Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is a flower we all know and love. It has a familiar aroma and is linked to aiding with anxiety and depression. Although this flower takes time to grow to its full potential, it is well worth the wait for what benefits it provides. Lavender’s health and magical properties makes this flower a must have in everyone’s garden. In fact, if you are a practicing Green Witch this is definitely a flower you should have growing in your garden.
Lavender Origin
Lavender is a shrubby plant that is indigenous to the mountainous Mediterranean regions. Found in various parts of France, Italy and some parts of Norway. It was cultivated in England in 1568 and was later brought to America upon its “discovery”, which very quickly became a garden favorite. It has also been introduced to other regions of the world and now grows almost everywhere.
These purple flowers were used in many ways throughout history:
The Romans and Libyans would use lavender in their baths. The name lavender is believed to have gotten its name from this. Lavare in Latin means “to wash”.
French lavender was (and still is) rather plentiful in Spain and Portugal. The flowers were used to cover church and house floors during festive occasions. This is because of the aroma that the flowers would give off when they were stepped on. It was also burned in bonfires during St. John’s Day. The smell of this type of lavender gives off more of a rosemary smell.
During the Middle Ages, lavender was medically used for a number of different ailments, which we will get into further in the post.
Used during the time of the plague (black death), the cut flowers were put in the room with the sick. This was believed to help purify the space and help prevent the spread of this deadly disease.
Facts about Lavender
- There are around 47 species of lavender.
- Is a member of the mint family.
- Various species were used for its essential oils.
- The largest portion of essential oils made were from the species Lavandula Vera (English).
- VERY Profitable
- Many health benefits
- Provides an excellent source of honey for bees
- Used to flavor food dishes (ice cream, cookies, teas, lemonade, jams, cocktails and cakes, just to name a few)
- May kill lice and other parasites on animals
- Has a bitter taste
- Can be used as a stimulant or a sedative
- DO NOT ingest in high doses, especially while pregnant
- Used in ointments to make the ointment smell a little better
- English lavender is more aromatic than French lavender
Let’s also not forget that lavender holds many magical properties as well. Keep reading to find out more!
Growing Lavender
Growing lavender can be a challenge if you lack patience. This is a plant that you will not harvest within the first year of its growth. In its first-year lavender should be pruned and cut back. This will allow the plant to grow bushier and produce more the following years. However, from what I have read, a lavender plant is only good up to five years if you are using it to harvest its essential oils.
If you are growing lavender for the essential oils, harvesting properly is key to get the most out of your plant. Harvest during the early mornings or early evenings. Make sure it is dry out with no moisture and no wind. These factors contribute to the amount of oil you receive from the plant.
Lavender likes full sun, light soils (sandy gravel), and good drainage. You can also propagate lavender from cuttings from an existing plant and placing it in water, allowing roots to form.
Like with most plants, frost is not a friend of lavender, so be aware of your frost dates.
Lavender Health and Magical Properties
Now let’s get into what I am sure most of you came here for, and that is the lavender health and magical properties. This wonderful plant can do so much for us, and so many of us rely on it.
Lavender Health Benefits
Let’s start with the health side. I know today a lot of us are trying to stay out of the doctor’s office and lean more into home remedies. And lavender is one of those plants that has so much going for it, it should be a staple in everyone’s garden.
Do not ingest lavender without consulting with your doctor for proper dosages, any risks you may have or if you are pregnant. Also, be aware of any allergies you or your family may have.
- Relax muscles
- Headaches (apply oil to temples)
- Staph
- Strep
- Aids with digestion
- Dressing wounds with oils
- Antibacterial
- PMS symptoms
- Menopausal symptoms
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Common colds
- Use against faintness
- Palpitations based off of nervousness
- Raises appetite
- Spasms
- Antiseptic
- Colic
- Relieve fatigue (use in baths)
- Comfort an upset stomach
- Uplifts and boosts the spirit
- Aid with stiff joints
- May reduce healing time on sprains
- Hoarseness of throat or voice lost (gargle)
- Burns
- Sores
- Skalds
- Bruises
- Antidepressant
- Bites
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Relieve gas
- Antifungal
- Irritability
- Hypertension
- Flu symptoms
Lavender can be made into many forms. Different forms for different uses for a specific ailment.
- Pain killer
- Balms/ salves
- Cough medicines
- Oils
- Dried
Lavender Magical Properties
Now let’s take a look into lavender’s magical properties. Sometimes manifesting is how we try to get what we want with help from the universe as well as any items we use to help aid our manifestations. The power and energy lavender carries is helpful with the following:
- Protection
- Love
- Purification
- Moving on
- Sleep
- Chasity
- Self-love
- See and help conquer fears
- Peace
- Happiness
- Divination
- Longevity
- Spiritual cleansing
- Clarity
- Psychic awakening
- Balance
- Harmony
- Healing
Continue reading to see the list of Lavender’s correspondences
Other Lavender Uses
If you thought that was enough, well guess what? There is more! Here are a few other uses you can use with this purple flower.
- Make perfume
- Make soap
- Use in a sachet
- Protection against the Evil Eye
- Love spells (wear to attract, add scent to love notes)
- Make oils
- Hang in home for peace
- Make lotions
- Potpourri
- Freshen linen
- Keeps moths away from clothing
- Keeps away flies and mosquitoes
- Use while meditating
- Aromatherapy
- Shampoo/ Conditioner
- Homemade cleaning products
- Baths
- Dream Pillow
Dream Pillow
This is an easy ritual you can do and all you need is your pillow and some lavender in a sachet. Place under your pillow and make a wish. If your dreams coincide with your wish, it will come true. If not, your wish will not manifest. Placing lavender under your pillow is another way to help you sleep if you suffer with sleep issues such as insomnia or nightmares.
Lavender Correspondences
Folk Names: Elf Leaf, Nardus, Nard, Spike
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Chakra: Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus
Deities: Hecate, Isis, Artemis
Astrology: Gemini, Virgo
Magical Uses: See list above