Herb library

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

A small, fragrant perennial beloved in household herbalism. Lavender has a gentle, floral scent and is traditionally used for comfort, mild sleeplessness, and to freshen linens and rooms.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a calming bedside or evening tea to ease restlessness and support a gentle nighttime routine.
• •Traditionally used as a soothing steam or inhalation for mild head tension and to clear the head when feeling overworked.
• •Traditionally used in simple washes, compresses, or infused oils to soothe irritated skin and to freshen linens and clothing as a home fragrance.

Simple preparations.

• •Lavender tea: steep 1 teaspoon dried flowers (or 1 tablespoon fresh) per cup of boiling water, cover and steep 5 to 10 minutes, strain and sip warm in the evening.
• •Lavender steam: pour 1 quart very hot water over 1 to 2 tablespoons dried flowers in a heatproof bowl, lean over with a towel over your head and inhale for 5 to 10 minutes, take breaks if it feels too strong.
• •Cooling compress: make a strong infusion with 2 tablespoons dried flowers per pint of boiling water, steep 20 to 30 minutes, cool, strain, soak a clean cloth and apply to the forehead or skin for 10 to 20 minutes as needed.

Cautions.

• !May cause skin sensitivity or allergic reaction in some people, test on a small patch of skin before wider use.
• !Avoid using undiluted essential oil directly on skin; the household preparations above are gentler and preferred.
• !Honey syrups should not be given to children under one year of age.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a chronic health condition, check with your doctor before regular use.

Often kept beside.