This is one of several species known by the English common name French lavender. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant and for its essential oil which is used in perfumes. The flowers have a nice scent mixed with a hint of camphor.
Every garden needs Lavender! It is pretty, smells nice, has a myriad
of medical uses, is great in cooking, scents your house and your laundry
and is the ideal plant to make presents.
The many medical uses
include: Lavender is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It is useful
treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. It can help
with digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset
stomach, and abdominal swelling. It is used against from headaches,
sprains, toothaches, and sores. It is also used to prevent hair loss,
repel insects and is antifungal.
Flowers can be candied and are
sometimes used as cake decorations. Lavender flavours baked goods and
desserts, and is also used to make “lavender sugar”. Lavender flowers
can beblended with black, green, or herbal teas. Lavender is one of the
ingredients in ” herbs de Provence” which contains typically contain
savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and other herbs.
Lavender
is really easy to grow. It likes well-drained, sandy soil with lime.
The flowers are best harvested just when they are starting to open.
This is when their essential oils are most abundant.
The plants are cold hardy at least to Katoomba winters.
Here are some recipes:
15 Magical Thinks to Make with Lavender
5 useful things to do with the lavender harvest
50 ways to use lavender