LAVENDER
(Lavandula officinalis)
Description:
A perennial plant with stems, 1-2 ft. tall, gray-green, angular,
with flaking bark. Gray-green leaves are opposite, sessile, downy,
lanceolate to oblong-linear. Lilac colored, tubular flowers are
arranged in successive whorls up the stem. Cultivated for its
aromatic flowers. Grows best on light soil, sand or gravel, in
dry, open, full sun, with good drainage.
Medicinal:
Antispasmodic, carminative, chologogue, diuretic, sedative, stimulant,
stomachic, tonic. The leaves and flowers are used for gas, migraine
headache, fainting, dizziness, bacteria in the intestines, stomach
problems, nausea, vomiting. Normally used in the form of an oil,
distilled with water, from the flowers. A decoction of leaves
can be used, instead. Steep 1 tsp. leaves, gathered before flowers
appear, to 1/2 cup water, 5 min. Take 1/2 -1 cup a day.
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