The Lavender
PlantThe
lavender flower is the symbol of Provence. It’s native
to southern France and the Canary Islands. It’s a member
of the mint family (Lamiaceae), with its silvery foliage
and tall purple flowers, this herb is an attractive
addition to any perennial bed. It’s characteristic scent
is stored in oil glands embedded among its flowers,
leaves and stems, and the result is a plant that has
served people functionally, therapeutically, as well as
aesthetically. Lavender blooms year after year, each
flower stem has to be harvested just when the flowers
start to open up. At this point the essential oils are
at their peak. Originally from the Latin word "lavare"
that means "to wash," ancient cultures had many uses for
this fragrant plant
Lavender has
been used throughout HistoryThroughout history, lavender oil,
and lavender skin care have been prized for thier
impressive healing properties. It was used by the ancient Romans for its
healing and antiseptic properties, the name itself comes
from the Latin "lavare" which means - to wash. It is
strong cleansing and germicidal effects make it valuable
in the treatment of skin disorders and injuries.
The lavender plant has
a long-standing history as a folk medicine, for
centuries it has been used for it benefits in
cosmetic, medicinal and decorative uses -
* It was
used on the battle fields of World Wars I and
II to prevent infection and relieve pain when
other medical supplies were scarce.
* During
epidemics, the Persians, Greeks, and Romans burned the
aromatic lavender branches to protect themselves from
"bad emanations" in the sick rooms.
* At the beginning of the century, in
France, lavandières (washerwomen) used it in the
washtub. They placed lavender in the laundry baskets to
perfume their linens.
* In
Provence, in the classrooms, when pupils were nervous
and disruptive, the teachers crushed lavender seeds to
calm the students.
The Benefits of
LavenderLavender has many benefits, here are some of them
-
* Lavender is antibacterial,
anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory,
analgesic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral,
anticoagulant, carminative, cordial, deodorant,
decongestant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticidal,
parasiticidal, restorative, sedative, tonic, vermifugal,
and vulnerary. It’s Good for the mind, body & soul,
Lavender helps support a calm composure and reduces
irritability, apprehension, stress, nervous tension,
insomnia, nightmares, and is generally balancing to the
psyche as well as the body.
Lavender Skin Care works well in the treatment
of acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungus, burns and
wounds. It makes a refreshing astringent as
well as an effective Skin Care moisturizer.
It can alleviate aches, pains and swelling from
arthritis, injury, headache, and other maladies.
Lavender can also alleviate motion sickness,
and research shows that lavender is beneficial
for the treatment of indigestion, hypoglycemia,
hypertension, arteriosclerosis, kidney stones
and anemia. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and
non-sensitizing.
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