Lovely Lavender
By Bruce Burnett Who doesnt adore lavender, that lovely blue eradicator of the blues, anger and insomnia? It is generally accepted that the word lavender stems from the Latin lavare, to wash, as the Romans used in the herb extensively in their baths. But in early Latin lavender was known as livendula, meaning, to turn blue, from the same root as our wordlivid. Lavenderhas long been used in love potions. The primary market still today for theessential oil is in perfumes and cosmetics. It is also used to scent love notesand clothing, where, in your chest of drawers, it makes an effective mothrepellant. Ironically, despite its erotic associations, during the Renaissanceit was believed that lavender worn with rosemary would preserve a womanschastity. Thereare about 30 species of lavender, plus countless hybrids and varieties, far toonumerous to list here. But they include both tender and hardy perennials with agreat diversity of colors including pinks and whites shapes and heights. Lavenderis a mint native to the Mediterranean. Like most herbs it prefers a sunny locationin light, dry, rocky soil. It should be pruned lightly in the fall and fairlyvigorously in the spring, removing any deadwood. Lavenderis a wonderful relaxant and antidepressant. In The Eve of Saint Agnes, John Keats wrote And still she slept an azure sleep, /In blanched linen, smooth, andlavenderd. Lavender essential oil gently rubbed into the temples or theessential oil simmering in water in an aromatherapy lamp will ease you off tosleep and make your headache vanish, especially if its stress related. Alavender eye pillow at the end of a stressful day is far more effectual andhealthful than a double martini. Lavender is virtually de rigueur in potpourri. Heres a recipefor Lavender and Geranium Potpourri toadd relaxation and romance to any ambience: 4 cups of dried lavenderflowers 2 cups of dried rose geraniumleaves 2cups of dried rosemary 1 oz. of orris root 15 20 drops of lavenderessential oil. Mix allthe ingredients thoroughly and place in a sealed jar. Age at least one month.Shake the jar frequently. Lavenderessential oil is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial with a low level oftoxicity, making it one of the few essential oils that can be applied directlyto the skin undiluted. Added to the bath it will alleviate muscular pain andtension. As recent as WW1, the oil was used as an antiseptic wound dresser. Aswith all essential oils, do not takelavender oil internally unless it is strongly diluted. The dried flowersinfused as a tea will relieve indigestion, colic, gas and bloating. It is evenhelpful is some cases of asthma, especially when nervousness is a factor. Recentresearch shows promise that one of lavenders compounds, perillyl alcohol, maybe useful in combating cancer of the breast, pancreas, colon and prostate. In the kitchen lavender bloomsare used to flavor vinegars, soups (especially cold fruit soups in the summer),cookies, ice cream and sorbets. This markedly fragrant herb can be used in manyways by creative chefs. Try the following Salmon with Lavender and Fennel: 2 medium sized salmon steaks 1- tsp. dried, crushedlavender flowers 1- tsp. crushed fennel seeds Juice of lemon 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Pinch of salt Mix allthe ingredients together and cover both sides of the steaks. Then marinate themin the refrigerator for several hours. Saut over medium to high heat in anon-stick pan until done about six minutes per side. Lavenderand lamb make a surprisingly good combination. The following recipe occasions apleasant change from the usual rosemary and garlic accompaniment. LavenderLamb with Basil 1 leg of lamb 1 cup of milk (non-dairy such as nut or coconut milk maybe substituted) Juice of lemon 8-10 lavender flower heads 8 basil leaves Freshly ground pepper to taste Place the lamb in atightly-fitting lidded casserole. Mix the remaining ingredients and pour overthe lamb. Marinate for several hours, turning the lamb occasionally. Removefrom the marinade and bake, uncovered, at 325F for approximately 30 minutesper lb. When the meat is done, strain the marinade, and then make it into gravyby pouring it into a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Reserve about aquarter cup and thoroughly blend in 1 tsp. of arrowroot powder. When smooth,stir into hot marinade and simmer until thick. Bruce Burnett is an award-winning writer, a chartered herbalist and author of HerbWise: growing cooking wellbeing. Bruce and his wife Delaine own Olivias Fashion, Furnishings & Gifts (http://www.olivias.ca/) in Ladysmith, BC Canada. Read more published articles by Bruce Burnett on his websites: http://www.bruceburnett.ca/ and http://www.herbalcuisine.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bruce_Burnett http://EzineArticles.com/?Lovely-Lavender&id=217236 withdrawal symptoms lorazepam buy zolpidem for 100 ambien alcohol buy ambien money order
