Amazing Virtues of Lavender Herb

Lavender has often been named "the queen of herbs" and indeed it is, to the extent that 1999 was named the Year of the Lavender. Lavender has been very widely cultivated and used for thousands of years, by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Arabians, Greeks and Romans who brought the flower into England. Lavender is originally a Mediterranean herb that grows in the wild, including those in the French and Mediterranean Alps. It is a rather hardy, aromatic and medicinally valuable, growing in altitudes of up to 6000 feet. Some essential aromatic oils in lavender continue to be used for internal and external uses and for a wide range of ailments in addition to usage in cooking.

One generally tends to associate lavender with its aromatic properties and its use in soaps, perfumes and creams. The uses of lavender range way beyond simple toiletries. It even has some unspoken properties including antibacterial, antiseptic, carminative, nerve soothing, stimulant, expectorant, antispasmodic and of course cosmetic value. The lavender flower has also long been used for preventing childhood infections and in soothing some temper tantrums in small children. Common uses tend to include treatment of burns including severe burns and scalding, cuts, grazes, eczema, dermatitis, inflammation, headaches, nausea, migraines, fainting, insomnia, boils, acne, bacterial infections, rheumatism and arthritis. Also, the nontoxic germicidal agents present in lavender oils, linalool and linalool acetate are responsible for the healing process.

Humans and animals can sometimes experience a mild sedative and calming effect after inhaling lavender, the effect resembling that of geranium and peppermint. This might explain why these aromatic herbs are used for treating premenstrual syndrome, sleep disorders as well as depression. Lavender is also more commonly used in toiletries and beauty products. Aromatherapy for example uses lavender in its treatment and products usually include lavender scented candles, oils and sleeping pillows for depression.

Lavender products made with lavender oil and buds are also popular gift items in myriad products including, soaps, bath bomb fizzers, sachets, bath oils, lotions, perfumes, salts, skin as well as some hair care products and all kinds of sprays. All these products always promote relaxation and create a feeling of inner peace and calmness.

Inside the home, lavender is used in recipes and in cleaning products where it leaves its wonderful fresh and pungent aroma. Many historical figures have been associated with the lavender flower. Queen Elizabeth I drank lavender tea to alleviate her migraines and other ailments. Queen Victoria would have all her floors and furniture cleaned with lavender for its fresh aroma. And during World War I, nurses used lavender washes as an efficient antiseptic in order to treat wounds amongst soldiers.

Lavender has also become a trendy product among the upscale restaurants. The fresh edible flowers are used for enhancing flavor and the appearance of foods in fancy restaurants as well as in the home. Lavender is a herb which can be closely likened to thyme, sage and rosemary, being a member of the mint family and the leaves, flowers and stems can be used freshly or dried. Lavender is best used in combination with other herbs such as fennel, savory, oregano and its other similar herbs sage, rosemary and thyme. Lavender oils are extremely aromatic and are best used in cooking with extreme moderation or the dish will become bitter and smell like perfume. Next time you have guests in your house, try to add a touch of lavender to wow them and enjoy a great and very relaxing meal.