Lavender Flowers

Lavender is familiar to most of us from our gardens.

Have you ever trailed your hand through a lavender bush to release that instantly recognisable, heady aroma?

The name Lavender comes from the Latin lavare, to wash, and in Roman times lavender was used to scent and disinfect public baths, as well as being carried by the Roman armies as a disinfectant.  It has had many other uses over the years.  The Victorians used it as an aphrodisiac.

Lavender is said to be effective in cases of insomnia and anxiety.  It can lift mood, and is beneficial in cases of stress-related anxiety and depression.  It has a long history of use for easing headaches and tension.  If you’re feeling headachy and stressed, simply take three deep breaths of the vapours from the bag – you will feel an instant sense of deeply satisfying relaxation and peace and be ready to get straight back to work with renewed purpose and focus.

You can also try Lavender for stomach aches – it is believed to ease the symptoms of colic.

Lavender’s soft, subtle, relaxing aroma makes it a delicious tea.  Because it is naturally caffeine-free you can drink it at any time of day and we particularly recommend it after dinner when it will help settle the stomach and prepare you for bed.  It is probably not so suitable after lunch as it may cause slight drowsiness.  The liquor is smooth, almost oily, and subtly aromatic, with a flavour not unlike that of its close cousin Sage.

To brew,  place one heaped teaspoon of Lavender Flowers per person into a warmed pot or Mug Infuser and add fresh boiling water.  Allow to steep for 5 minutes.  You can leave it longer if a strong infusion is required, though you may find this allows a slight bitterness to develop.  Strain into mugs.  Some people like to add a little honey but this is not really necessary as the infusion has a natural sweetness to it.

If you love Lavender, you may also like to try Camomile.