I of course knew about the scent of lavender, just to brush its foliage is to experience its joy. I knew that its purple-blue flowers were used dried in pot-pourri and stiched into muslin sachets to scent sheets and keep clothes moths at bay in the wardrobe. Most of all I knew of its oil used in perfumery and cosmetics. More obscurely, I had also come across some of its culinary uses, as an addition to shortbread and ice cream, for example (interesting ideas that, I have to admit, I haven't tried).
Just a glance a the long history of the use of Lavender by man is testament to its usefulness. The name Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is said to be derived from the Latin lavare, to wash and it likely that its anti-microbial properties were appreciated by the Romans in keeping them free of parasites and infections and probably making them smell nice - never a bad thing! Indeed, it is said that it was the Romans who first introduced this Mediterranean native to Britain. It has long been used to heal sword wounds and burns, presumably to help stem any infection and its insecticidal merits made it useful against bed-bugs and head lice, making it a useful domestic herb. The crushed leaves were used by huntsman in regions where the plant grows wild, to give first aid to their dogs when bitten by vipers
It is interesting to note that once again, traditional usage has been supported by science. It seems that our ancestors did know a thing or two. Modern analyses of the essential oil of lavender have confirmed many of these ancient uses of lavender.
Of course, the essential oil is commonly used topically in professional aromatherapy for a myriad of conditions. However, although the essential oil definitely should not be taken internally, the herb itself can be taken, something I had not realised, as the association of its strong scent made this difficult to accept. Is it like drinking perfume? In truth, it is a bit. It does taste as it smells and if you are at all averse to highly scented tastes (if that makes sense) then lavender is probably not for you.
Nevertheless, it is a useful herbal remedy and is used by herbalists mostly for its calming effects on the nervous system. It can help relieve nervous headaches and migraines, especially when stress related and as it has antidepressant qualities it can be useful for helping with depression in conjunction with other herbs. It is helpful for strengthening the nervous system and can be used where there is exhaustion and debility and as a gentle relaxant to promote natural sleep; half a teaspoon of the dried flowers in a cup of boiling water, covered and left to brew for 15 minutes and taken before bed-time can be surprisingly effective. It is used with other herbs for some menstrual and menopausal conditions where there is a nervous element to the symptoms, but it should not be used in pregnancy.
This information is meant for educational purposes only and not intended as a guide to self-treatment. You should always seek professional advice. Remember that herbs can interact with other drugs and may be contra-indicated if you have certain medical conditions, are pregnant or lactating. Take care when using wild plants or herbs, that you have the correct species from a reliable source.
Catherine Schofield BSc MNIMH Herbalist Cheshire Herbs and Herbal Medicine