The aroma is familiar to everyone. The sight of it is known to all. Yet, how much do we really know about the Purple Power Plant that Mother Nature has provided for us? Known scientifically as 'Lavandula' (a genus of species of flowering plants in the mint family - yes, you read that correctly), commonly known as 'Lavender', this plant is one of the best healing plants ever known to humanity. Only 3 species were known in the Roman era, but by1753, 5 species were known. After much study, by 1848, 15 species were known, and as time went on, there were a total of 39. Lavender has been used for centuries by people around the globe for everything from relaxation to healing minor wounds, and back again. So what is it about this purple beauty that makes it smell so refreshing...yet pack a powerful punch? It has to do with the phytochemicals that are found within the natural oils produced by the plant.
Ok, so what are 'phytochemicals'? Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants (phyto means "plant" in Greek). Some are responsible for the color, others for the aroma, others for the oils...and so forth. In Lavender, these Phytochemicals are present in over 25% of the entire over all genetic structuring of the plant, making it one of the most useful and versatile plants on the planet.
Pure Lavender essential oil is not a yellow or soft purple in color. It is a very pale, opaque yellow. The reason Lavender essential oils are not truly 100% 'pure', is because, although this oil is one of nature's 'miracle treatments', it can also be quite caustic to the skin if too much is applied. Thus, another type of oil must be used in order to allow this to be used, and applied, properly...and most important - safely! Neutralizing oils (Almond, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive and Mineral) are usually added to Lavender oil mixtures, in order to make them safer for topical application. Lavender is such a good healing plant, that it was widely used in hospitals during World War 1, and continues to be the 'go to' medicinal herb for Alternative Practitioners, from all alternative belief systems and life styles. A bunch of lavender can repel unwanted bugs (be careful not to have too many bunches, or you'll end up repelling ALL the bugs, including the good bugs). Lavender is used to help treat insect bites/stings, first degree burns, headaches, insomnia and to help a relaxation effect take place during times of emotional and mental uproar.
Some species of Lavender also have culinary uses. It is predominantly grown for uses in salads, dressings and condiments. It is also used for teas, flavored water drinks as well as for flavoring in baked goods, desserts and even chocolates. It is also intentionally sown near many bee keeping hives, as Lavender Honey is some of the most prized honey in the world. In fact, the best honey to make a healing salve out of, is pure Lavender Honey. Not only does this honey contain natural antiseptic properties, but it also contains natural anti-bacterial properties, as well as all the phytochemicals contained in the Lavender plant itself. Lavender can also be used in smoothies, ice creams, scones, all types of baked goods, sauces, frostings, various types of confections and even as a flavoring for cheeses. It is indeed one of Mother Nature's greatest plants!
Aside from the culinary and medicinal uses, Lavender is also used in soaps, salves, creams, lotions, body oils, hair care products, scented body powders, perfumes, colognes and body spritzers. Lavender is also used in neck and eye wraps, as well as compresses for aching joints and muscles. To top all off, lavender is also one of the most sought after plants to be used in craft projects. The reasons? The plant loses very little of its color when it dries AND takes a very long time to lose its natural aroma. It's not too surprizing then that lavender is grown in enormous fields all over the globe. Oh, and that's another thing. Because there are 39 different species, Lavender can grow in almost any environment, in any zone, except extremely cold zones (meaning, you're not going to find it growing in the Artic desert anytime soon - nor will you find it sprouting up above the ice fields in the Antarctica regions). So what does all this information mean to someone who is an elder Alternative Practitioner? A LOT! Not only do we understand the above mentioned information, but we also know how to properly sow, grow, reap, dry, prepare and store this wonderful plant. Most of us have at least 1 Lavender plant growing in our gardens (or, in containers, as the case may be). Personally, I have 2 different species of Lavender, and am planning on addin a third this year.
Elder APs often add Lavender to their smudge sticks, insence sticks and candles in order to help keep a soothing and possitive environment where they live. They 'prescribe' the use of Lavender to people seeking help with Insomnia, relaxation, muscle tension, night terrors, hyper-active imaginations and even to help keep themselves calm when they are having very stressful times in their lives. They will also suggest using a Lavender salve to apply to minor scratches, burns (1st degree burns only), bug bites, bee stings, bruises and blisters. Note here, in ANY case where the skin is broken (read that as: You are bleeding, or there is plasma or pus oozing from any part of the broken skin, as well as blood - think, a zit, broken boil, freshly popped blister, etc.), Lavender is NOT recommended. Again, it does have caustic properties, and the elder AP will only suggest using this salve once the skin has begun to form a scab, or it was never an open wound. The ONLY acception to this is when it comes to bug bites, bee stings, and even some minor spider bites. In these cases (and ONLY these cases), the Lavender's caustic properties will actually help draw out any toxins that have been inserted into the skin. If it is a larger, or more 'serious' bug/bee/spider irritation, other types of drawing salves will likely be used prior to the suggestion of a Lavender salve (for the sole purpose of not causing any possible further irritation to the effected area(s)).
If you are new to the alternative life styles and belief systems, please do yourself a huge favor: do not use Lavender randomly. Do your home work. Ask an elder for help and guidance, teaching and training. Also, read, read, read, read, read. Learn as much as you possibly can about this Purple Power plant that Mother Nature provides us with. As with any herb, use this cautiously and with tremendous respect. If you are an AP, remember to always ask a person's permission before recommending any type of Lavender use. Lavender, although it is a beautiful plant, is not for everyone. Some people are allergic to it. Others simply do not like the smell of it, and some people can use a little, but not a lot, or not for extended periods of time. If you have questions about Lavender, go back to your roots of learning, and re-examine areas you may have over looked, or did not fully understand during your first reading. If all else fails, seek out an elder AP and ask them for more information. This general rule of thumb applies to any herb, not just Lavender. If all else fails, just remember, at least you'll smell nice.
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