life - 4/7/2010 - lavender
TRANSCRIPT
Wonders of Lavender
Kata Fountain & Cheryl LeJune
Aromatic, evocative, nostalgic, soothing, romantic, healing… let’s
meditate!
Aromatic, evocative, nostalgic, soothing, romantic, healing… let’s
meditate!
History of Lavender History of Lavender
Used over 2,500 years ago Latin root, lavare meaning “to wash” or
livendulo meaning “livid” or “bluish” Egyptians used in mummification process Christian reference in the Bible The Phoenicians and the Arab World used it
as perfume Roman Empire and North Africans used the
oils for bathing, cooking, and to freshen the air
History of Lavender (Cont’d)History of Lavender (Cont’d)
Around 600BC, spread across Europe from Greece to France and England
In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, was used to protect against infections such as plague or cholera
European royalty fondness for lavender during Victorian Era (Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Charles VI of France)
In modern times the plant was rediscovered by Rene Gatefosse for its essential oils and aromatherapy
World War I. wound dressing, disinfect in hospitals
Lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.
Its fragrance is used in soaps, shampoos, balms, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications
Used in sachets for scenting clothes or wedding confetti
Repels insects and moths
Benefits of Lavender (in general)Benefits of Lavender (in general)
Calming effect on pets and children in vehicles
Used in Integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation
Aromatherapy to slow nervous system
Essential oils will help with re-growth of hair
Benefits of Lavender (in general) Cont’dBenefits of Lavender (in general) Cont’d
Benefits of Lavender Antiviral Antifungal, also treats eczema and
acne Antiseptic/external disinfectant Anti-inflammatory Relieves muscle tension and pain Speeds healing – after surgery
Benefits of Lavender in modern day medicineBenefits of Lavender in modern day medicine
Benefits of Lavender Prevents/reduces scaring Relaxes brain waves/reduces
stress/dizziness/headaches Anti-depressant, anti-moodiness Circulatory stimulant Other: microbial activity on gums,
nervous stomach irritations
Benefits of Lavender in modern day medicineBenefits of Lavender in modern day medicine
Flowers, essential oil Bath gels Extracts Infusions Lotions Soaps Teas Tincture Whole, dried flowers
Available Forms Available Forms
How to take it Children: oral use is not recommended since it
is toxic used topically, but diluted to treat skin infections, minor cuts and scrapes; use it in aromatherapy by dropping oil in boiling water, inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia
Adult: Internal use Tea – 1 to 2 tsp whole herb per cup of hot
water; Tincture (1:4 ratio) 3 times a day Inhalation – 2-4 drops of oil in 2-3cups of
boiling water, inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia; Tropical external application: add 1-4 drops per tbsp of base oil such as almond or olive oil.
How to Take it How to Take it
Precautions
Precautions!!! Herbs of any kind can trigger side
effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. It is strongly suggested that pregnant women should not be using lavender.
PrecautionsPrecautions
Field of lavender in Provence
Photo credit: wayfaring.info
Village of Gordes in Provence
Lavender likes/dislikes Likes well-drained soil Likes full sunshine Likes plenty of room – mature plant
can be 3 feet in diameter Doesn’t like ‘wet feet’ – plant away
from sprinkler system Challenge along the Texas Gulf Coast
Hot, humid summers Heavy, ‘Texas Gumbo’ soil
Gardening
Container gardening is a good option Put a pot of lavender on your porch,
enjoy the aroma and maybe, harvest enough flowers for lemonade!
Suggested varieties – lavandin hybrid lavenders Provence – transplants or cuttings Grosso – transplants or cuttings Sweet – transplants or cuttings Spanish – L. stoechas – can be grown
from seedExperiment with different varieties
Gardening
When planting, water the plant well and continue to water the baby plants until roots are established
Once established, plant is drought-tolerant and needs much less water
Prune back 1/3 of plant between Nov/Feb to promote new growth
Plants/seeds can be found at local nurseries Wildseed Farms – Pack (l. angustifolia)
$1.25 to cover 15-20 sq ft Plants on sale now at Chappell Hill
Lavender Farm - $3.00/plant
Gardening
Lavender has been used in most any type of food Lavender Sugar Cookies Lemonade Vinegar Honey Jelly Coffee Cake Potatoes Pork Chops Pound Cake Biscuits Oatmeal
Photo credit Murry Grigsby
Recipes
Sachets Kitchen angel Lavender wands Potpourri Tussie Mussie Lavender wreath Lavender-scented candles
Crafts
Chappell Hill Lavender Farm – Chappell Hill Becker Vineyards – Stonewall Hill Country Lavender – Blanco Lavender Ridge Farms – Gainesville Texas Lavender Hills – Blanco Texas Lavender – Webberville Wimberley Lavender Farm – between
Wimberley & Blanco Hummingbird Farms – Johnson City
Lavender Farms in Area
Debbie and Jim McDowell Located in nearby Chappell Hill, Texas About 3,000 lavender plants Blooming and cutting season August-October No fee to visit farm
Thanks to …