Lavender Flower History

As an herb, lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia.

Romans used lavender oils for bathing, cooking, and scenting the air, and they most likely gave it the Latin root from which we derive the modern name (either lavare--to wash, or livendula--livid or bluish). The flower's soothing "tonic" qualities, the insect-repellent effects of the strong scent, and the use of the dried plant in smoking mixtures also added to the value of the herb in ancient times..

Lavender is mentioned often in the Bible, not by the name lavender but rather by the name used at that time--spikenard (from the Greek name for lavender, naardus, after the Syrian city Naarda). In the gospel of Luke the writer reports: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment."

Another ancient Christian reference to lavender involves how it got its scent.

The plant is believed to have been taken from the Garden of Eden by Adam

and Eve. However, the powerful perfume came later. According to legend,

the clothing of baby Jesus bestowed the scent when Mother Mary laid them

upon a bush to dry. This may explain why the plant is also regarded as a holy

 safeguard against evil. In many Christian houses, a cross of lavender was

hung over the door for protection.

 Perhaps first domesticated by the Arabians, lavender spread                                   

across Europe from Greece. Around 600 BC, lavender may

have come from the Greek Hyeres Islands into France and is

 now common in France, Spain, Italy and England.

The 'English' lavender varieties were not locally developed

in England but rather introduced in the 1600s, right around

 the time the first lavender plants were making their way to

 the Americas. In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, the

washing women were known as "lavenders" and they used

 lavender to scent drawers and dried the laundry on lavender

 bushes. Also during this time, lavender was grown in so-called "infirmarian's gardens" in monasteries, along with many other medicinal herbs. According to the German nun Hildegard of Bingen, who lived from 1098-1179, lavender "water,"--a decoction of vodka, gin, or brandy mixed with lavender--is great for migraine headaches.

Lavender Color Meaning

The color lavender, a soft shade of purple, is strongly feminine.

 Because purple is the color of royalty, the color lavender also

speaks of elegance, refinement and luxury.

 Lavender-colored flowers speak of wealth and wisdom
 when given as a gift.Also lavender flowers represent purity,
 silence and luck.

Lavender flowers also convey a message of devotion.

Lavender has long been a favorite flower and color of genteel ladies.

convey a message of love at first sight and enchantment.

Some types of catlaya orchids, delphiniums and freesia

flowers also have lavender-colored blooms.Catlaya orchids

 send a message of calmness in the language of flowers,

a code for flowers first developed by the Victorians

lavender flower uses

Insect repellent

– lavender is a natural insect repellent. Hang bunches near your door and on the window sill to keep insects at bay. Place a handful of dried lavender blossoms under the doormat. Dried lavender flowers can also be used under your car seats or in the trunk to keep insects away.

Lavender oil

– bunches of dried lavender flowers are used to extract lavender essential oils. A good recipe for making some lavender oil at home is this: 1) Tie some dried lavender flowers together and lightly crush them; 2) Place the crushed blossoms in a jar with some olive oil and let sit in a dark place for 7-10 days; 3) Strain and discard the crushed lavender blossoms and bits, cap tightly and use the oil for cleansing, moisturizing and massaging.
Freshener

– If you want to avoid sewing your own sachets, simply tie up some of the dried lavender flowers together into a loop by bending up the stems. Leave the ends free; tie the bunch with a ribbon. Hang the dried lavender bundle in your wardrobe to freshen up your clothes. A loop of dried lavender flowers can even be slipped under the seat of your car.

Sachets or pouches

– for those people, who have the skill to sew, make pouches or sachets with muslin cloth and fill them up with handfuls of dried lavender flowers. Use these under your pillow to fight insomnia and dream of beautiful lavender filled fields! Hang in clothes closets and drawers to ward off moths. Dried lavender flowers have and even a stronger aroma when it is warm so place them in sunny locations around the house.

Tea –

Dried lavender flowers can be added to green tea to add flavor and fragrance to your daily cuppa!    Lavender tea can also be prepared and many recipes are available online.

Gift wrappings –

 during the holiday season or for a wedding gift, use handfuls of dried lavender buds and flowers and add them to the wrapping. Dried lavender flower may also be spread at the bottom of the box before wrapping up the gift. Wedding/ birthday gifts can be made special by adding some dried lavender flowers in the folds of tissue papers! These could also be added to greeting cards as fragrant confetti. Not only will the soothing scent of lavender bring a smile to the recipient, it will keep the gift fragrant for weeks.
Cooking

– dried lavender flowers can be used to simmer over the stove. Lavender is a member of the mint family and increases the flavor and appearance of food. Try adding some dried lavender flowers to your salads for a fragrant flavor! English lavender is considered the sweetest and is used most commonly in cooking.

As you can see, dried lavender flowers have many uses and many more are possible with a little creativity!