Lavender: A Plant Monograph

Botanical Name: Lavandula Angustifolia  

Common Name: Lavender, Lavender bud, Lavender flower, Garden Lavender, French lavender

PARTS USED:  The Flowers 

PLANT FAMILY: The lavender is part of the mint family of Lamiaceae.  Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region but is also common in most of southern Europe. Lavender is also now cultivated all over the world. 

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION: Lavender is a flowering plant that grows approx 60cm high in shrub like clusters. The flowers of the Lavender grow out from the shrub in triangular spike like blossoms atop of a narrow 10-15cm stem. The flowers have a varied color that ranges  from violet to blue in color. The flowers are small oval shaped and form clusters.

PLANT ENERGY: Drying and Cooling and mildly bitter. The taste is spicy

- Cooling Plant energetics: Are typically used when the body is hot or inflamed to bring the body temperature back to a suitable safe temperature, or to cool the body after exposure to excessive heat. This can also include tissue and temperament states. 

PLANT PROPERTIES AND CONSTITUENTS: Aromatic, Carminative, Nervine that also acts as an antispasmodic and antidepressant. Some of the Constituents include the flowers volatile oils, tannins, and Flavoids.

Volatile oils:

Linalool 20-50% (PDR, Herbal medicines), Linalyl Acetate at 30-40% (PDR Herbal Medicines)

Tannins: 13% combined between borneol, camphor, limonene, cadinene, coumarins, and ursolic acid.

- Flavonoids:  Luteolin

PLANT USES: According to several books, and the PDR for Herbal Medicines, Lavender flower is approved to treat by the Commission E. the Loss of appetite, Nervousness, Insomnia, problems with the circulatory dysfunction, and irritability. In cases of depression, I do not believe that internal use of Lavender proves helpful, as the brain system is in a depressed state of being in most cases. As a CNS depressant I believe that using Lavender while depressed may in fact make the problem worse.  

Defining terms:-

Aromatic: These are herbs that have a very fragrant sent to them. They are usually high in volatile oils, and have an affect on the senses. They are often used in cooking and aromatherapy. 

- Carminative: A carminative plant has the ability to move around internal gasses helping to expel them from the body. These types of plants work well in situations where bloating causes discomfort. 

- Nervine: A nervine plant has the ability to affect the central nervous system (CNS) of the body. That is that these plants have a sedative, or calming effect on the nervous system. Plants with nervine properties work well where there is pain, sleep disturbances, inflammation, and anxiety. 

- Antispasmodic: A plant with antispasmodic properties has the ability to restrict movement, or calm movement in excess. This would relate to muscles that contract repeatedly as in the case of cramps, or in irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) where the bowls contract painfully. 

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Using lavender internally while pregnant, or while breast feeding is not advised. Topical and bathing use have shown no effect in pregnant and breast feeding women. 

PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, OVERDOSE: The internal use of lavender has the ability to cause drowsiness due to its affect on the CNS. There is a possibility of gastrointestinal disturbances in some cases. Consider the antispasmodic nature of the plant with regard to the digestive tract and it's ability to also sedate the CNS.  Topically the herb and the herbs essential oils may cause skin irritation, and one should not use the plant if they have an allergy to any part of the plant. All essential volatile oils should be diluted with a carrier oil before they are used on the skin. Internal essential oil use should be restricted and prescribed by a licence ND due to possible toxicity. Lavender has a strong effect on the CNS of the body and brain and therefore has prominent side effects in cases of overdose. These include constipation, respiratory depression, head ache, meiosis, vomiting, convulsions, and total CNS depression. 

For general purposes I will not be including the dose for any of the herb monographs for the safety of the reader. I will however post a link to a really great school for those who wish to dig deeper into the study of plants and medicine. 

PLANT MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Lavender has been used historically as a healing plant, in various types of healing rituals, sleep and dream magic, and is often made into satchels, or sewn into pillows to help the user sleep and deflect bad dreams that disturb sleep. This flower has also been used to draw or attract peace, love, and serenity into ones life. Lavender can also help protect a user while dreaming and by purifying the user, their tools, and spaces that are smudged with this plant.

HARVESTING GUIDELINES: It is suggested to harvest the tops of the plant (the flower clusters) before they are fully opened on a dry day. Harvest timing can be tricky, but if you aim your harvest for the time just
before the center section of the flower cluster begin to open your timing will be great. The PDR for herbal medicines states that the "most valuable part of the plant is the receptacle, the 10cm or so beneath the insertion of the spike." (3rd Edition)

DRYING TIPS: Cut stalks  just above the base of the plant, leaving the flowers intact on the stalk. Gather together in bunches and tie a string around the base of the stalk approx. 3 inches from the cutting location, leaving some string as a slack to hang the bunch with. Avoid tying the bunches to tight together as this may cause mold to form, rendering your harvest unusable. Turn the bunch herbs upside down with the flowers facing downward and attach the remaining string to a nail, or tie to a location that has airflow but isn't in direct sunlight. Leave for around a week, then check for moisture. Gauge the time based on your location.

More humid environments will take more time when it comes to drying your herbs/flowers.  An alternative to the tie method, use a small netted pop up hamper with handles. add your bunches with enough room to spread them out; be cautious of airflow and fostering mold, and hang the basket from a hook in a shady location. This can be outside so the wind can help with the drying process. Check every few days to see if your plants are dry before taking them inside to store them.

Note: avoid drying with heat as this can damage the essential oils of the flowers. 

STORAGE: Dried herbs are best stored in glass containers that are airtight and if possible in darkened containers to protect the herbs from sunlight, and bugs. Store herbs in a dry, cool location as heat can reduce the shelf life of your herbs, and moisture promotes the growth of mold and bacteria.  Lavender flowers stored correctly can last up to a year or longer depending on you. The rule of thumb for herb cycling depends on the color and sent of the herbs stored. If the herbs have lost their color, and their smell, it's time to compost whats left and replace your inventory, in this case, with fresh flowers. 

BUYING TIPS: Be aware that not all distributors are considered equal. Distributors that sell Lavender with a high level of stems and leaf material in their package may have mixed other varieties of lavender in with the buds. This makes the purchase a low quality purchase. Quality lavender will be mid violet to deep blue in color and have no, or very little stems or leaves in the bag when you buy them in bulk.  Pay attention to where you buy your herbs, because not everyone provides quality and considers the health of the soil, plant, and or person buying. Many people use lavender internally, topically, and around their home; and if someone has put pesticides on the plant prior to selling, and omits this information, the health of the person purchasing the product becomes a serious issue. Know your sellers and ask questions before buying!! Amazon is not a great location to get your herbs unless you know the dealer is a known supplier that can prove the quality of the plant your buying. This especially important if you intend to use the product in skincare products, or internally. I will list a few places you can buy quality tested herbs, as well as my personal store link at bottom of this post. Be aware that the links not associated with my store below require a larger purchase amount to order.  

ADDITIONAL USES FOR LAVENDER: We all know and love the smell of these tiny flowers, but if not for its medical quality what else can you use lavender for. Below are some different things to consider using your flowers for. Cut your flower down at the base of the stem and collect the whole stalk. Wrap the stalks in with wild, white, or desert sage to make your own smudge sticks for your home. Combined with the sage this herb helps to bring about a calm vibration to your home. Add the flowers, or ESO, to your bath/ bath salts, or bath bombs to help you ease into a restful state of mind before bed. Add flowers to a candle spell, offering, or satchel to bring calming to your situation, dreams, or state of mind.  

REFERENCES, LINKS & BOOKS 

Gruenwald, J. PHD. Brendler, T. BA. Jaenicke, C. MD. (2004). English Lavender Lavandula Angustifolia.

PDR For Herbal Medicines. (3rd ed,. pp. 285-287). Published by Thomson PDR Montvale, NJ. 

Tierra, M. OMD. (1998). Lavender. The Way of Herbs. (pp. 150-151). Published by Pocket Books New York, NY. 

The Herbal Academy. (2011) Beginner & Intermediate courses in Herbalisim. Location Boston, MA

Store links for Lavender:

- The Green Witches Corner: One ounce Lavender package 

- Starwest Botanicals: 4 ounces Organic Lavender 

- Mountain Rose Herbs: Lavender & More 

Herbal School for Herbology 

- The Herbal Academy: School herbal Courses 

Books

- Handbook on Growing Lavender: Lavender Lovers Handbook 

- Growing Lavender: Lavender How to Grow  

- DIY working with lavender: 50 Self Care Recipes