Therapeutic and Magical Benefits Of Lavender

Magical Healing Benefits of Lavender and more 

Gender: Masculine 

Element: Air 

Planet: Mercury

Lavender may be the most widely known herb there is. The distinctly delicate and floral aroma of the Lavender plant is easily and instantly recognizable by almost everyone. The plentiful healing properties and magical benefits of Lavender have been utilized for centuries. 

The name Lavender comes from the Latin word "lavare", meaning "to wash". In ancient times the Romans and Libyans used Lavender as a perfume for the bath and to scent their clothing. As it gained popularity throughout Europe for it's lovely fragrance, women used Lavender water to attract lovers. For centuries it was customary for prostitutes looking for clients to dab Lavender oil behind the ears.

There are several varieties of Lavender; the most common strains are English and French. According to A Modern Herbal, English Lavender produces the most fragrant buds. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean mountainous regions but is now grown around the world. 

Benefits of Lavender in Aromatherapy

Lavender is prized for it's pretty purple and super fragrant blooms. The entire plant is aromatic, but Lavender essential oil is made from only the flower buds and stalks. Approximately three pounds of Lavender flowers are needed to make just 15ml of essential oil!

Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils for their therapeutic benefits. Here's a quick summary of how aromatherapy works:

The inhalation of essential oils stimulates the olfactory system, which is the part of the brain that is connected to smell. The smell receptors are stimulated by the scent of the oils, which then sends messages through the nervous system to the limbic system, where our emotions are regulated.

The benefits of Lavender in aromatherapy are abundant! Lavender can be effective as a pain relieving remedy when used by inhalation, and many believe it to be useful for headaches triggered by stress. This makes sense, because it is so well known as a calming and stress relieving herb. That brings us to our next benefit of Lavender in aromatherapy - anxiety. Oh yes, we all know and love Lavender for it's incredible ability to instill a sense of calm with just one sniff. The scent of Lavender can calm thoughts and still the mind in a way that no other plant can. Lavender promotes relaxation, can ease nausea, and induce restful sleep. Those who suffer with insomnia may benefit from keeping a sachet of potent Lavender flowers under the pillow or by the bedside.

Check out our calming Lavender Vanilla essential oil roller for some aromatherapy benefits of Lavender on the go! ➡ Lavender Vanilla Calming Oil Roller

Culinary Uses of Lavender

Lavender isn't super common in foods, but it can add sophisticated flavor to baked goods and some savory dishes too. Lavender has a distinct, fresh taste that is described as floral with hints of mint and rosemary. The flavor is not quite sweet, but it also isn't particularly bitter either. Some say Lavender has a sort of citrus taste to it as well.

My favorite way to enjoy edible lavender is in tea. It adds a beautifully light floral taste that is a perfect edition to an evening tea blend. Lavender is a nervine, meaning it has calming properties. It is very well known for helping to restore balance and ease anxiety, and some studies suggest lavender can support sleep by improving the body's melatonin levels. Our Organic Lavender Flowers are a great option to add to your own DIY tea blends, and can even be used on their own in a hot water infusion. 

Medicinal Benefits of Lavender

Lavender is most commonly used in topical preparations like oils, creams, or salves for it's medicinal properties. A few drops of the essential oil can be added to your favorite lotion to enjoy the benefits of lavender (never apply the essential straight to the skin, always use a carrier oil to dilute, in this case the lotion would serve this purpose).

Lavender can help reduce headache pain and menstrual pain. In one research study, women who smelled lavender for 30 minutes a day for the first three days of their period had less pain after two months. Research has also linked rubbing lavender oil on the abdomen to reduced menstrual pain.

Lavender has antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying lavender preparations to the skin can help reduce redness, heal minor cuts and scrapes, and calm and soothe inflammatory skin conditions. Our Lemon Balm Salve with Lavender is perfect for this!

Spiritual Benefits of Lavender

Lavender has benefits in spirituality as well. According to Gurudas, who speaks about Lavender in Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing, Lavender activates the crown chakra. This chakra is about spiritual connection and transformation. Aspects of our higher self integrate into our personality when this chakra is activated, and lavender can help establish an emotional balance. Gurudas also states in The Spiritual Properties of Herbs that Lavender has a "spiritual property of greater relaxation in higher states of spiritual ecstasy, oneness with God, and deeper states of meditation".

How To Utilize the Benefits of Lavender in Magic

Lavender has been used in magic for centuries. As we mentioned earlier it was used by prostitutes to advertise the profession, but was also said to attract men through magic. It is commonly used in love, healing, and protection spells. Rub lavender on a piece of paper and use it to write a love note. Burn lavender flowers to induce sleep, or use a lavender sachet under your pillow. A lavender sachet can also be used in wish divination by thinking of your wish as you place the lavender under your pillow. If you dream of your wish, it will come true.

The color purple is a power color, so Lavender is also associated with spiritual energy, enlightenment, and elevated states of consciousness

According to Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Lavender is "so powerful that, if when depressed one gazes upon the plant, all sorrow will depart and a joyous feeling will settle upon the observer". Lavender buds can be scattered around the home to keep peacefulness. Lavender is said to promote a long life and should be smelled as often as possible.

Magical Properties Of Lavender:

• Love
• Protection
• Peace
• Sleep
• Chastity
• Longevity
• Purification
• Happiness
• Relaxation
• Grounding
• Clarity
• Boost Creativity
• Improve Mood
• Spiritual Connection

Our Lavender Ritual Oil can be used in magic for relaxation and grounding. 

Sources:

Gurudas - Flower Essences and Vibrational Healing; The Spiritual Properties of Herbs

Scott Cunningham - Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs

Patti Wigington - Herb Magic, an Introduction to Magical Herbalism and Spells

Judy Ann Nock - The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs