fragrant blue, pink or white
flowers grow up the flower stems in spikes.
Culture
Lavender grows best in rocky, dry, sunny places
with an abundant amount of lime in the soil. It can be
propagated by seed or cuttings. If winters are severe, the
plant needs protected.
Harvesting
Cut whole flower spikes when the first flowers begin to
open, and dry.
Use
Lavender is one of the most famous of all herbs for the
fragrance of its dried flowers and the oil distilled from them. It is used most
often in sachets and perfumes.
Used in rubbing oils for sore
joints. An infusion can be used as a cold compress for headaches. Added to many
cosmetics lavender has always been valued for its perfume. Lavender bags are
used for linen and Lavender is again being used in cooking, for example in ice
cream and biscuits.
All types of lavender are used to scent soaps, creams, detergents, and
perfumes. Lavender and French Lavender are preferred for most perfumes, but are
often mixed with the less expensive hybrids. Spike is used for soaps,
detergents, and cheaper perfumes. Recent research has indicated that coating
dentures with wax containing a mixture of lavender, rose and sage produces
anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the
lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.
"Adapted from
publication NE-208, produced by the Cooperative Extension
Services of the Northeast States." |
