Lavandula spp. 

Common Name: Lavender, Lavandin, Lavanda, Lavandula
Family: Lamiaceae
Part(s) Used: Flowers
Taste: Bitter, aromatic, pungent, astringent, mildly sour
Energetics: Warming (internal), cooling (external)
Actions: Nervine, analgesic, anxiolytic, aromatic, circulatory stimulant, antibacterial, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, carminative, cholagogue, vulnerary, mildly styptic
Constituents: Flavonoids, linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, camphor, limonene, tannins, coumarins, vitamin C, resin
Tissue State: Excitation, atrophy, depression, constriction
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Zodiac: Virgo

Magickal and Ritual Uses:

As a Mercurial plant, she bridges the worlds of body and mind, soothing the nervous system while sharpening the intellect. Anoint your temples with lavender-infused oil before writing, speaking, or spellcasting. Add her to charm bags for clarity, protection in travel, or sweet communication in love. 

Potions and Brews:

Tincture (ratio & % alcohol): Fresh:1:3-1:4 60%  Dry: 1:5 or 1:6 60%
Drops: 10-30   Times a day: 3x

Glycerite: Fresh 1:3  Glycerin: 50%   Alcohol: 50%  
Dry plant ratio: 1:7  Glycerin: 40%   Alcohol: 30%   Water: 30%
Drops: 5-30 Times a day: up to 3x

Tea: Hot infusion Ounces: 4-12 Times a day: 4x
Steep 1-2 tsp of lavender buds in 8 ounces of hot water, covered for 20-30 minutes. Lavender can be quite bitter on its own and pairing it with other mints can make it more palatable. 

Lavender spirits: 1:10  Alcohol: 95%   Drops: 1-3

Habitat and Botanical Description:

Lavender is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, particularly thriving along the coasts of southern Europe and northern Africa. As time passed, lavender's cultivation spread to other parts of the world, especially in France, which became renowned for its lavender fields.

This woody shrub, growing up to 3 feet tall, produces spikes of small, fragrant violet flowers. Lavender is well-suited to dry, well-drained soils and requires minimal watering to flourish.

Medicinal Uses: 

Lavender, an aromatic herb, is highly esteemed for its medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic virtues. She is a gentle yet potent nervine who brings peace to the overworked mind, the frayed nervous system, and the anxious heart. A balm for those who cannot stop thinking, who carry too much tension, who lie awake with thoughts that refuse to settle. Sip her tea before bed, or place a drop of her essential oil on your wrists.

She excels in easing headaches, particularly those tied to stress or hormonal tension. A few drops of essential oil, diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into the temples or the soles of the feet, can shift the pain. Foot baths made with lavender and Epsom salts are especially effective for grounding and drawing energy down from the head.

Lavender’s healing properties are invaluable in treating cuts and wounds, acting as an effective antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic agent. Her soothing nature offers relief from itchiness and pain caused by insect bites. The essential oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory actions help reduce the severity of burns and minimize scarring. Add her to salves, oils, poultices, liniments, and fomentations, especially where heat and redness call for her calming touch. Lavender’s aromatic attributes not only soothe the nervous system but also make her gentle enough for use with children. She’s a remarkable topical remedy for a variety of skin conditions, including athlete’s foot, eczema, and psoriasis. Her versatility and wide range of applications make lavender essential oil a worthy staple in any home apothecary or travel kit.

Digestively, lavender is a carminative and bitter with antispasmodic effects. She is especially helpful for alleviating uterine cramping, gas, and bloating. Whether consumed internally or applied externally in the form of poultices or compresses, lavender offers relief. Her bitter qualities enhance digestive secretions and support more efficient digestion, particularly for those whose digestion is sensitive to stress.

Contraindications: 

Lavender is generally gentle, but not without caution. Avoid in large amounts during pregnancy. Lavender essential oil can vary in its medicinal properties by species. L. stoechas and L. spike best used externally.  Always dilute essential oil in a carrier oil before topical application. Some individuals may experience headaches, nausea, or dermatitis from lavender’s potent aroma. As with all plant allies, begin with small doses and honor your body's response.