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Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
Lafant
(Welsh )
Evergreen Perennial
We sell Fringed Lavender
(dentata) and Crown Lavender .
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Lavender, has been used for
medicinal and culinary purposes for thousands of years. It
Originated in the Mediterranean region where it grew wild,
there the ancient Greeks used it to treat a wide range of health
conditions. It was the Romans who later introduced lavender to
many parts of Europe where other civilizations soon
realized Lavender's versatility, not only for relieving a long
list of common ailments like rheumatism, bites, rashes,
infections and colds, but also as a tasty additive to drinks,
salads and stews.
Lavender quickly became a staple
herb in the kitchens and apothecaries and was also a valuable
trade commodity, with some varieties of distilled lavender oils
commanding high sums. Today’s French perfumeries still pay
high process for the best grades of lavender oil. During wars
field hospitals usually had a large supply of lavender medicines
on hand to treat a variety of injuries and infections.
The are some 20 known types of
lavender. The English lavender is the most valued of all,
producing the highest quality oil. Spain, France, Italy,
Bulgaria, Holland, England, Australia and the United are the
major producers of commercial lavender. Lavender bushes grow to
a height of around 3 - 4 feet. Oil glands inside each part of
the plant are responsible for producing its strong
fragrance.
Distillation of the flower
produces the “essential” lavender oil used for perfumes and
cosmetics while lavender water, a solution that’s mixed with
alcohol and other additives, is used for soaps and toiletries.
Another type of lavender oil called “spike oil” is made from
the most inferior grades of lavender plants and is chiefly used
as an additive in soaps and candles.
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