied from online source www.gfmer.ch/.../ Lavandula_angustifolia.htm on 2-27-06.
Original drawing:
Flower Power
Many moons ago in an ancient time, there lived the First Peoples of the Purple Ocean. Nestled on the forested slopes of a solitary peak, the people of this rich land lived a simple, secluded life in their villages on Mount Laven. Farmers of medicinal plants, the peaceful people were the healthiest in all the land. They grew everything they needed to sustain their communities throughout their mild seasons: plants for clothing and shelter, plants for food, and plants for medicine making.
During the day, the children of Laven went to school while their parents nurtured the village crops. One day, a young girl asked, “Why don't we ever get any visitors to our village?”
The teacher thought for a moment and then answered the child, “Maybe today we should put away our books and go on a field trip. Everyone, put down your pencils and assemble outside.”
The children gathered for their unexpected adventure. “Where are we going?” asked a curious boy as they walked away from the school house.
“We are going to Vista Park for a peek from the peak and talk about the plants in the valleys,” explained the teacher.
When the group arrived, the children gazed downward to the dry purple meadows blanketing the valleys encircling the mountain like a moat protecting a fortress. The teacher observed her students appreciating the amazing sight and asked, “Who can identify the purple flowing plant growing freely in the meadows?”
“Is it Lavender?” replied a youngster, “our land's official flower?”
“Yes, it is. Our mountain was named in honor of the lavender that grows keeping us safe and healthy. The plants share their leaves and flowers with us to use in food and medicines. In the hot sun, they release subtle clouds of aromatic oils filling the air with an intoxicating fragrance promoting peace and serenity.”
“But what about the visitors?” asked the girl, reminding the teacher of the question that spurred this little outing.
“Right, visitors,” said the teacher. “They cannot cross the valleys bordering our beloved mountain. The distance is too great for them to cross without drowning in the heavy aromas released as their legs rub against the lavender's foliage. The depth of the meadows poses a danger to foreigners, and they refer to the lavender fields in bloom as oceans of purple doom.”
The teacher continued to tell the story of a great sickness carried by biting lice, fleas, and ticks that descended upon the lands and made people very ill, but no one in Laven showed any symptoms of the disease. The Elders gathered to discuss the village's immunity and to devise a plan to help the distant communities. One wise man wondered if the lavender was protecting the villagers from the plague by repelling invaders from the body like visitors from the mountain.
At once, all of the villagers organized an urgent harvest of the lavender flower stalks. They worked day and night to produce the concoctions necessary to return health to the land. Finally, the adults ventured from Mount Laven and crossed the lavender meadows to disperse their goods to the sick people in surrounding towns. Given to the towns were sachets to fragrance clothing, perfumes and soups to scent and clean skin and hair, and dried lavender flowers for a tea to cleanse the body and potpourri to ease the mind.
Soon, the people were well again and happier than they had ever been. They thanked the First Peoples of the Purple Ocean by hosting a huge festival in honor of their new friends. Each year, villagers from Laven have crossed their oceans of lavender bringing with them the bounty gathered during their late summer's harvest. They join the towns' peoples for celebration and preparation of the treasured remedies and repellents that have ensured their good health. Together, they have been blessed by the powers lavender.
