Lavender

The name of this wonderful herb comes from the Romans who called it “lavender” from the Latin word “lavare” which means, “to wash.”

Down through the ages the anecdotal and recorded uses of lavender have contributed to a reputation for being indispensable in dealing with a huge range of physical, emotional and spiritual dilemmas.

It has been discovered in the Pharaoh’s tombs of Egypt and found its way then to Europe, where the Moors, early Greeks and Romans used it as an antiseptic for wounds and to treat burns and other skin ailments. They are said also to have made a lavender tea to ease sore throats and to relieve pain from indigestion and headaches. And, as well as being widely used as an air freshener and personal deodoriser, it relieved minor skin irritations and insect bites and was indeed, used as an insect repellent. Other recorded uses include, being used as an aphrodisiac and effective in treating an extensive range of emotional ailments.

To this day lavender is considered essential in the natural treatment of many hurts, both physical and emotional. It is widely used to calm and relax as an essential oil, or in massage oils and sleep-pillows, as a tea and can be added to the mix to flavour cakes and cookies etcetera.