
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula latifolia
Lavandula stochas
Lavandula dentata
Lavandula burnati
ELEMENT: air
PLANET: mercury
PROPERTIES: cooling, bitter
FAMILY: mint
Lavender
Lavender’s latin name, Lavandula, comes from the word ‘lavare” or “to wash”. Lavender was used by the ancient Romans to scent the public baths. Women who washed clothes were called “Lavenders” because they spread clothing over lavender bushes to dry.
Lavender has been used for at least 2500 years, used in the mummification process in ancient Egypt. Monasteries have planted Lavender in mass amounts in “psychic gardens” for hundreds of years.

English
Lavandula angustifolia
most common variety for cooking & medicine
likes cool weather
cold hardy
French
Lavandula dentata
leaves are more fragrant than flowers
similar to rosemary
Spanish
Lavandula stoechas
pineapple-shaped blossoms with bunny-ear petals
Lavandin
Lavandula burnati
long spikes of highly fragrant flowers
not edible
Physical
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Calms the nervous system
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Fights bacterial & viral infections
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Helps to dispel mild depression

Energetic
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Banishes negative energy
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Calms nervous stress
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Helps to prepare for sleep