Content
- Lavender - versatile use in the home, kitchen and as a remedy
- Lavender in the household and garden
- Lavender as a medicinal herb
- Recipe for a soothing lavender tea
- Use lavender in the kitchen
- Tips & Tricks
Lavender - versatile use in the home, kitchen and as a remedy
Most people know lavender only as a component of perfumes and as a filling material of fragrant fragrance bags. In fact, for example, lavandin, which is cultivated extensively in Provence - a very rich lavender variety - is largely used for perfumes. However, you can process the intensely fragrant herb with the high proportion of essential oils in many other areas.
Lavender in the household and garden
The ancient Egyptians used the lavender a few thousand years ago for body care, a tradition that was continued by the Romans. This original use of the plant is also reflected in its name, since the name "lavender" derives from the Latin word for "wash", "lavare". Even today, lavender scent - but now often synthetically produced - is found in many cleansing and personal care products. Also known is the deterrent effect of lavender on annoying insects such as clothing moths or mosquitoes. For this reason, housewives used to pack scented bags or lavender sticks in the linen closet. Lavender oil, on the other hand, should not only repel mosquitoes, but also, when applied to the affected parts of the plant, expel aphids.
Lavender as a medicinal herb
Even as a medicinal herb, lavender has been used for a very long time. Already in the first century AD, the Roman physician Dioskurides already described the manifold uses of the plant. For example, the antiseptic effect of lavender was also known to the Roman soldiers, because they rubbed themselves before a battle with lavender oil. This should prevent inflammation in case of a wound. Today, especially the calming effect of lavender on the psyche and on the gastrointestinal tract is known. Accordingly, a use u. a. for sleep problems or gastrointestinal complaints. Lavender can be used internally (for example as a tea), but also externally (eg as an ointment or tincture).
Recipe for a soothing lavender tea
If you suffer from problems falling asleep, are often unable to calm down, or are simply stressed out, then a cup of lavender tea, drunk just before falling asleep, could help.
By the way, you can use this broth (naturally cooled) to spray your plants and keep pests away naturally.
Use lavender in the kitchen
Lavender as a kitchen herb, however, is little known, but many people consider the leaves poisonous. However, this is wrong, because both the young leaves and the flowers are edible and give meat and fish dishes a wonderful aroma. In fact, there are numerous dishes made with lavender in Provençal cuisine - even the famous "Herbs of Provence" contain it. However, do not be surprised, as lavender is usually not included in the mixtures available in this country.
Tips & Tricks
From thyme, rosemary, marjoram, fennel (herb), oregano, savory, bay leaf, sage and lavender, you can put together your own traditional "herbal of Provence" mixture. You can keep the well-dried and ripened herbs in a dark and well-closed container for several months.
IJA