Lavender (Lavandula)

Plants are medicine and if we look to nature there are many healing properties offered in nature, which do not require plastic packaging. 

Lavender is one of those plants that I take a bit for granted as it grows so easily here in the inner city cool temperate area of Melbourne. Lavender plants are quite hardy and don’t seem to require much attention.

This can sometimes leave me to not value its properties and offerings as much as other plants which are harder to grow, and do not necessary provide such a bountiful harvest.

Lavender is from the mint family, and you will find many of the varieties, in city gardens for their attractive flowers from deep dark purple, mauves, to pure white and their fragrant leaves. 

The soothing scent of lavender is unmistakable and often used for its calming effects. The oil is extracted from the plant’s delicate purple flowers. Lavender has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making it a versatile addition to home soap-making, flower essences and balms. 

Lavender-infused balms and soaps can help alleviate irritation and redness, promote healing of minor wounds and soothe the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Lavender is also used to flavour drinks and sweets. Apart from being used in gardening and medicine it is also used in cleaning and baking. 

The earliest known records of lavender come from more than 2500 years ago. Evidence of lavender was found in ancient Egyptian mummification and early Roman bathhouses. It is believed that lavender originated in the Greek Hyeres Islands and was distributed to Europe by the Arabians around 600 BC.

According to some the Romans were the first to carry lavender into war and use it as an antibacterial and wound healer.

There were ancient claims about the medicinal properties of lavender and the herbalist, John Parkinson, confirmed these in the 16th century. It became a plant of worth and its value increased for a period of time and those able to have access to it regularly would put it in their pillowcases to enjoy a good night’s sleep. 

Apparently traditional Asian medicine was the first to claim lavender’s aids for stress and anxiety.

Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist in the 1930s, discovered the healing powers of lavender when he burned himself in his lab. 

Gattefosse’s discovery inspired him to coin the term “aromatherapy,” referring to treatment with aromatic plants such as lavender. Because of his work, lavender was used throughout WWII to heal the wounds of soldiers.

The plants typically need bright direct sunlight and well-draining soil to grow to their full potential. They do not need much water. When sick, a boost of compost will help, and they only need pruning once per year. 

You can propagate lavender from cuttings. Search online for step-by-step guides to propagate. •