We're more than halfway thru the month of April and I'm itching to get outside and play in the dirt. I'm anxiously waiting for the nights to warm up so the jungle in my house can be relocated to the patio for the spring and summer months. I've also decided that Lavender is going to be one the new additions to that jungle so I thought I'd discuss it in this addition of Herb Talk. Lavender (Lavendula officinale) is a member of the mint family and there are 39 known species of Lavender. Spike, Nard, Elf Leaf and Nardis are some of the folk names for Lavender. Its ruling planets are Mercury and Jupiter. Lavender is a masculine herb and it is associated with the element of Air.
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This is a Lavender sachet that I keep in my pillow.
It's Lavender with a few red rose petals added in. I've had trouble sleeping for my entire life and putting this simple sachet in my pillow has really helped.
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Lavender is high on my list of must have herbs and is always present in the exploding herb cabinet. It has a strong and unmistakable scent and its purple coloring makes it appealing to the eye. One of Lavenders' main magickal uses is in spell work regarding love. To attract love using Lavender:
- Write love notes on paper that has been rubbed with Lavender oil.
- Spray clothing with Lavender scent.
- Put Lavender sachets in drawers with clothes to make them smell good and attract love.
- Mix Lavender, rose and mint to create a powerful love/attraction formula.
Lavender is also a relaxing, purifying and cleansing herb. It will calm your nerves, help you sleep and can be used for healing purposes. Scatter around the house to create peacefulness and plant outside your home for peace and protection. Burn Lavender to find your way to dream land (I sleep with Lavender sachets in my pillows and it helps this insomniac get to sleep.) Mixing Lavender with chamomile and making a tea will also help alleviate insomnia. Smell some Lavender the next time your feeling a little blue or anxious and your mood will instantly elevate. Lavender is also a natural antiseptic/astringent. When you have a minor skin ailment (bug bit, sunburn, small cut etc) use Lavender oil to take the sting out and help get rid of the germs. Lavender is also considered lucky so add it to a mixture to add some extra umphhh.
Interesting Tidbit: The scent of Lavender attracts men. Lavender water and/or the essential oil was worn by prostitutes centuries ago to attract customers and to advertise their profession.
Will Lavender kill me??
Lavender flower is not toxic and won't kill you. Lavender is used frequently in teas especially teas intended to relax and help someone sleep. It is also used for cooking and baking in some parts of the world. Lavender flowers can be candied and used as decorations on baked goods. There is also Lavender sugar (and it's yummy). To make Lavender sugar you'll need:
- 4 tablespoons dried lavender flowers
- 3 cups sugar
Place Lavender and sugar in a food processor. Pulse to mix evenly, and until you see flecks of lavender evenly distributed throughout the sugar. (Thank You Whole Foods!)
So Lavender is amazing herb. The smell of it is it relaxing and its also visually appealing. Use it for purification and cleansing purposes and put some in your pillow to help you sleep. No neosporin?? Lavender oil can be used in a pinch when you have bug bite or sunburn. Keep it in and around your home to promote peacefulness and provide protection. Use it in your love drawing mixtures and if your a lady of the evening dab some behind your ears.
Bright Blessings,
~Amethyst~
***I am not a doctor and I don't play one on TV. Do your research before you consume any herbs via potions etc.
Sources: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by: Scott Cunningham
The Encyclopedia of Magickal Ingredients by: Lexa Rosean
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