Some history on Lavender
The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb Nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called nard.
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence, and nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon (ch. 4,14)
nard and saffron,
calamus and cinnamon,
with every kind of incense tree,
with myrrh and aloes,
and all the finest spices.
During the Roman times, lavender was sold for 100 denarii per pound. This was very expensive, about the same as a month's wages for a farm laborer! It was used in baths, to scent the water, and was thought to restore the skin. Its Latin name was lavandarius, to wash, or things to be washed.
It has been said that when the Roman Empire conquered southern Britain, the Romans introduced lavender. The Greeks discovered early on that lavender if crushed and treated correctly would release a relaxing fume when burned. This is the basis for the lavendine (purple sniff) drug used for medical purposes today. I had not known much of this before, and I found it interesting.
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence, and nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon (ch. 4,14)
nard and saffron,
calamus and cinnamon,
with every kind of incense tree,
with myrrh and aloes,
and all the finest spices.
During the Roman times, lavender was sold for 100 denarii per pound. This was very expensive, about the same as a month's wages for a farm laborer! It was used in baths, to scent the water, and was thought to restore the skin. Its Latin name was lavandarius, to wash, or things to be washed.
It has been said that when the Roman Empire conquered southern Britain, the Romans introduced lavender. The Greeks discovered early on that lavender if crushed and treated correctly would release a relaxing fume when burned. This is the basis for the lavendine (purple sniff) drug used for medical purposes today. I had not known much of this before, and I found it interesting.
Lavender, loved for its fragrant flowers and more
Lavender is a favorite perennial for many reasons, but none so much for the fragrance it gives. It has fragrant purple flowers that bloom in their dense spikes during the summer. They are wonderful to plant in beds, borders, containers and as a hedge The plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Some have used lavender to flavor vinegars, desserts and jellies. I have seen cookies as well as scones using lavender as an ingredient.
Of course, we see lavender in soaps and potpourris and dried flower arrangements. You can find them used in candles, air fresheners, and even as a fragrant washing water for household cleaning.
It happens to repel moths and flies, an added bonus. They look lovely in floral arrangements and wreaths, etc. A very versatile and enjoyable herb for sure.
Some have used lavender to flavor vinegars, desserts and jellies. I have seen cookies as well as scones using lavender as an ingredient.
Of course, we see lavender in soaps and potpourris and dried flower arrangements. You can find them used in candles, air fresheners, and even as a fragrant washing water for household cleaning.
It happens to repel moths and flies, an added bonus. They look lovely in floral arrangements and wreaths, etc. A very versatile and enjoyable herb for sure.
Lavender, such a beautiful herb
I love the smell of lavender. It is a great herb, and I hope to share here with you some of what I have learned about it.
Check back soon, as I will continue to update this blog.
Please always check with your doctor for any conditions you have, first.
Thank you for stopping by.
Check back soon, as I will continue to update this blog.
Please always check with your doctor for any conditions you have, first.
Thank you for stopping by.
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