Lavender Uses

The word lavender comes from the Latin name “lavare” which means “to wash”. It was used during Roman times for its healing and antiseptic qualities. There are many references in the bible to lavender, referring to its ancient name, Spikenard. Mary Magdalene used lavender to wash Jesus’s feet. Adam and Eve took lavender with them when they were banished from the Garden of Eden. For years lavender was considered a safeguard against evil.

In the Middle Ages, monks and nuns were known for using lavender to make medicine. For years, it was considered a “cure-all”, known to treat anything from upset stomach and kidney disorders. Queen Elizabeth I made the herb popular during her reign.

Contemporary aromatherapists have discovered that odors can affect the chemical balances in the body and lavender is gaining popularity for its mood changing properties. Lavender is a known antiseptic and can be used to treat burns and acne. Many use it to release toxins and tension. A gentle spray of lavender water on your sheets can calm you before bedtime. Many manufacturers are now using it in baby wash as a relaxing additive in bath water.

Lavender is also a natural alternative to bug spray. Place lavender sachets in your shoes or closet to keep the moths away. Sprinkle a bit of lavender buds in your kitchen cupboards to deter ants from eating your food. As a garden plant, lavender attracts beneficial bugs such as ladybugs, butterflies and honey bees. Deer do not like the taste of lavender.