Lavandula officinalis
Other names: Garden Lavender, Spike Lavender, Common Lavender
Family: Labiatae

Description
Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally. The oil in lavender's small, blue-violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 - 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

Parts used
Flowers.

Usage
This beautiful herb has many uses, culinary, cosmetic and medicinal. Many people appreciate lavender for its aromatic fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare , which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects. It is an effective herb for headaches, especially when they are related to stress. Lavender can be quite effective in the clearing of depression, especially if used in conjunction with other remedies. As a gentle strengthening tonic of the nervous system it is used in states of nervous debility and exhaustion. Use it to soothe and promote natural sleep. Externally the oil may be used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the aches and pains of rheumatism.

Decoction: A spoonful in a cup of water, leave for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day, in small sips, between meals. Relieves headaches, migraines, dizziness, blackouts, helps with insomnia. Relieves headaches caused from weakness or extreme fatigue and toothaches. It is a nerve tonic.

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. This can be drunk three times a day.

External use:
In cases of fainting and headaches, we can use the herbal tea for cold compress on the temples. Lavender can be used with Eucalyptus and other herbs for a revitalizing facial steam bath. The extract is used in aromatherapy,cosmetics, beverages, ice-creams, sweets, bakery products.

Side effects: In large doses, it can be irritating. Especially, people suffering from their stomach are advised not to use it as it irritates the stomach. Also, the essential oil can be a narcotic, in large doses, and cause even death, that’s way it is better to be used only externally. Finally, very frequent drink usage can cause colic.

* The information here should not be considered medical advice, and you should always consult a physician before beginning any herbal therapy.