Lady of the Garden: Lavender

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Lady of the Garden: LavenderLavender has been the lady of the garden for centuries. She standstall above most herbs in beauty and versatility. Originally found inthe Mediterranean countries, this perennial herb has long beenprized for it's perfume and medicinal qualities. Ancient Romans usedlavender for it's healing qualities , hence the name itself comesfrom the Latin "lavare" to wash. A lavender bath is not somethingnew.Lavender also gives us another product called lavender essential oilwhich is used in aromatheraphy. This is one of the most useful oilsin therapeutic terms, being sedative, antiseptic, painkilling andcalming.We have a collection of lavender recipes we would like share withyou.Relaxing Body Butter2 tbsp shea butter2 tbsp cocoa butter2 tbsp olive oil5-7 drops Lavender essential OilMelt shea, cocoa, and olive oil together, let them cool. Beat themwell, so the consistency goes from stiff to creamy, add theessential oils. You can also add some vitamin E . Put into containerRestful Evening Bath Salt1 cup of Dead sea salt1 teaspoon of calendula oil7-10 drops of lavender essential oil5 drops of patchouli essential oilMix together essential oil and calendula oil, add salts, then andadd to a warm bath. When I make bath salts for myself I like to mixan oil and essential oil together and then add to the salts. Theessential oil seems to mix in better and floats on the water tobetter give more aromatheraphy or therapeutic measure to the bath.Making bath salt can be fun! Just let your creative side run wild!Restore the Beauty Sugar Scrub2 tablespoons sugar2 tablespoon of sweet almond oil2 teaspoon of calendula oil1 teaspoon of rosehip seed oil5-7 drops of palmrosa essential oil5-7 drops of patchouli essential oil5-7 drops of lavender essential oilDream PillowsCombine together in a bowl:1 cup mugwort1/2 cup rose petals1/2 cup german chamomile1/2 cup of sweet hops1/3 cup lavender buds1/3 cup catnip crushed1/4 cup peppermintStuff your pillows tight and sew shut. Rest this by your head atnight.Glenbrook's Lavender TeaBlend together2 ozs of fine black loose tea (like a Darjeeling)1/2 oz of lavender buds1/2 oz of chamomile flowers1/2 oz of jasmine flowersStore in a tin container ( makes a nice gift) Use 1 teaspoon of teaper 6-8 oz of boiling waterLavender JellyBring to boil 3 cups of distilled water. Infuse with 4 tablespoonsof lavender buds. Let this infusion steep for 20 minutes thenstrain. Combine together 2 cups of lavender infusion.1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice4 cups of sugarBring this to a full boil,stirring non-stop and 1 packet of liquidpectin (3 ozs). Boil for one minute and remove from heat fillsterile jars and sealHerbs de ProvenceCombine 2 ounces of each:marjoram, savory, thyme, rosemary, basil, fennel, and lavender buds.Use 1 teaspoon per four servings meats or vegetables.Lavender Linen WaterIn a small glass bowl:Blend 100 drops lavender essential oil, and 5drops 10 drops of spearmint(optional) with 1 1/2 ounce vodka(highest proof available), stirring well to fully blend. Add oilmixture to 20 ounces distilled water. Put into a spray bottle andshake well.By Lucinda Jenkins of Glenbrook Farms Herbs and Such