Herbal Blessing: LAVENDER

It’s National Herb Week and a great time to look at Lavender (Lavendula spp) – the Herb of the Year in 1999. Derived from the Latin verb lavare meaning “to wash”, legend is that lavender was an herb beloved by Mary and used by her in the water to wash Christ’s clothes. Native to the Mediterranean region, lavender was also used by the Romans to scent their washing water and by the Egyptians to soak the linens used in mummification. It may even have been the “nard” used by Mary to anoint Christ in John 12:3.

A perennial plant with narrow leaves and long flower spikes, lavender may be used as edging for walks, in rock gardens or as the foundation of any fragrance garden. There are two main types – the hardy lavenders and the tender lavenders, however numerous hybrid Lavandins are also available such as the popular “Grosso”.

The hardy lavenders or English lavenders (Lavandula augustifolia) are hardy in zones 5-8, are not quite as tall and flower only once a year. They are shrubby plants with grey green leaves and usually have purple flowers. “Munstead” and “Hidcote” are the two most popular. Hardy lavenders require a sunny location in a well-drained soil with mulch around the base to increase winter survival. They should only be pruned hard in the spring as new growth appears, cutting out any dead wood. Flowers should be harvested as they are about to open in the morning and hung to dry in a well ventilated space with subdued light. Fresh harvested flowers may be used to make lavender wands and dried they may be added to potpourris, sachets and wreaths. The flowers are edible and may be used sparingly in cookies, lemonade and French herbs blends as well as an accent in tea blends. Grown primarily for the oil in the flowers which is used as a familiar fragrance in perfumes, soaps & cosmetics, the oil is also an essential component of any household first aid kit. Lavender essential oil is anti-bacterial, will stop the itching of insect bites and is used as a folk remedy for numerous conditions from acne to wounds. In aromatherapy the clean, penetrating fragrance is used to lower stress and blood pressure, and to relieve headaches.

The tender lavenders include the French (Lavandula dentata) and Spanish (Lavandula stoechas) lavenders which are distinguished by the colored bracts at the top of the flower spikes that look like a small butterfly. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the French lavender leaves are greener than grey and have indented leaves. The Spanish are similar, but have larger bracts, a stronger scent and bushier habit. They both make excellent topiary standards or herbal bonsai plants.

LAVENDER TIPS:
The first year is the trickiest for lavender:
They need more water, should be mulched
with pea-sized gravel rather than standard mulch
and do not fertilize - just be patient.

Plant lavender with thyme - they help each other grow!

LAVENDER RECIPES:

LAVENDER-LEMON TEA COOKIES
1c sugar
1tsp lavender buds
1c butter
2 1/4c flour
1/2c powdered sugar
1/8tsp salt
1tsp vanilla
zest of 1 lemon
To make lavender sugar, combine sugar with lavender for at least 24 hrs. Strain out the lavender and reserve for dough. Cream butter and powdered sugar with vanilla, then add salt, strained lavender and flour. Mix thoroughly. Chill dough 1 hour. Roll into 1 inch balls, roll in lavender sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 mins. While still warm, roll in additional sugar.

LAVENDER HONEY BUNCHES
3c quick oats
2c flaked coconut
1c flour
1c brown sugar
1c butter
1/2c honey
1tsp lavender blossoms
Combine oats, coconut, and flour. Bring the butter, honey, sugar and lavender to a boil, then pour over dry ingredients. Drop by spoonful into mini muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 12-15 mins. or until lightly golden. Cool in tins 15 mins.