Herbal Info
The Low down on Lavender
Lavender has been used for over 2500 years. There are Biblical references to it in the
gospel Luke. Egyptians used it in their mummification process. The Romans used it in
public baths. In the 16th century , it was an intricate part of English gardens. Medieval
and Renaissance washerwomen were often referred to as lavenders because they
spread the wash across lavender plants to dry for the scent it gave the clothes.
Lavender has also been used for its medicimal properties. Its soothing, relaxing
qualities and has been used to treat hyperactivity, insomnia, headaches, toothaches,
sore joints, and rumbling digestive systems. It was also used to ward off diseases such
as the plague and cholera, and in 17th century London, people tied small bunches of
lavender to their wrists to prevent the deadly diseases.
Early household use started with lavender strewn on the floors of castles and sick
rooms as a disinfectant and deodorant. It was sold in bunches by street vendors and
placed in linen closets as an insecticide to protect linens from moths. Lavender was
burned in sickrooms to clean the air. Many Christian homes featured lavender formed
into the shape of a cross, which was then hung over the door as a safeguard against evil.
In Ireland, brides wore lavender garters to protect them from witchcraft.
Lavender is not without its romantic charms either. Lavender has long been considered
an herb of love, and Cleopatra supposedly used it to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark
Antony. In Tudor times, a lavender brew was taken by maidens on St. Luke's Day to
discover the identity of their true loves. Lavender under the beds of newlyweds
ensured passion, and put in the pillows of Alpine maidens it brought hopes of romance.
For centuries it's long been thought to be an aphrodisiac
Current medicinal uses promote lavender as a mild sedative and an aid to relieve
neuralgia pain when used in the bath. It's also used for treating bruises and insect bites
with a compress. Lavender sprays are also purported to discourage mosquitoes.
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