Lavender, or lavandula, is a genus of 19 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found from Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to the northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India.

The english word lavender is generally thought to be derived from the Old French lavandre, and ultimately from the Latin lavare, which means to wash, referring to the use of the infusions of the plant. The botanic name Lavandula is considered to be derived from this and other European vernacular names for the plants. However, it is suggested that this explanation may be apocryphal, and that the name may actually be derived from the Latin livere, which means “blueish”. The names widely used are “English lavender”, “French lavender” and “Spanish lavender”, all names referring to different types of the species.

Lavender flowers find many culinary uses. The flower is grown as a condiment and used in salads and dressings. Flowers yield abudant nectar, from which bees make high quality honey. Monofloral lavender honey is primarily produced around the Mediterranean, and is marketed worldwide as a permium product. Flowers can be candied and sometimes used as cake decorations. Lavender oftentimes flavours baked goods and desserts, as it pairs especially well with chocolate, and is also used to make lavender sugar. Lavender flowers are ocassionally blended with black, green, or herbal teas. Though it has many other traditional uses in southern France, lavender is not used in traditional southern French cooking. In the 1970s however, a blend of herbs called herbed de Provence, or Provence herbs, which included lavender was invented and lavender became more popular in cooking. It lends a floral and slightly sweet flavor to dishes and is sometimes paired with sheep's and goat's milk cheeses. In cooking, usually the dried flower buds are utilized.

Lavender is typically known as a soothing herb and is most popularly known for its calming the nervous system and benefiting the skin. Today every cosmetic house and practisioners of natural medicine has some product or treatment, which incorporates lavender in it. The essential oil was used in hospitals during the World War I. It is very commonly paired with herbs like chamomile n aromatherapy. Lavender holds anxiolytic effects and influence on sleep quality and it showed meaningful efficacy in alleviating anxiety and relared sleep disturbances when consumed in capsules. Lavender honey, instead of the essential oil has the best of effects on wounds.

In naturotherapy forms such as aromatherapy, flower therapy and spa treatments, lavender oil is infused in steam concoctions, massage oils and lotions to treat headaches, exhaustion from stress and other disorders of the nervous system. Massage with lavender infused oils, relaxes a tired body and calms the minds. It has sedative effects when taken in appropriate proportions and is very beneficial in slowing down the nervous system, making it a good alternative treatment for insomnia. It greatly improves sleep quality, and hold great anti-depressant properties. It reduces anxiety and is a great mood-uplifter. Tea made with lavender buds can be had for all the abode purposes in addition to the mentioned methods of use. It is a moth and insect repellant and an effective disinfectant, making it a good choice for closet potpourris and floor cleaners.

Medicinal Applications:

It has a researched, proven effects against anxiety and depression.

Lavender is antiseptic and antimicrobial

It helps treat insomnia, calming the nervous system and it helps drop high blood pressure.

It helps relieve from colic pain, flatulence and enteric pain.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.