Poets in Persia, Greece, and Rome have praised lavender for its beauty for centuries. Roman soldiers used lavender to heal wounds and soothe nerves. Julius Caesar appreciated its calming effects after a long day in the Senate. Romans regularly used it in baths. The very name of lavender is linked to bathing – "lavare" means to wash. Benedictine monks brought lavender across the Alps. Lavender was also said to be an aphrodisiac. It was believed to cleanse the body and soul, and to ward off evil spirits and impure thoughts.

Lavender is a very old cultivated plant. All parts of the plant have a strong fragrance when crushed. It is primarily used in perfumery, but also in pharmaceuticals. It was used for washing, to repel various types of insects, and in the kitchen as a strong spice. The oil is added to baths and used in massages, among other things. Lavender water is well-known, especially the one produced in Cologne, Germany, known as Eau de Cologne.

Medicinal Properties
A bitter drink made from lavender helped with liver problems and to calm the nerves. Lavender pickers were supposedly protected from tuberculosis.
Lavender contains essential oils such as ocimene, pinene, camphor, geraniol, linalool, citronellal, citral, as well as coumarin, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and more. It soothes restlessness, irritability, and stress. It acts as a sedative and can be used for depression, migraines, and chronic nervous tension. It helps with sleep disorders. It aids with digestive problems and bloating. Inhalation helps with respiratory problems and the flu.

Origin and Description of the Plant

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as English lavender, is one of the most well-known and widely cultivated Mediterranean plants. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae).

Lavender originates from the western Mediterranean, grows in the warmer parts of Europe, and is cultivated and sometimes naturalized. It grows on sunny slopes with well-drained soil. In the Czech Republic, it naturalizes mainly in southern Moravia. It is a low-growing, bushy shrub. The root is taproot, penetrating to a considerable depth. The stems are erect to upright. The height of the plants is usually 30 to 60 cm. The lower part soon becomes woody. The herbaceous branches are four-sided with sessile, linear leaves. Small, purple flowers grow in five- to ten-flowered clusters and form panicle inflorescences. The flowers of many cultivars can be white, pink, gray-blue to sky blue, deep purple, etc. The fruit is a black, shiny nutlet. In addition to the common lavender, Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas), also known as fringed lavender, is cultivated, which has attractive inflorescences in an even wider range of colors. However, it does not reliably overwinter in our climate.

Infusion of Lavender Flowers
Pour 2 tablespoons of flowers over 1.5 dl of boiling water and let it steep, covered, for 5 minutes. Drink before meals to stimulate appetite. After meals, it helps with bloating and improves digestion. In the evening, it has a calming effect and promotes restful sleep. Inhalation helps with colds.

Stress Relief Blend
Mix equal amounts of lavender flowers, rose petals, linden flowers, St. John's Wort, and lemon balm leaves. Let the infusion steep for about 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 times a day as needed.

Aromatic Soothing Bath

To prepare the infusion, use approximately 30g of lavender flowers, 20g of lemon balm leaves, and 10g of rose petals. Let it steep for 10 minutes, then add it to the water in the bathtub.

Lavender Syrup

This syrup is suitable for various beverages and can soften the flavor of aromatic desserts. Dissolve 250g of sugar in 300ml of water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and add a handful of lavender flowers. Let it steep overnight, then strain.

Infusion for Migraines

Mix equal amounts of lavender flowers, meadowsweet flowers, rosemary leaves, lemon balm, and yarrow. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink as needed, up to 3 times a day.

Infusion for Bloating

Mix equal amounts of lavender flowers, lemon balm, peppermint, and fennel seeds. Add hawthorn leaves and flowers. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink as needed, up to 3 times a day.

This article was published with the kind permission of Sféra magazine.

DIOCHI

casopis-sfera.cz / gnews.cz-HeK