Lovely Lavender

BY

NORA HESTON TARTE

The benefits of lavender seem endless. The purple blooms are undeniably beautiful but, for this plant, it’s what’s inside that counts. Let’s take a look at the facts.

Lavender is a consumable plant. That means, it’s safe to eat. Lavender boasts iron, calcium, and vitamin A, all of which have their own medical benefits including strong bones and eye health. Lavender, however, seems to garner the most attention for its mental benefits. After all, who doesn’t spritz a little lavender spray on their pillow or drink a cup of lavender tea before bed? Have you ever applied the essential oil to your wrists or finished a bath with a few drops? Some studies even link lavender to Alzheimer’s treatments, as well as helping people sleep and reducing stress and anxiety. Even just the scent of lavender has both calming and anti-depressive properties—

lavender scented candle, anyone?

Other claims are still being researched but studies have suggested that lavender could calm acne, ease migraines, treat UTIs, and act as a natural bug repellent.

In addition to purchasing lavender products for any of the uses above, you can also go right to the source. Keeping fresh lavender at home means you’ll always have the plant on hand. One of the easiest ways to grow your own lavender is from clippings. To do that, you’ll have to cut three to four inches from the bottom of a healthy plant, without buds. Then, strip leaves from the bottom and cut a small portion off with a knife. After that, plant the cuttings in a pot or outside with good-draining soil. Lavender needs sun, water, and weekly fertilizer to grow. In all, it should take about two months for the lavender to bloom.

GET YOUR FIX

MAGNESIUM SPRAY WITH LAVENDER BOXWOOD FINCH A topical magnesium supplement made with lavender (Crunchy Mama)

FRENCH LAVENDER DEODORANT BOXWOOD FINCH All-natural deodorant that is baking soda- and aluminum-free (Crunchy Mama)

SUZI’S LAVENDER HAND SANITIZER ARTESIAN NATURAL FOODS Plant powered, 70 percent ethyl alcohol hand sanitizer

ORGANIC CUP OF CALM ARTESIAN NATURAL FOODS Calming and relaxing lavender mint tea

BADGER SLEEP BALM

ARTESIAN NATURAL FOODS Certified organic lavender and bergamot balm to promote restful sleep