Lavender: Fragrant and Beautiful
updated 15th July 2024
Lavender flowers embody a rich tapestry of meanings, symbolizing purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and a profound sense of calmness. The rich purple flowers are synonymous with royalty, exuding an aura of elegance, refinement, and luxurious allure. This captivating color finds its resonance with the crown chakra, the pivotal energy center that aligns with a higher purpose and spiritual connectivity, further enhancing the depth of lavender’s significance.
Lavender has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It is said that the Romans introduced the Lavender plant to us several thousand years ago where it was used as an antiseptic for wounds and to deter insects.
Bee friendly – Bees love to sip the sweet nectar from the pretty flowers of the lavender plant during the spring and summer. However, you are more likely to see a bumble bee rather than a honey bee visiting your lavender patch. This is because the bumble bee has a longer tongue than the honey bee, allowing it to reach the nectar from long tubular flowers quicker. The bee will choose to feast from the quickest food source if given a choice, as over time a few seconds make a significant difference. It’s not just a food source for our life-saving bees, but at the end of the flowering season leave the flowers insitu or if deadheading drop them where cut as birds will feed off the seeds.
Benefiting our health – The beautiful purple buds from the lavender flowers can be used to brew Lavender tea. This is frequently used to help calm nerves, settle anxiety, and help you have a super night’s sleep.
Lavender oils also have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will help keep skin looking radiant and blemish free. Use if suffering from acne, eczema, or minor wounds to assist in healing. Also, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties it can help during the allergy season by calming and reducing inflammation.
Purifies our environment – Along with the above health benefits, when burnt as incense or used within a diffuser, the air quality will improve and purify. This is due to its antimicrobial properties, indeed a diverse and sweet-scented plant.
Studies show herb smoke can reduce airborne pathogenic bacteria concentrations in enclosed spaces by over 94% in 60 mins and continued protection can last up to 30 days.
Lavender is thought to possess protective qualities in spiritual practices, capable of repelling negativity and harmful forces. It finds frequent use in spiritual cleansing rituals, contributing to the purification of both spaces and objects. Moreover, it’s utilized to establish a safeguarding shield around individuals or locations.
Purifying our Environment – Click to learn more
Easy to grow – English lavender and its hybrids (Lavandula angustifolia and L. × intermedia) are the most commonly grown type of lavender with abundant purple flowers and a sweet scent. These are extremely hardy shrubs that survive pretty well over the winter in free-draining soil and a sunny position. Note, that not all lavenders are as hardy as the English lavender. Many are suited to containers or pots and require bringing indoors (greenhouse) to survive another year during the winter months.
We are surrounded by beautiful blooms and the prettiest scents. Nature gives us everything we need. Understanding the world of plants and their positive influence on our lives is a captivating journey. Exploring natural environments boosts mental health, and learning about plants can lead to sustainable living practices. Join me next week so we can carry on learning and practicing.
If taking any prescription drugs or pregnant/breastfeeding please consult your medical practitioner before consuming any plant or herb or when using it as a holistic therapy in conjunction with our westernised traditional medicine.
As with any therapy, if you have any side effects stop using it immediately and consult your medical practitioner.
For more information join our newsletter or contact us at [email protected] with any questions or ideas. Visit the links below to learn about pollinators and how they work harmoniously with nature.
Buzzing Beauty: Exploring the Fascinating World of Bumble Bees
The Enchanting World of Butterflies: Nature’s Living Jewels
The Captivating World of Hummingbirds: Nature’s Tiny Marvels