Lavendula species or (L. angustifolia, L. vera, L. officinalis) – Mint family
a.k.a. Common Lavender, True Lavender, English Lavender
Swooning pillows and smelling salts, freshly laundered sheets and soothing soaps, Coq au Vin and a pale purple dappled latte, sport’s cream and disinfectant…What do they all have in common? They’re all made with lavender.
Lavender’s versatility through the centuries has made it a consistent favorite. Today, its balsamic, earthy, floral scent is added to a variety of beauty and cleaning products for its disinfectant as well as its relaxation properties. It can ward off a variety of bacterias and viruses, including staph, while it calms the nervous system. Lavender soothes as it heals.
In the garden, lavender’s scent draws bees and butterflies alike with its promise of serenity.
Lavender’s spiky blossoms offer important food for our winged friends. They draw us into the peace and quiet that nourishes soul-deep, too. No English garden would be complete without a representative of this powerful, gentle species.
This second edition is expanded from our first, with more information and new images in each chapter. We’ve added a few new recipes to help you get started as well.
Here you’ll find all you need to add Lavender to your herbal practice. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of getting to know and love Lavender. Start with the perspective that most engages you, then add to your knowledge by exploring further.