Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Plant Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Botanical Description:
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender or true lavender, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, particularly the mountainous regions of France and Spain. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is characterized by its narrow, linear leaves, slender stems, and fragrant violet-blue flowers. Lavender typically grows to a height of 30-60 centimeters and has a bushy, compact habit. The leaves are evergreen, silvery-grey, and highly aromatic, with a distinctive lavender scent. The flowers are small, tubular, and arranged in terminal spikes on long stems. Lavender blooms in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The plant is cultivated for its ornamental, culinary, aromatic, and medicinal uses.

Introduction:
Lavandula angustifolia, or English lavender, is one of the most widely cultivated and beloved species of lavender. It has been cherished for centuries for its exquisite fragrance, culinary versatility, and numerous potencial therapeutic properties. Lavender is a staple herb in traditional herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and natural skincare, renowned for its calming and soothing effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Lavender essential oil, extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, is prized for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities and is used in a wide range of applications, from perfumery and cosmetics to household and medicinal products.

Preparations:
Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil is extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia and is prized for its aromatic and therapeutic qualities. It can be used in aromatherapy, massage, baths, and topical applications. Dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or almond oil) before applying it to the skin or adding it to bathwater.
Tea: Prepare lavender tea by steeping dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the infusion and drink it as a tea to promote relaxation. Lavender tea may be consumed warm or chilled and sweetened with honey if desired.
Hydrosol: Lavender hydrosol, also known as lavender water or lavender floral water, is a by-product of the steam distillation process used to produce lavender essential oil. It has similar therapeutic properties to lavender essential oil and can be used as a facial toner, body spray, linen spray, or air freshener.
Culinary Use: Lavandula angustifolia flowers are edible and can be used as a culinary herb to flavour and enhance the taste of various dishes and beverages. Lavender adds a subtle floral aroma and flavour to baked goods, desserts, teas, syrups, jams, and savoury dishes.