Wonders of Lavender

Kata Fountain & Cheryl LeJune

Aromatic, evocative, nostalgic, soothing, romantic, healing… let’s

meditate!

Aromatic, evocative, nostalgic, soothing, romantic, healing… let’s

meditate!

History of Lavender History of Lavender

Used over 2,500 years ago Latin root, lavare meaning “to wash” or

livendulo meaning “livid” or “bluish” Egyptians used in mummification process Christian reference in the Bible The Phoenicians and the Arab World used it

as perfume Roman Empire and North Africans used the

oils for bathing, cooking, and to freshen the air

History of Lavender (Cont’d)History of Lavender (Cont’d)

Around 600BC, spread across Europe from Greece to France and England

In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, was used to protect against infections such as plague or cholera

European royalty fondness for lavender during Victorian Era (Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Charles VI of France)

In modern times the plant was rediscovered by Rene Gatefosse for its essential oils and aromatherapy

World War I. wound dressing, disinfect in hospitals

Lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.

Its fragrance is used in soaps, shampoos, balms, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications

Used in sachets for scenting clothes or wedding confetti

Repels insects and moths

Benefits of Lavender (in general)Benefits of Lavender (in general)

Calming effect on pets and children in vehicles

Used in Integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation

Aromatherapy to slow nervous system

Essential oils will help with re-growth of hair

Benefits of Lavender (in general) Cont’dBenefits of Lavender (in general) Cont’d

Benefits of Lavender Antiviral Antifungal, also treats eczema and

acne Antiseptic/external disinfectant Anti-inflammatory Relieves muscle tension and pain Speeds healing – after surgery

Benefits of Lavender in modern day medicineBenefits of Lavender in modern day medicine

Benefits of Lavender Prevents/reduces scaring Relaxes brain waves/reduces

stress/dizziness/headaches Anti-depressant, anti-moodiness Circulatory stimulant Other: microbial activity on gums,

nervous stomach irritations

Benefits of Lavender in modern day medicineBenefits of Lavender in modern day medicine

Flowers, essential oil Bath gels Extracts Infusions Lotions Soaps Teas Tincture Whole, dried flowers

Available Forms Available Forms

How to take it Children: oral use is not recommended since it

is toxic used topically, but diluted to treat skin infections, minor cuts and scrapes; use it in aromatherapy by dropping oil in boiling water, inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia

Adult: Internal use Tea – 1 to 2 tsp whole herb per cup of hot

water; Tincture (1:4 ratio) 3 times a day Inhalation – 2-4 drops of oil in 2-3cups of

boiling water, inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia; Tropical external application: add 1-4 drops per tbsp of base oil such as almond or olive oil.

How to Take it How to Take it

Precautions

Precautions!!! Herbs of any kind can trigger side

effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. It is strongly suggested that pregnant women should not be using lavender.

PrecautionsPrecautions

Field of lavender in Provence

Photo credit: wayfaring.info

Village of Gordes in Provence

Lavender likes/dislikes Likes well-drained soil Likes full sunshine Likes plenty of room – mature plant

can be 3 feet in diameter Doesn’t like ‘wet feet’ – plant away

from sprinkler system Challenge along the Texas Gulf Coast

Hot, humid summers Heavy, ‘Texas Gumbo’ soil

Gardening

Container gardening is a good option Put a pot of lavender on your porch,

enjoy the aroma and maybe, harvest enough flowers for lemonade!

Suggested varieties – lavandin hybrid lavenders Provence – transplants or cuttings Grosso – transplants or cuttings Sweet – transplants or cuttings Spanish – L. stoechas – can be grown

from seedExperiment with different varieties

Gardening

When planting, water the plant well and continue to water the baby plants until roots are established

Once established, plant is drought-tolerant and needs much less water

Prune back 1/3 of plant between Nov/Feb to promote new growth

Plants/seeds can be found at local nurseries Wildseed Farms – Pack (l. angustifolia)

$1.25 to cover 15-20 sq ft Plants on sale now at Chappell Hill

Lavender Farm - $3.00/plant

Gardening

Lavender has been used in most any type of food Lavender Sugar Cookies Lemonade Vinegar Honey Jelly Coffee Cake Potatoes Pork Chops Pound Cake Biscuits Oatmeal

Photo credit Murry Grigsby

Recipes

Sachets Kitchen angel Lavender wands Potpourri Tussie Mussie Lavender wreath Lavender-scented candles

Crafts

Chappell Hill Lavender Farm – Chappell Hill Becker Vineyards – Stonewall Hill Country Lavender – Blanco Lavender Ridge Farms – Gainesville Texas Lavender Hills – Blanco Texas Lavender – Webberville Wimberley Lavender Farm – between

Wimberley & Blanco Hummingbird Farms – Johnson City

Lavender Farms in Area

Debbie and Jim McDowell Located in nearby Chappell Hill, Texas About 3,000 lavender plants Blooming and cutting season August-October No fee to visit farm

Thanks to …