Lavender flowers and their essential oil are very versatile and can be used in many ways, the most common lavender flowers are English and French lavender. There are about 39 species all over the world, including some hybrids, of lavenders in the mint family lamiaceae.
Although the flowers tend to lose their vibrant color upon drying, they dry very well and still have their fragrance. Cut lavender make lovely bouquets and wreaths for decorating spaces. The dry buds can be used in sachets, eye pillows, teas, cookies and other baked goods. You may want to make some sweet lavender butter. Additionally, you can also purchase lavender honey and chocolate from most gourmet stores. Lavender hydrosol can be used in skin care products and to mist the face.
Lavender is noted for its relaxation properties and distinctive color. Did you know there are white, red and yellow lavender plants and that the flower of Spanish Lavender has large flowers and a dark lavender color? Grosso Lavender is the most fragrant.
Although I learned a lot about different species and varieties of lavender while studying to become a certified aroma therapists, there is still much to know; such as cooking with lavender, the uses of lavender in clinical practice, the proper distillation of lavender, the chemical properties of various lavenders. I purchased a Lavandula x intermedia Alba plant so I’m going to soon find out if I can grow it indoors. There nothing like actually seeing and smelling the plants growing outdoors!
