Plant Allies: Focus on Lavender
Recently my youngest daughter has become very interested in making plant potions. She’s been asking me everyday about different flowers and herbs. Of course I have them all! This got me thinking, what about the people who buy my soap, do they wonder why I put certain herbs together and what functions they might serve?
With is in mind I thought I would start a new series of posts here called Plant Allies that will focus on the various different plants I use in my soaps.
Note: this is educational purposes only and is not meant to be used as medical advice.
The first plant I would like to start with today is lavender (lavendula officinalis). Lavender just might be one of the most commonly recognized scents in the world, outside of vanilla. It has historical roots dating back to roman times as aromatic herb used to brighten up the smell of rooms and used for washing clothing and bathing. Lavender is wonderful in soap, lotions, massage oils, salves and more
When you think of lavender what often comes to mind is relaxation. It is what is known as a relaxing nervine, meaning that it helps calm nerves and easy anxiety. It’s an energetically warming herb that aids a person with cold constitution to warm up. It can be used to disinfect cuts and soothe burns.
How do you recognize lavender?
Lavender is in the lamiaceae family. It is characteristic of the mint family with it’s square stem and small flower buds that are stacked on top of one another and climb up the stem. The buds, before they open, are bursting with aromatic essential oils. When properly harvested, dried and stored in a dark cool place, the lavender can stay potent for at least a year. I’ve had some last for two years and still be very strong. The leaves are long and have a silvery green sage like color.
Why do I use lavender in “The Herbalist” soap? For one it smells amazing, two it pairs so well with clary sage, and three it has a calming, a relaxing, mood lifting affect. When I think herbalist or plant lover the first image that comes to mind is a garden filled with lavender bushes, the second things is a feeling of calm and tranquility.
~ If you liked this post please share it with friends! Help spread the love of plants and soap!
~ If you have any questions about lavender feel free to leave them in comment section.
