Lavender - My favorite herbal ally
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has become my favorite herbal ally. She soothes me when I am restless at night, my daughter believes she protects her from bad dreams, her aroma is intoxicating and I just love spending time with her. I’m immediately drawn to her and have taken the time to really get to know her. We vibe with each other and I feel like she tells me “I’ve got your back”.
Lavender’s history stems back 2,500 years and it is said that Cleopatra used lavender to seduce Caesar and Mark Anthony and traces of her essence have been found in King Tut’s tomb. She’s often referred to as the Queen of Medicinal Plants—and even Mother of Dragons. Both references well deserved.
Her medicinal properties are as impressive as her history and extend across several actions: aromatic, nervine, antimicrobial, sedative, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, along with several other properties.
As a nervine, she helps soothe anxiety. Her sedative qualities ease insomnia, menopausal and PMS symptoms, and even asthma triggered by nervous tension. Traditionally, she was also used to ease labor pains. Clinical research shows that internally taken lavender oil was more effective than both a placebo and a general tranquilizer in relieving anxiety—and it showed antidepressant activity as well.
Yet she has a fascinating duality: lavender can also stimulate. She’s carminative—supporting digestion and relieving discomfort—especially when taken as a tea.
She is also an amazing herbal ally in supporting skin health thanks to her antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender is the star of my skin salve line not only because she smells amazing but because her essential oils are great at aiding with insect bites, headaches, migraines, burns/sunburns and effective as a massage agent to help treat joint and muscle pain.
There are so many ways to bring lavender into your life. Use her essential oil (or infused oil) for headaches or muscle pain. Tuck a lavender sachet under your pillow or make a tincture to help with sleeplessness. Sip her as a tea for digestive relief. Or simply drop her into your bath or diffuser for a dreamy aromatic ritual.
Magically, lavender is said to be a self-love healer and a fierce protector. I’ve even woven her with rosemary into the wreath on my front door.
Isn’t she amazing? I hope you invite her into your life.
Lavender – how I love thee, let me count the ways.
References cited:
2. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier (Lavender, page 108)
3. Plant Witchery by Juliet Diaz (Lavender, page 213)
4. The Art & Practice of Spiritual Herbalism (Lavender, pages 134-135)
