Lavender

Lavender

Introduction  The name of lavender comes

from the Latin word ‘lavare’ meaning ‘to wash’, and was used as a ritual bathing herb in ancient Rome. Lavender, the common name of the genus Lavandula. It is a summer flowering perennial shrub with flower colors that typically range from deep purple to pale blue, and also includes some pink, yellow, green, and white varieties. There are 39 species of Lavandula, with cultivars numbering in the hundreds.

Culinary UseFlowers yield well-supplied nectar from which bees make a high-quality honey. Flowers can be candied and are sometimes used as cake decorations. Lavender flavors baked goods and desserts and is also used to make “ lavender sugar ". Lavender flowers are occasionally blended with black, green, or herbal tea, adding a fresh, relaxing scent and flavor. Lavender lends a floral and slightly sweet flavor to most dishes. For most cooking applications the dried buds are used. Only the buds contain the essential oil of lavender, from which the scent and flavor of lavender are best derived.

Available Forms of Lavender

Commercial preparations are made from dried flower, dried herb, and essential oil. Lavender is available in the following forms:

o Teas. o Tinctures.

o Lavender oil (Aromatherapy oil). o Bath gels.o Extracts. o Lotions. o Soaps.

Lavender’s Farm…..

How Lavender Is Used ….?Lavender is most

commonly used in aromatherapy, in which the scent of the essential oil from the flowers is inhaled. Dried lavender flowers can be used to make teas or liquid extracts that can be taken by mouth. The calming influence of lavender essential oil combines with French lavender buds for a gentle, aromatic bar.

Internal useInternal uses of lavender

are as follows:-Indigestion Irritability AnxietyExhaustionTensionHeadacheMigraine

External use•It is mainly used for its antiseptic and anti-dandruff properties. •It have local pain killing actions. •Used to treat most type of burns, including sunburn, muscular pains, neuralgia, cold sores, insect bites, head lice.

Side effects of Lavender

Although side effects are rare, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Consuming large doses may cause: When taken by mouth :-o Constipationo Headache o Nausea

o Depressiono Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness

o Slow breathing, and

o Reduced mental alertness.

o Increase appetite.

When applied to the skin :-

o Skin inflammation .

o Allergic reactions.