Lavandula angustifolia, which is more commonly known as lavender, is a strong-scented flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful purple-bluish color. Lavender is somewhat similar in appearance to rosemary, with narrow green leaves resembling short pine needles. Both the leaves and the purple, white, and sometimes blue, flowers blooming at the tops of the plant hold a unique flavor and an unmistakable aroma.
Many members of this plant species are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also commercially for the extraction of essential oils. Lavender is great to grow in a garden because it attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Lavender is believed to have been around as far back as 2,500 years ago and is native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India. It is commonly found in areas like Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe, and northern and eastern Africa.
Healing Properties & Other Uses
Known as a calming and soothing herb, lavender is popular for use with anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and general nervousness. It’s known for its comforting properties, especially in situations where anger and irritability are present. It’s often used in bath oils as well as in sachets and sleep pillows to promote relaxation. It’s the perfect herb for soothing cranky or upset children (and adults, too!).
According to Medical News Today, lavender oil is believed to aid in wound healing and to have antiseptic, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. It’s also known as a pest repellent and is said to keep away moths and other bugs when placed in cupboards, closets, and storage areas.
Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling. However, it’s recommended to avoid consumption if you have had recent surgery. In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is popular as an aid to promote menstruation as well as to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, sores, and other light discomfort.
Magickal Lore & Uses
In ancient times, lavender was used as a holy herb. Additionally, it was often used to freshen up and give a light scent to a variety of personal items, such as clothes and hair. Bundles of lavender were traditionally given to women during childbirth to hold onto, in order to promote courage and strength.
According to Wicca Herbal Magic by Lisa Chamberlain, during Cleopatra’s day in Rome, lavender had a reputation for attracting love and passion. Other cultures prized it for its apparent protective properties, and used it to keep away the “evil eye” or unwanted spirits. It was found to be useful against the plague in the Middle Ages, most likely because it repelled the fleas that carried and spread the disease.
Due to its calming and centering energy, lavender is a versatile herb to work with in any magickal practices. Most often used for love, peace, and restful sleep, many people incorporate it into love spells, bath spells, magickal sachets, dream pillows, and other rituals surrounding the dream world. For those who have difficulty falling asleep, burning lavender incense or sprinkling a few drops of essential oil on your pillow can be helpful. Taking a purification bath with lavender can evoke relaxation as well.
If burned in purification incense, the ashes are said to be charged with tranquility and can be used in future rituals. The ashes of dried lavender flowers can also be sprinkled around the home to promote peacefulness and harmony. Other magickal uses include clairvoyance, physical and psychic protection, happiness, money, meditation, relief in grieving, divination, the ability to increase memory, and wedding blessings. This plant makes a great offering to any goddesses and is helpful in snake magic.
The cooling purple and blue flowers of Lavender are a welcome relief to the Summer Solstice’s heat. The flowers are a traditional Midsummer, or Litha, strewing herb, bringing peace and serenity to the home when cast into the bonfire. An herb of the element of air and the planet Mercury, Lavender brings peace and compassion, and is able to instill calmness without creating drowsiness, and instead, can actually help cultivate focus.
Lavender Herb Bundle
$ 8.00
Enhance your spiritual practice with our hand-wrapped Lavender Herb Bundle, crafted with care to bring peace, clarity, and tranquility to your sacred space. Known for its soothing properties, lavender has been used for centuries in rituals to promote relaxation, reduce… read more
** While we have provided suggestions on how to use the versatile, magickal herb of Lavender, please keep in mind results may vary per individual and always use caution when trying a new herb. Enjoy our Lavender recommendations and folklore, and perhaps explore your own ways to incorporate it into your daily and magickal lives!**
