Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a hardy perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family (mint family). The herb is a Mediterranean native but it is being grown all over the world. Known as true lavender or common lavender, in Romania, this herb is called "levantica".
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This strongly aromatic shrub cand grow up to 2 meters tall and its leaves are evergreen. The flowers' color is some pinkish-purple shade known as lavender.
Lavender is being used in herbalism as a tea or essential oil and it is believed it can heal headaches, skin diseases, intestinal issues. It is also a well-known stress reliever and a very good topical disinfectant. The lavender tea has a powerful sedative effect.
The essential oil is being used for massages and in aromatherapy.
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Lavender is also used as an exquisite culinary ingredient but it also repels insects.
Despite all its benefits, lavender should be used with moderation as high doses might affect kidneys and liver.
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Interesting facts about lavender
- Its name comes from the Latin lavare which means to wash.
- Ancient Egyptians used lavender in the mumification process.
- Queen Victoria and queen Marie Antoinette were great fans of the lavender.
- During the Elizabethan times, baths were uncommon so people used lavender to make their clothes and linens smell nice.
- The bees flying over the lavender fields produce a high quality honey.
- This herb does not produce seeds, propagation being done by cutting or root divisions.
- Few lavender varieties have pink or yellow flowers.
- In the flower language, lavender symbolizes devotion, luck, success, happiness or distrust.
Sources for my article: wikipedia.org, growdirect.com, encyclopedia.com.
This is my entry to WorldWildFlora contest hosted by @worldwildflora.
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