Lavender is a one-year-old herb that only comes in a blue-violet colour. You probably would not suspect part of the herb’s abilities, It originates from the Mediterranean, but it is still found in the wild nature of the Alps as well as all over Europe. The specific plant is most commonly used to extract essential oils, but lavender water can also be made.
It is possible to sow the lavender in whole plantations for good income or in smaller pots at home to use its magical properties. The device of the lavender consists of a highly branched root system, with Grey-green coloured leaves and small flowers forming the clusters and fruits – dried nuts.
Lavender – the widest used among herbs
Although lavender is known for its strong blue-purple colour and its floral aroma, It is also widely used in many areas. It is amazing how a plant can bring so many benefits to humanity. Once you touch its miraculous properties, you will have a constant need for it to be around you. The colours of lavender are present everywhere – in cosmetics, aromatherapy, culinary and healing. The fragrance can easily be recognised in soaps, teas, perfumes, ointments and more.
Lavender tea is strongly recommended in three cases:
An irritated stomach
If you have stomach problems, lavender tea may be your saviour. It is prepared by mixing 1 tsp fresh or dried lavender in a glass of boiling water. Leave it for a few minutes, then strain and consume. Add honey for a more pleasant taste. It has been shown to have a spasmodic effect, which helps to prevent spasms of the stomach and intestines.
In case of sunburn
Excessive exposure under the hot sun can cause serious damage to the skin. Watch out for more, and if it is too late – rely on alternative lavender tea treatment. A cold compress made from the potion will relieve the pain and redness from the sun. You will recover much faster
In headaches
Lavender tea treatment with frequent and severe headache was discovered by Queen Elizabeth I. She felt relief in drinking the liquid and therefore always resorted to this simple method. It is also possible to use lavender oil to massage your temples. Both options will help you to relieve the pain caused by migraine or a simple headache.
Application of lavender oil:
Against burns
Besides a lavender tea compress, for a better effect treat the burned places with lavender oil, it helps heal wounds by speeding up the process. Only one or two drops of lavender oil is needed on the burned area. This discovery was made in the distant 1910 by a French chemist and has been successfully applied to the present day
Against acne
If you are not familiar with the antiseptic, antibacterial and regulating action of lavender, it is now time to try out. The natural ingredient is an ideal method for application to skin infections and acne. It also helps with scarring. The best result is achieved with a mixture of 10 pcs drops of lavender oil and 50 ml of Hamamelis extract, apply light patting movements on the spots or spots where the pimples appear. It also helps in relieving the nasty itching and irritation caused by biting or insect sting
Against pain and infections
Make a solution of water and lavender oil – 10 drops of oil in ½ cup of water. Then wash any kind of wound. It kills bacteria and prevents contamination. This is mostly due to the content of tannin in the herb. It also helps to mitigate nerve impulses and “dulls” the pain. You just have to apply oil to the sick place and let it work for a while
It helps for a relaxed sleep
You have probably heard, and perhaps have not once, the method of relaxing sleep with lavender. Lavender is well known for its magical ability to soothe. Only a few drops of oil are needed on the pillowcase and the pleasant scent will help you sleep peacefully without waking up.
It helps relax in the bathroom
The most effective rest is in the tub. You can retire and enjoy the comfort of home at the same time. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to the water and salts you use will help to improve your mood, it relieves the strain from stress and relieves muscle pain. Spreading lavender around rooms will also make a good impression on you. According to the research, lavender contains linalool, which is terpene alcohol, which helps to eliminate the tension
It relieves emotional stress
There is medical evidence that lavender helps to adjust certain brain frequencies that are related to rest and relaxation. The intrusive strong aroma stimulates the olfactory nerve in the brain and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. This is due to the composition of lavender and the linalool molecules. Thanks to this, there are treatments for panic, stress, hysteria, excessive anxiety, fatigue and penetration at various stages of depression. Lavender oil helps with massaging movements on the entire spine. It is also possible by inhalation or inhalation of the fragrance
Other uses:
- In confectionery – world markets offer honey made of lavender. The lavender colour contains nectar that is processed into a delicious jam. You happen to see the beautiful inflorescence in the form of candied decorations that are used in confectionery. It is also used as a supplement to black, green or herbal tea. It gives it a more interesting flavour and taste and acts soothing. The lavender buds make sweets, candies, muffins and so-called “lavender sugar”
- For drinks – it is not among the typical applications, but lavender is made of lemonade. You can surprise your guests or loved ones by welcoming them with a homemade drink. You only need a lavender colour, 1 hp. fresh lemon juice, 1 h. brown sugar and 4 hrs. water. Mix everything and let it boil without lemon juice. It stays in a closed vessel for a while, drained and mixed with lemon juice. From there on, it’s a matter of improvisation – with or without ice, in what glasses and how to decorate to impress others
Planting and growing lavender
Location
This is a major factor for any vegetation you want to sow and grow. Lavender plantation is classified as enduring species – about 15-25 years. It is best suited to full or partial south exposure. This is due to her love for light and warmth. The best terrain for lavender is a protected site from winds and constantly forming currents. It’s great if the land is your property and you can process it yourself
Soil
The preparation for planting lavender has to start a long time, especially if your goals are focused on a long-term investment. One year ago the area was prepared – left in black fall so that soil layers are being prepared and pest control measures are taken in order to make sure it is not detrimental to the vegetation later. The summer season is the best time for area cleaning, fertilising, cultivation and ploughing. Manure or phosphorus and nitrogen are good to use for feeding. Lavender loves permeable soil
Planting material and planting
Once you have prepared everything, you need to find quality seedlings to sow. If you have any acquaintances who have one, or you have already had your own production – use them. Otherwise, refer to specialised stores or sign a contract for future delivery (if you are going to grow large quantities). Keep in mind that if you make a big order, you may be waiting for about 6 months to a year. Planting can be done manually or by using a machine.
It is done in some of the following periods – 15 October – 15 November or 20 February – 20 March. The distance between the seedlings should be at a distance of 40 cm and 1.40 metres between the rows. It is necessary to place the cuttings a little deeper than the root – about 2-3 cm. This serves to better intercept lavender
Growing
Optimal lavender colours can be obtained after the third year, but you have to work hard. The conditions, variety, and care you will take will be important. The best option is to get a lavender colour of about 400-650 kg per hectare to extract about 8-15 kg of lavender oil per hectare. If you sow it at home and in small quantities it is now different.
There, you will aim for a yield sufficient enough for the personal enjoyment of the wonderful properties of the herb. The first year begins with minimal yield – it is necessary to remove the flowers for more uniform shaping of tufts, probably not only once. In the first year, non-chemical weed control is done, and further fertilisation with ammonium nitrate and super phosphate is needed. After 9-10 years already, rejuvenation measures are being taken.
The plant is regenerated by removing the whole above-ground – cut out at 5 cm from the soil surface. Lavender reaches its blooming capacity in July, and then the blossoms must be collected. After cutting, the stems with the length of about 10-12 cm are ready for processing in lavender oil or for the preparation of other potions.
Diseases and pests
There is almost never any vegetation without unpleasant attacks. The most common diseases of lavender plants are leaf spots. The disease can be recognised by the round spots in red. The enemies that can harm the vegetation are the forest locusts, the fox and the nematode. Take precautions and react quickly, no matter what type of attacker you have noticed, proper insecticides will help stop the spread of pest and pest control.
