
Lavender
LAVANDULA
Common Lavender or English Lavender is known for its fragrant purple flower clusters, and sweet, floral scent & is identifiable as an aromatic shrub, with narrow grey-green scented leaves. Lavender, like rosemary & sage, is part of the mint family.
Its first uses were probably some of the first fragrances and perfumes in Ancient Egypt. Ancient Romans scented baths with lavender.
Lavender has long been used for it's sedative effects. In the 16th century English people wove lavender flowers into their hats to comfort themselves. Herbalist prescribed the oil as a treatment for head pains & cramps. Victorian ladies kept it on hand in case they felt faint.
Today, we still use lavender oil in perfume to scent our toiletries. Its well known in Aromatherapy as a sedative & topical treatment.

Healing properties:
Helps calm anxiety,
Sedative for insomnia,
Nervous intestinal complaints,
Topically used for rheumatism,
Antiseptic for wounds, burns & fungal infections
Parts used: flowers
Collection: side shoots harvested mid to late summer when petals have begun to open.
Aromatherapy:
If you only buy one essential oil, Lavender is my recommendation, as it treats a variety of issues & is one the few essential oils that doesn't need to be diluted in a carrier oil to be used topically. Lavender aromatherapy can alleviate nervous conditions, anxiety, tensions, stress, headaches & insomnia.
Topically lavender essential oil can soothe burns psoriasis, inflammation, sores & dandruff.
DO NOT INGEST.

Magickal Properties
Associations
Element: Air
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Mercury
Magical Uses
Lavender is commonly known for its powerful healing, love & psychic properties . Along with sage & rosemary, Lavender is in the top 3 herbs for beginner witches due to its versatility & availability.
Lavender is my go to for all love spells. Lavender is said to attract love especially from men. It is also said to protect from abuse from a partner.
Gazing at a lavender plant is said to alleviate depression. When scattered around the home, it brings peace. Its scent induces sleep & rest.
Lavender is also popular in healing mixtures & purification baths. It is used to protect against the evil eye and can help to see spirits.
-
Luck
-
Energy
-
Digestion
Powers
-
Cleansing
-
Protection
-
Addiction

To know if a wish will manifest, place lavender flowers under your pillow & think of your wish before falling asleep. If you dream of your wish, it will come true.
- Magic & Medicine of Plants, by Readers Digest
Desk Reference to Natures Medicine, by Steven Foster & Rebecca L. Johnson, published by National Geographic
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, published by New World Library in 1991
Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham
Sources:
Books:
Websites: