Lavender – Lavandula officinalis
Description of Lavender:
Lavandula officinalis
Ajakosak – Labiatae
A perennial plant about half a metre tall. The flowers are borne at the end of the stem, in the axils of the membranous ivy leaves, and form an indented raceme. The individual flowers are violet-blue with two upper lips and three lower lips.
Occurrence:
Its native habitat is the western Mediterranean. It is cultivated in many places, particularly in the south of France and England, but is also widely grown in our country.
The history of lavender in brief
The earliest record of lavender use comes from ancient Egypt. Lavender oil was an important part of the mummification process.
In later times, in many cultures, such as ancient Rome, Persia and Greece, it was one of the substances added to bath water and was believed to purify the body and soul.
The Romans considered it such a luxurious plant that 1 pound of it was sold for 100 denarii (the currency of the time), roughly the equivalent of a farm worker’s monthly wage or about 50 haircuts at the hairdresser’s. Its late Latin name was lavandārius, derived from lavanda (things to wash) and lavāre (to wash).
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to cure many ailments, such as:
for mental problems, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, hair loss, nausea, nausea, acne, toothache, skin irritation, cancer.
Uses of lavender
Lavender has many uses. Many people use it to support and maintain good health. We feel it is important to make it clear from the outset that lavender essential oil should be considered as a cosmetic product, and should only be used externally.
However, research results have given rise to much debate. It should be noted that lavender has not yet been recognised by official bodies as a medicine and its use as a substitute for other medicines is not recommended.
Aromatherapy
Lavender is mainly used in the field of aromatherapy. The essential oils produced from the fragrance extracted from the plant promote calmness and general well-being. But it has also been shown to help combat stress and anxiety, and even mild headaches. But there have been studies that have shown that using lavender, medical sage and rose together can reduce menstrual cramps.
Potential cancer and dementia help
According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), aromatherapy can help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatments because our olfactory receptors send signals to the brain that can affect our mood. Aromatherapy can also help adults with dementia.
While many people swear by the healing power of lavender’s aroma, the scientific community is less so. The results of so much research on lavender have been controversial.
Helps with sleep
It used to be common practice to recommend it to people who had insomnia or some kind of sleep disorder. People would stuff lavender flowers into their pillows to help them fall asleep and sleep better at night.
Today, aromatherapists use lavender for headaches and nervousness or restlessness. Massage therapists use lavender oil applied to the skin to help you relax and sleep better. In Germany, it is an approved custom to drink lavender tea for restlessness, sleep disorders and stomach irritation.
For skin and hair
Occasional use of lavender oil can help with hair loss, a certain type of alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). A study in the monthly journal Archives of Dermatology (published by the American Society of Dermatology) showed that people who rubbed lavender, thyme, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils together on the affected area had hair growth restart in some people after about 7 months of continuous treatment. What is certain is that the researchers were unable to identify which of these oils was ultimately responsible for this effect.
Lavender oil applied to the skin has shown positive results in protecting against eczema, acne, mild sunburn and nappy rash.
A study published in the monthly Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil is effective against fungal infections. Researchers found that lavender oil was lethal to certain strains of bacteria that cause skin infections. Lavender oils produced from Lavandula species were effective in destroying the membranes of skin fungus cells. These oils have also been shown to be potent and to have antifungal activity.
Use of lavender in the kitchen
Lavender is an excellent culinary herb that can be used in many recipes. The flowers, leaves and whole branches are also used. Care should always be taken to use genuine lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). True lavender has an unmistakable spicy and camphor-like flavour, sometimes floral and slightly bitter.
The fresh branches of lavender can also be used to flavour meat dishes, for example. Chicken, lamb and fish dishes taste excellent when lavender is combined with thyme or rosemary. Grated or chopped lavender leaves add a special flavour to many types of cheese, such as goat’s cheese, soft cheese, Gorgonzola or raclette. The lavender aroma is also suitable for hearty cream soups. The addition of lavender should be handled with care, as the leaves are usually very aromatic and intensely flavoured.
Lavender flowers are also often used in desserts. For example, lavender flowers mixed into fruit salads containing berries can create an excellent flavour effect. Lavender is also ideal for cakes, truffles and ice cream. A speciality is lavender honey, which has a delicate floral flavour. It is better to work with high quality honeys. Lavender honey is very healthy thanks to its many minerals.
Lavender syrup
Lavender syrup can be a brilliant way for lovers to spice up a variety of drinks with a little floral, sweet taste. It goes well in cocktails, gin and tonics, lemonades, teas. It’s easy to make at home, and not to mention inexpensive.
It’s as easy to make as any other sugar syrup, simply put the lavender flowers in boiling water with the sugar, leave to stand and strain. It will keep for several weeks in a jar on the fridge door.
Ingredients:
– one cup of water (about 2dl cup)
– 2 to 3 tablespoons of fresh or dried lavender flowers
– 2 cups of sugar (also the same about 2dl cup)
Bring the water and petals to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the sugar until melted. Cook over a low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely, but leave to stand for at least 1 hour. Strain the syrup and it’s ready to go into a jar. Be sure to try to store it in a tightly sealed jar to keep air out, such as a jar with a clasp and a rubber seal. Store in the fridge.
If you want to tweak the recipe a little, use cane sugar instead of sugar, but you can also halve the amount and use quality acacia honey with 1 cup of cane sugar. Add to the recipe to taste, we recommend about 6-8 tablespoons. You can also add lemongrass or even rosemary, which goes very well with lavender.
Lavender tea recipes
You can make lavender tea from fresh or dried lavender flower petals. It is best to grow lavender yourself in your garden and make fresh tea from it. Grate the petals with the stem, as that is all you need to make the tea. Put a tablespoon of petals in 1 cup of water.
1. Simple lavender tea
Instead of tap water, try to use filtered water, or even spring water, to make the tea, as tap water can cause a change in flavour and prevent the petals from releasing their full aroma. Place the lavender petals in the boiling water using a strainer. If you don’t have a tea strainer, leave to steep in the water and then strain at the end. leave to steep for 10 minutes, then remove from the water and sweeten with a little honey before drinking.
2. For bedtime: lavender and chamomile tea
This excellent tea is calming and peaceful. Like lavender, chamomile helps you get a good night’s sleep. A teaspoon of lavender and a teaspoon of chamomile will make a cup of tea. Bring the water to the boil and make your tea in the same way as the previous tea.
3. Lavender and mint tea
The floral flavour of lavender blends perfectly with the cooling taste of mint leaves. Alternatively, you can replace the mint leaves with green tea leaves to add a little caffeine to your morning drink. Here, a tablespoon of lavender petals will require roughly 3-4 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves, depending on taste of course. Steep the leaves for 5-10 minutes, depending on how intense you want the flavour to be.
4. Lavender and berry iced tea
Nothing is better on a hot summer’s day than a glass of deliciously refreshing iced tea. As cold water doesn’t properly evoke the aromas of the flowers, always make lavender tea with hot water, let it cool and add ice. You can leave the petals in the tea until it is completely cold, which will give it a more intense flavour. If you want to sweeten it, heat 50 grams of sugar with 25 grams of lavender syrup, stir until completely melted, then leave to cool and add to the tea. Add strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, blended or however you like and leave the tea in the fridge for a good 3 hours.
Lavender oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils in aromatherapy. As well as supporting relaxation and rest, it is also believed by many to help against a host of other ailments. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, skin fungus and already allergic reactions, eczema, menstrual cramps etc. Lavender is considered a versatile oil in essential oil applications.
It has proven anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Although it helps in many areas of health, it can have side effects. Using lavender essential oil on the skin may cause irritation or other allergic symptoms. If you complain of nausea, vomiting or headaches after using lavender oil, stop using it immediately. Since ingesting lavender oil can be toxic, never use it unless your doctor has advised you to do so.
There is no recommended daily dose of lavender essential oil. According to the principles of aromatherapy, inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil or applying lavender essential oil to the skin sends messages to the limbic system, a brain region known to affect the nervous system and help regulate emotions. One popular approach involves combining lavender oil with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond).
Lavender essential oil can be mixed with carrier oil and massaged into the skin or added to a bath. You can sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on a cloth or fabric and inhale its aroma, or add the oil to an aromatherapy diffuser or vaporizer.
When buying essential oils, look for a supplier who either distils their own material or deals directly with reputable distillers and has gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyse the quality of the product.
When buying pure lavender essential oil, check the label for the Latin name, Lavandula angustifolia. Other oils or ingredients should not be found, as if you see other oils such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil or sweet almond oil, the lavender will be diluted and should not be used in an electric aroma diffuser. Essential oils should be packaged in dark amber or cobalt bottles and stored out of sunlight.
10 important things to know about lavender:
– an easy-to-grow shrub
– can be easily planted – flowers in late spring, summer
– early spring, early spring, early spring, early spring
– best planted in spring in well-drained soil
– needs plenty of sunlight to flower and is drought tolerant
– many varieties are hardy, but avoid cold, damp places
– prune annually to keep it dense
– easy to propagate by pruning
– its leaves and flowers are used for drying
– its flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects
Part to be collected:
The panicled inflorescence should be collected.
Active ingredient:
Essential oil, which is contained in the leaves up to o.8-1.5%.
How to grow lavender, all you need to know about it?
It is done in the same way as salvia (medicinal sage). Seed requirements are 250-300 grams of seed per acre. Yield per acre is 3-3,5 q (maza) of dry flowers.
Choose lavender for yourself
There are many types of lavender, ranging widely in colour, fragrance, size and tolerance. The two most commonly grown types are:
English lavender and its hybrids (Lavandula angustifolia and L.x intermedia)
Despite its Mediterranean origins, it is so named because it prefers the cooler climate of England and has long been a staple of English garden shops and gardens. One of the best varieties is Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote Blue’, which was discovered in England in the 19th century in the well-known Hidcote Manor Gardens.
The most resistant type, they can be left outside in the cold even in winter. They are said to survive the cold season generally without problems in vine-growing climates, while in colder regions they need to be protected. Their scent is quite strong, their inflorescences are lush and purple or purplish-blue, and their leaves are silvery-grey. They also come in mauve, pink and white and can grow from 30 cm to 90 cm. It is one of the best suited for kitchen use, as it has a low camphor content.
French lavender and more delicate varieties
– french lavender (Lavandula stoechas)
– hybrid lavender (L.x chaytoriae)
– spanish lavender (L. latifolia, L. pedunculata, L. viridis)
– more sensitive lavenders, such as L. canariensis, L. dentata, L. lanata and L. pinnata, originating in Portugal, Madeira and the Canary Islands
Less hardy lavender varieties, which are better grown in pots and sheltered from cold and frost in winter. Especially the Spanish and Canary Island varieties are not cold hardy. Their thick-tipped flowers often take on a milder shade of mauve, pink and cream. They grow to about 60 cm.
Buy lavender
During spring and summer you are likely to find lavender in any garden centre. They are usually sold in small plastic pots, but there are also websites where you can order seedlings in advance, usually in larger quantities. This can be a cheaper option if you want to buy more lavender, but there is probably less choice in terms of type, i.e. it depends on the seller which type they sell. It should also be borne in mind that these seedlings will need more work until they reach the right size to be planted in their final position.
The most important things to know about planting and propagating lavender, when exactly?
April or May is the best time, when the soil is starting to warm up or has warmed up enough. Never plant earlier, or even in winter, when seedlings can easily rot in cold, damp soil. It is important to plant in spring because by the time the cold winter comes, the plants will have grown enough to survive the winter.
Where should we plant?
Lavender looks great as a flower border, and can be grown in flower beds or pots. The key is a sunny spot, because of its Mediterranean origins it will need plenty of sunlight and won’t survive long in shady, damp and too cold places. It prefers drier, moderately fertile soils, such as chalky and alkaline soils.
How to plant?
First weed the soil. If your soil is a little heavier, plant your plant on a 20-30 cm high bed or “mound” so that the roots of the plant are not in the waterlogged soil.
You can plant lavender in a few simple steps:
– after purchase, as soon as possible
– as soon as possible, leave about 90 cm space between two plants if planted in groups
– if you plant lavender as a hedge or border, 30 cm between two plants is enough, and 45 cm for larger plants
– water regularly after planting during the first season, especially in drier weather
– if planting in pots, make large holes in the bottom and use a universal potting soil, mixing sand and small pebbles to make the soil permeable
Watering lavender
Newly planted lavender should be watered regularly during the first summer, especially in dry weather. Care should also be taken when planting in pots, as the plant will dry out more quickly in pots than in soil in the garden. When it has grown thoroughly, lavender is drought tolerant, so it will need considerably less water. You also have to be careful with the nutrients, because lavender likes nutrient-poor soil.
In terms of numbers, water once or twice after planting, once your lavender has grown, once every 2-3 weeks is enough, then once it has flowered, water again once or twice a week until you have picked the flowers.
What do I need to know about pruning lavender?
Lavender needs to be pruned regularly, otherwise the plants will get old and rot and decay. Proper pruning will ensure lots of flowers and compact growth. Prune the plants for the first time immediately after flowering. If you want to use the flower, cut off the leafless flower stalks at flowering. If not, it is worth pruning the lavender flower back after it has flowered, usually in late summer. It is sufficient to prune enough to produce a hemispherical plant.
We are talking about about a third of a stem from the top. In early spring, lavender is usually cut back to the woody parts once more. This helps new green shoots to grow. At this time, the lavender is pruned back to two-thirds, the so-called one-third to two-thirds method (one-third at the end of summer and two-thirds in spring).
When picking lavender flowers, it is best to prune in the morning, as the concentration of fragrance is higher at this time. Leave the stems of the cut lavender to make it easier to bunch them up, wrap them in plastic wrap and hang them upside down in a cooler, darker place where they can breathe. After a few weeks, you can easily crumble the lavender petals off these properly dried flowers. Store in a jar with a clasp or in an airtight jar until needed.
Diseases and problems of lavender
In general, lavender will grow without problems if grown in conditions it likes. A sunny spot with good permeable soil is ideal. However, if it grows in moist, heavy soil, its roots will rot easily, which can lead to premature death. This rot is caused by a fungus of the genus Phytophtora. If detected in time, it can be stopped with commercially available fungicides (fungicides).
You can also control the wet soil with a raised bed or large-hole tile. Some types of lavender are not very hardy and cannot withstand cold winters, so always check the label of the plant you buy and buy a hardier type if you plan to give it a permanent place outside.
Thanks to its essential oils, it is protected from aphids and other harmful insects. No slug damage either. So insects are not too much of a threat, those that love lavender can cause mainly external, beauty damage to the leaves.
Harvesting and drying:
The flowers are collected before full bloom, from the end of June to mid-August, by cutting them just before flowering and hanging them in bunches to dry in a shady, airy place.
Processing and marketing:
The essential oil is produced from the flowers by distillation and is used in medicine and cosmetics for making perfumes and toiletries. The flowers are also used as a perfuming and moth repellent when placed in clothing.
Some ideas about lavender
– plant lavender along garden paths and pavements so you can enjoy the scent while you are inside, plus lavender benefits from sunlight reflecting off the pavement
– can also be used as an “aromatic plant” along fences or garden walls
– planted near terraces, you can benefit from the fact that its scent repels mosquitoes, flies and fleas, while attracting butterflies and bees
– crumble some lavender flowers in the sugar bowl and use the sugar for baking and desserts
– add to jams and fruit compotes for a little spice
– you can also use it to garnish salads (even pomegranate seeds)
– mix thyme, peppercorns, rosemary and dried lavender and you have a dried Provence spice mix
– sprinkle chopped lavender as a seasoning for roast lamb, chicken, rabbit
15 great lavender recipes
We are probably well aware of the many uses of lavender and its fragrance in cosmetics, soaps and essential oils.
However, in recent years, many recipes have shown us that lavender can also be used in a wide range of ways in the kitchen. From desserts to cocktails and savoury dishes.
However, we should be very careful to make all recipes with lavender that is suitable for eating and not lavender that is used for, say, potpourri.
1. lavender fries
2. thyme, lavender, pink lemonade sorbet
3. lavender flower tea cakes with lemon-honey glaze
4. lemon lavender mojito
5. french lemonade with lavender
6. chocolate lavender fudge with salted caramel glaze
7. lemongrass lavender green iced tea
8. lemon lavender chicken
9. leg of lamb lavender with thyme bark
10. lavender summer fruit salad
11. peach and feta salad with lavender dressing
12. lavender pancake with honey
13. honey lavender ice cream
14. lavender creme brulée
15. lavender peach jam
Lavender syrup
Lavender oil
Lavender tea
Pruning lavender
Planting lavender
Propagation of lavender
Use
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