Lavender has long been considered a favorite by many for its sweet, wild fragrance. It has been used for thousands of years for medicinal, magical, and cosmetic purposes. The Greeks and Romans used the multi-purpose herb for soaps, perfumes, bathing water, and poultices. In Medieval times, people believed Lavender could cure nearly every ill of the body and spirit. In ancient Egypt, lavender was used in the mummification process. Lavender was carried to England by the Romans. The English immediately became infatuated with the herb and began using it for all sorts of medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The scientific name for lavender is lavendula angustifolia. The name lavender comes from the Greek word lavare, which means “to wash”. The Greeks valued lavender highly for its fresh scent and bathing qualities, which is how lavender got its name. Witches use lavender for its powerful magical properties. Kitchen witches love this herb because it is great with desserts, brewed as a tea, treating ailments, and for working protection magic. Several of the medicinal properties that lavender posses correlate with its magical properties, making it a very powerful herb that every witch should own. Medicinal Properties Lavender oil, combined with a carrier oil (Almond oil, Olive oil, etc.), can be used to treat muscle aches and sores. Herbalists will often prescribe lavender tea to their clients who suffer from insomnia, depression, and nightmares. It has been used in this method for these purposes for many years. I myself have used lavender tea to help treat some depression issues I had after giving birth to my son. However, lavender alone will not cure your depression. It is merely there to help. If you are suffering from depression, seek other assistance in conjunction with drinking lavender tea. Lavender can be used to treat minor burns, psoriasis, and skin problems. There are many ways you can use lavender to treat these issues. For skin issues like eczema, drinking lavender tea daily can sometimes help. Making a homemade lotion and adding lavender oil can also help treat some skin issues. For minor burns, wash the burn with lavender water daily. Some herbalists have noted that lavender has helped soothe nervous disorders. Lavender is sometimes used to treat hair loss and upset stomach. For an upset stomach brew a combination of lavender and peppermint tea and drink it 2-3 times a day. For treatment of hair loss, wash your hair in lavender water daily. Lavender tea can be used to treat chronic pain. People who suffer from cancer, arthritis, degenerative disc diseases, and other diseases may find drinking lavender tea to be of some benefit. Possible Side Effects Never consume lavender oil orally, as it can be poisonous. May cause headache, appetite changes, and constipation. If any of these happen, stop using lavender immediately. Using lavender in conjunction with sedatives can cause drowsiness. Applying lavender oil to broken or irritated skin can cause further irritation. If a mild irritation occurs, try diluting the oil first. If the irritation persists, stop use. Drinking lavender tea too frequently can cause colic. Do not consume lavender if you are about to have surgery. Lavender is a sedative and can cause issues when undergoing surgery. Magical Properties Lavender is an excellent meditation herb. Burning lavender incense during meditation can help you to relax, open your mind, and free yourself. The most relaxed I ever get is when I’m in a dark room with nothing but a lit candle and a stick of lavender incense burning. Dried lavender leaves are great for placing into mojo bags, stuffed animals, or sewn into pillows to aid in sleep. This is a great idea for anyone who perhaps suffers from nightmares, as lavender is a protection herb that helps to ward off negative energies. In aromatherapy, lavender is used for relaxation and calmness. When you need to find balance and peace, try burning some lavender incense or bathing in lavender water. Lavender can also heighten your psychic senses. Using it in conjunction with an amethyst stone during ritual may help you achieve a higher level of innate psychic ability. How I Use This Herb The most common way I use lavender is by making lavender water. I use lavender water for a house cleansing ritual I perform once a month during the full moon. I also use lavender water for moping, in my homemade all-purpose cleaner, in cookie recipes, and as a perfume. It provides a refreshing scent throughout the house, especially on a hot summer day. Lavender has been a very useful herb for me when it comes to getting my son to sleep through the night. On nights when he’s having a restless sleep, either from teething or growing pains, I’ll burn a stick of lavender incense. Anytime I do this, he always sleeps through the night peacefully. Another way I like to use lavender is in tea. It provides a sweet and earthy flavor to any tea and is safe to consume. How to Brew Tea from Dried Lavender Flowers Take about 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers and pour 1 cup of boiling water of them. Let steep for 10 minutes. Strain, sweeten, and enjoy! This herb is best brewed along with other herbs. Try brewing lavender with jasmine, yerba mate, and peppermint for a refreshing and energy boosting tea.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:31:30 +0000
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