Previously I had had no luck growing her despite my best efforts. I had thought as we are by the ocean and shes a native to Mediterranean climate all would be well, but alas! The breakthrough came when I bought tubestock (Im unsure of the species name) who had time to acclimatise and then proceeded to take off, as you can see. I have since planted several more, all babies doing well!!
The sight of her flowers bobbing in the breeze rocks. Her softness can bring a smile to hearts worn by grief or loss, writes herbalist Judith Berger and I can second that motion. Both magically and physically. For myself I have begun to make a massage oil combining her flowers infused in almond oil, bllended with Rosa centifolia petals prepared in the same way, and a lil Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) essential oil.
When one of the characters in the English series 'Black Books' swallows 'The Little Book of Calm' and begins espousing its virtuous advice with more than a small touch of messianic piss take, 'Try a little Lavender oil in the bath' is one of the sardonic gems, which may well hold more truth than the situation allows!!
Taken internally her violet tinted tea, only needing brewing for a short time with her potent volatile oils, can deepen stillness and relax agitation or shakyness. Although as a wise friend pointed out, she's a little astringent and may ask for a touch of honey or maple syrup :).
"The difficulty with anxiety responses is that the strong emotions they produce often paralyze us or cause us to take ill-timed or ill-placed actions. The life preserving emotions which accompany hysteria must be calmed before we can look deeply into the causes underlying anxiety and concieve of a fitting response. The scent and rich purple hue of Lavenders blossoms inspire our sensuality, reminding us of beauty where there has been devastation. Lavender melts numbness, nourishing and keening our senses, the antenae of our instinctual knowing."
Judith Berger in 'Herbal Rituals'
This herb can clear the air of a sickroom of infection and can be used as a 'smudge' or incense. For these reasons I have added infused Lavendar oil to Calendula salve, or creams.. One of my teachers always adds a few drops of the essential oil to her Calendula salve. Ive also heard it spoken its a fine thing to add a little Lavendar to Comfrey salves just in case infections present when and where its applied to surface wounds.
I suffer from Eczema on my face at times. When its in the 'dry' phase I use herbalist Rosemary Gladstars 'Miracle Grains' scrub recipe, based on oats, white clay, blended with Lavender and Rose flowers all finely ground, to gently remove some of the dead skin cells. Its a wonderfully pampering mix at a time when the eczema makes one feel vulnerable, rawly exposed and a little like the creature from the black lagoon! It can be used at any time for a softening of skin and you could eat it if the pantry ran out! Lavender porridge! Infact her leaves go well sprinkled over potatoes and chicken for roasting, with salt, and lemon juice, now we're on the subject of food (again).
No wonder Lavender's been planted out as a hedge in gardens and the wilder species invited in for centuries!
Pictured below: A glamourous cousin of Lavendular angustifolia
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