Flower colour: Purple
Flowering: June - July
Height: 30 - 80 cm
Active ingredients: Essential oils (mostly linalol and linalyl acetate), tannins, bitter substances, triterpenes, fenolic acids, luteolin
Used parts: The flowers or flowering tops.
In ancient times, lavender was mostly used for its purifying properties. Even the ancient Egyptians used lavender and it is said that with the opening of the grave of Toetanchamon there were found vases containing balms still smelling of lavender. The ancient Romans used the plant mostly to give their baths a pleasant odour. They also used it to disinfect wounds. During the plagues (14th - 17th century) lavender was said to protect you against the plague, for those who used lavender for their work, did not get it. It is also said that when a witch was chased by the Devil, they would sit on a lavender plant, for that would protect them against him. Likewise, berber women carried lavender with them to protect them against being abused by their husband. This use of lavender against the Devil can also be seen in the custom of parfurming churches with lavender to keep evil spirits away. Troughout the ages lavender has also been associated to love; Drinking tea of lavender before you went to sleep would cause you to dream about your true love and when the plant was placed under the bed of a recently married couple, it would warrant true passion.
Lavender is commonly known for its relaxing and sedative effects. Another wellknown effect is the disinfecting effect of the plant. The relaxing and soothing effect of lavender is the most important one, for actually much of the other effects are related to that one.
ONLY use lavender oil internally if a qualified doctor tells you that you should do that.
Too high doses of lavender can cause a narcotic effect.
Do NOT use this plant if you are pregnant.
Do NOT combine Lavandula Angustifolia with iodine and iron salts.
If you use medicines that have an effect on the central nervous system or if you use mediciens that lower the blood pressure, ONLY use this plant if a qualified doctor says so.