Lavender is a popular herb known to most people for its soothing smell and delightful purple flowers. Grown in warm climes around the world, lavender is a popular addition to any garden. But what many people don’t know is that lavender has a wealth of healing properties and is also a fragrant and flavourful addition to many culinary dishes.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula x intermedia) are two of the most popular varieties. The English variation is considered to be the sweeter of the two and is commonly used in oils and perfumes. French lavender yields an essential oil with higher levels of terpenes, which create a sharper overtone to the fragrance. French lavender in commonly used in therapeutic applications.
Lavender oil, made by extracting the essential oil from the lavender plant through distillation, is a popular perfume as well as medicinal remedy. Lavender is a natural antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties. Use lavender oil for scrapes, cuts, bruises, blemishes, infections, insect bites, and aching muscles.
The oil is also soothing on the tummy during menstrual cramping and can also be used on the temples and back of the neck for headache or migraine relief. Add lavender to your bath to soothe aching muscles and aid relaxation.
Dried lavender is used for everything from floral arrangements to eye pillows to scented (anti-moth) sachets for closets and drawers. Due to the soothing properties of lavender, sleeping pillows and restful eye pillows are popular applications. Lavender pillows work well when feeling overwhelmed by stress or irritation.
Lavender sleeping pillows will assist children and infants that are fussy, light sleepers and may also help individuals who are experiencing nightmares (always check for allergic response prior to using any scented herbs with children).
Aside from the wide array of healing properties, lavender is a delightful addition to baking and sauces. For cooking, the best lavender variety is Provence. Lavender sugars, cookies, ice-creams, cheesecakes, jams, honeys, cakes, loafs, pies, fruit crumbles, syrups and summer drinks all make this fragrant flower a popular addition in the more adventurous kitchen.
Lavender also makes a sumptuous, but rather decedent addition to chocolate dishes. Candied lavender is a popular summer snack and makes an attractive and colorful garnish to cakes and other desserts. You can also add lavender to lemonade, mint and iced tea drinks for a refreshing beverage.
Lavender is a flavourful addition to savoury main courses like wild salmon served with heavenly rosemary, raspberry and lavender sauce. Consider adding dried lavender to the coals of barbeques to lightly flavour whatever you are cooking on the grill. Remember, when cooking, that a little lavender goes a long way.
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Lavender probably IS the most veratile essential oil. It isn't the "best" for any specific situation, but has much to offer to a "generalist"
written by Marge Clark , July 17, 2009