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Lavender
has long been used in love potions. The primary market still
today for the essential oil is in perfumes and cosmetics.
It is also used to scent love notes and clothing, where, in
your chest of drawers, it makes an effective moth repellant.
Ironically, despite its erotic associations, during the Renaissance
it was believed that lavender worn with rosemary would preserve
a woman's chastity.
There are about 30 species of lavender, plus countless hybrids
and varieties, far too numerous to list here. But they include
both tender and hardy perennials with a great diversity of
colors - including pinks and whites - shapes and heights.
Lavender is a mint native to the Mediterranean. Like most
herbs it prefers a sunny location in light, dry, rocky soil.
It should be pruned lightly in the fall and fairly vigorously
in the spring, removing any deadwood.
Lavender is 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, and lavender'd."
Lavender essential oil gently rubbed into the temples or the
essential oil simmering in water in an aromatherapy lamp will
ease you off to sleep and make your headache vanish, especially
if it's stress related. A lavender eye pillow at the end of
a stressful day is far more effectual and healthful than a
double martini.
Lavender is virtually de rigueur in potpourri. Here's a recipe
for Lavender and Geranium Potpourri to add relaxation
and romance to any ambience:
· 4 cups of dried lavender flowers
· 2 cups of dried rose geranium leaves
· 2 cups of dried rosemary
· 1 oz. of orris root
· 15 - 20 drops of lavender essential oil.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and place in a sealed jar.
Age at least one month. Shake the jar frequently.
Lavender essential oil is antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial
with a low level of toxicity, making it one of the few essential
oils that can be applied directly to the skin undiluted. Added
to the bath it will alleviate muscular pain and tension. As
recent as WW1, the oil was used as an antiseptic wound dresser.
As with all essential oils, do not take lavender oil internally
unless it is strongly diluted.
The dried flowers infused as a tea will relieve indigestion,
colic, gas and bloating. It is even helpful is some cases
of asthma, especially when nervousness is a factor.
Recent research shows promise that one of lavender's compounds,
perillyl alcohol, may be useful in combating cancer of the
breast, pancreas, colon and prostate.
In the kitchen lavender blooms are 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 many ways by creative chefs.
Try the following
Salmon with Lavender and Fennel:
· 2 medium sized salmon steaks
· 1-½ tsp. dried, crushed lavender flowers
· 1-½ tsp. crushed fennel seeds
· Juice of ½ lemon
· 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
· Pinch of salt
Mix
all the ingredients together and cover both sides of the steaks.
Then marinate them in the refrigerator for several hours.
Sauté over medium to high heat in a non-stick pan until
done - about six minutes per side.
Lavender and lamb make a surprisingly good combination. The
following recipe occasions a pleasant change from the usual
rosemary and garlic accompaniment.
Lavender
Lamb with Basil
· 1 leg of lamb
· 1 cup of milk (non-dairy such as nut or coconut milk
may be substituted)
· Juice of ½ lemon
· 8-10 lavender flower heads
· 8 basil leaves
· Freshly ground pepper to taste
Place the lamb in a tightly-fitting lidded casserole. Mix
the remaining ingredients and pour over the lamb. Marinate
for several hours, turning the lamb occasionally. Remove from
the marinade and bake, uncovered, at 325ºF for approximately
30 minutes per lb. When the meat is done, strain the marinade,
and then make it into gravy by pouring it into a frying pan
over a medium-high heat. Reserve about a quarter cup and thoroughly
blend in 1 tsp. of arrowroot powder. When smooth, stir into
hot marinade and simmer until thick.
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