Lavandula Officinalis

Folk names

Elf leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike

Description

Lavendar is an evergreen perennial shrub, which grows to approximately 3ft (1m).  Flowers are violet.  The leaves are greyish-green, narrow and linear.   The plant has a strong-sweet fragrance.  Lavendar needs a sunny position.

Background information

Lavendar is native to France and the western Mediterranean.  It first became popular as a medicine during the late Middle Ages.  Related species include spike lavendar.

Traditional uses

Lavendar was used by the Romans as a bath-time cleanser.  It has been a popular fragrance since the 18th Century and has been used in soaps, perfumes, tacl and pot-pourri.

Parts used

The flowers and the essential oil are used.  The flowers should be harvested towards the end of flowering, when the petals have begun to fade.  Lavendar is propagated from seed or cuttings.

Current uses

It is also useful in treating some types of asthma.

Information about the essential oil

Cautions

Lavendar is safe to use.  It is one of the few oils which can be applied neat to the skin.

Magical information

Gender:  Masculine
Planet:  Mercury
Element:  Air
Powers:  Love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification, happiness, peace.

Scatter lavendar around the home to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.