lavender

Of the 27 known species of lavender, at least seven grow in our country, and one of them, the lavender (Lavandula stoechas) can be considered a symbol of the Mediterranean landscape.

The lavender is a aromatic bush Up to one meter tall, greyish and hairy, with lanceolate leaves and purple flowers. It is believed that the Latin name stoechas It comes from the Hieres Islands, off Marseilles, which were formerly called Stoichades and where it grows in abundance.

Blooms in spring and for medicinal purposes the flowering tops are harvested. Contains an essential oil with camphor, resins, alcohols and tannins.

In Catalan there is an eloquent saying: “cremar el cap d’ase treu el mal de casa” (“burning a head of lavender removes the evil from the house”), alluding to the purifying properties of cap d’ase either tomanyí, as the lavender is known in this language. And it is that in fact it has often been used in country houses in order to Eliminate bad odors in rooms and rooms.

It is associated with myrrh and bay leaves, olive and eucalyptus, and burn with incandescent charcoal or alcohol. Once it burns, the embers go out and the smoke purifies even the most rarefied environments.

You will find the lavender in the form of dried and chopped plant for infusionthe essential oil in alcoholic solution for external use only, macerated in alcohol, and the fresh plant, as a natural aromatizer for the house.

Lavender properties

Lavender, like other lavenders, is considered an excellent digestive aidfor which it is taken as an infusion after eating.

No less important are their balsamic, antiseptic and antibacterial effectsvery useful against nasal and bronchial congestioncolds with mucus, flu processeslaryngitis, bronchitis, mild asthmatic states and respiratory allergies.

Topically it is used to clean, disinfect and heal wounds on the skin, in addition to relieve insect bites. For this purpose it is applied in local washings or soaking some gauze with the infusion.

How to use the lavender

In vapors to decongest:

To relieve nasal congestion, you can resort to a very effective traditional remedy: lavender mist with eucalyptus leaves, elderflowers, and spruce or Scots pine buds. To prepare this steam:

Put two tablespoons of the mixture per half liter of water on the fire and remove it as soon as it starts to boil. Then, covering your head with a towel, you breathe in the steam for about 8-10 minutes.

In infusion to relieve heavy digestions:

Lavender can prevent and relieve gastrointestinal spasms, stomach heaviness, gas and flatulence. To help digest better and reduce stomach discomfort, it can be combined in an infusion with leaves of boldo, lemon verbena and chamomile in equal parts.

It is enough to boil the water, infuse the mixture of plants for about 10 minutes and strain.

You can take a cup after copious meals or those that are difficult to digest, to feel more relieved.

In topical use:

The tops of lavender, macerated in alcohol together with rosemary, camphor and, if possible, floral chapters of arnica, make it possible to obtain a very effective massage alcohol against neuralgic and rheumatic pain or pain caused by blows, falls and sprains.

Precautions and contraindications

Oral lavender essential oil and vapors are contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation and in children under six years of age.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”