Morticia's Rabbit Hole

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Welcome Ladies and Gents!!

Its Herbal Tuesday!!

This week we are looking at the wonderful herb lavender... Lavender is one of the most popular herbs out there.Its amazing flower's are very very fragrent but not so potent that it bowls you over..

The excerts below are taken from http://www.ageless.co.za/ herbal encylopidia...

They actually have alot of really awesome info on there. The longer I go along the more research I hope to do..

But since this is my 1st blog on the herbs I see that this is alot of info right up front!! I'll probably pull from this site alot since its got such awesome info!!.. Ok enjoy and I will also post the magical properties of lavender as well!!

Botanical Classification Family Lamiaceae
Genus and species Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender and L. officinalis.

Gaelic Name :
Labhandar

Latin Name :
Lavandula Vera or L. officinalis.

Common/Fold Name :
Elf Leaf.

Description of the herb lavender Lavender is a small shrub with gray, downy, linear leaves with blue to violet flowers, growing in compact or interrupted spikes.

A wide variety of lavenders are found, but consist of two main types - angustifolia being the most popular, while latifolia produces harsher more camphoraceous oil. L. stoechas (French/Italian/Spanish lavender) are often planted since they are very hardy, but these have a very high camphor content in their oil, compared to that of L. angustifolia.

The fresh and dried flower tops are used, as well as an essential oil. Properties Lavender is an aromatic, tonic herb with a sweet scent. It relaxes spasms, benefits the digestion, stimulates peripheral circulation and the uterus and lowers fever. It is anti-septic and has an anti-depressant effect. It contains linalyl acetate, linalool, cis-b-ocimene, trans-b-ocimene, 1-terpenen-4-ol, limonene, 1,8-ceneole, camphor, a-terpineol, caryophyllene epoxide and 3-octanone. The leaves contain rosmarinic acid and other tannins, coumarins, triterpenes and phenolic acids.

Internal use
Lavender is used internally for indigestion, irritability, anxiety, exhaustion, tension headaches, migraine and bronchial complaints.

External use
Used externally to treat most type of burns, including sunburn, rheumatism, muscular pains, neuralgia, cold sores, insect bites, head lice, halitosis, vaginal discharge and anal fissure.

It has an analgesic effect on the skin, which helps with pain relief, but it is the antiseptic and stimulant properties which make it very effective for use on wounds and burns.

It is mainly used for its antiseptic and anti-dandruff properties but also have antibacterial, spasmolytic (relieving spasms) and local pain killing actions.

It also contains ursolic acid, which is not only antibacterial, but also active against lipid oxidation and inhibits elastase – which results in tissue degeneration as well as inflammatory processes as well as tissue degradation such as psoriasis and eczemas.

The rosmarinic acid and polyphenolic derivatives have good antioxidant properties, which is helpful in countering aging.

On the skin, lavender oil tones and revitalizes it and it is useful for all types of skin problems, such as abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings. It also acts as an insect repellent.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use Lavender essential oil must be one of the most popular essential oils on the market, due to its versatile and safe use.

It has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion in general and is effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia. It is an excellent oil to help with depression, migraine, insomnia and stress. Its antiseptic qualities are excellent for wounds and burns and its spasmolytic properties to treat coughs and intestinal complaints.

The therapeutic properties of lavender oil are

antiseptic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, sudorific and vulnerary.

Safety precautions and warnings
Although the essential oil is well tolerated by all skin types, it must be, like all essential oils, used with care - remember essential oils are powerful and very concentrated.

Magical Properties
Taken From http://www.shee-eire.com/

Gender : Masculine.

Planet : Mercury.

Element : Air.

Powers :

Love
Protection
Sleep
Chastity
Longevity
Purification
Happiness
Peace

Magical Uses
Lavender has long been used in love spells and sachets.
Clothing rubbed with the fragrant flowers (or Lavender placed in drawers with clothes) attracts love.
A piece of paper on which you've rubbed Lavender is excellentfor writing love notes.
The scent of Lavender particularly attracts men, and Lavender water or the essential oil was worn by prostitutes several centuries ago to both advertise their profession as well as to attracts (through magic)customers.
Lavender also protects against cruel treatment at the hands of a spouse if worn.
The flowers are also burned or smouldered to induce sleep and rest, and are scattered about the home to maintain its peacefulness.
The plant is so powerful that, if when depressed, one gazes upon the plant all sorrow will depart and a joyous will settle upon the observer.
The odour of Lavender is conducive to long life, and should be smelled as often as possible.
Lavender is also used in healing mixtures, carried to see ghosts and worn to protect against the evil eye.
It is added to purification baths.Despite Lavender's love associations, in the Renaissance it was believed that lavender together with rosemary, if worn, would preserve a woman's chastity.
A wish divination:
Place Lavender under your pillow while thinking of your wish. Do this just prior to retiring for the night. In the morning, if you have dreamt of anything relating to your wish, it will come true. However, if you did not dream, or if they were unconnected with your wish, it will not manifest.

Ok My dearies!!

I think that is all for now...If I find more about lavender I will put it in another post.But for now I think this is enough to get ya goin!!..

I know its one of my fav smells!!

Below are a couple of links to get both the herb and the essential oil!!

Knock urselves out!!