Lavender

Lavender is a plant genus within the mint family, which also includes sage and mint, comprising 28 to 36 species depending on the author. At the same time, it is the short form for true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a plant species of the same family.

As a sun lover, true lavender originates from the Mediterranean region, especially widespread along the coasts. Dry and rocky locations form its natural habitat. Benedictine monks brought it early to the north, where it stood out as a garden beauty due to its bright flower spikes and aromatic scent. As a hardy plant, it even withstands the cold temperatures typical of winter here – at least in the milder climate of wine-growing regions.

Otherwise, it needs protection from frost. As long as lavender receives plenty of sun at its location, a nutrient-poor, preferably well-drained soil is sufficient. However, waterlogging causes it to wither. In the garden, drainage made of coarse sand or gravel proves helpful.

True lavender contains essential oil, known as lavender oil, which consists among other things of linalool, linalyl acetate, and other terpenes. Other ingredients of the fragrant plant include tannins and phenolic acids such as rosmarinic acid.

With its bright flowers, lavender beautifies every garden and spreads a Mediterranean flair. The shrub provides plenty of food for bees. It also has a lot to offer as a spice. Its aroma ranges from bitter to spicy, somewhat reminiscent of rosemary. Due to its intense flavor, lavender should be used very sparingly in the kitchen. It gives hearty dishes like poultry, fish, and soups a pleasant seasoning. It also adds a nice touch to desserts.

As a medicinal plant, true lavender has been used for centuries. Today, its flowers or lavender oil, extracted from the flowers by steam distillation, are used for medicinal purposes. Lavender flowers can be brewed into a tea for internal use or applied externally as an infusion.

The main application of lavender is in the treatment of restlessness and stress. Its mildly calming effect is said to help with migraines, nervous exhaustion, and sleep disorders. The benefit of lavender oil for anxiety has already been confirmed by a study. Because lavender is sometimes attributed antibacterial effects, it is occasionally added to gargle solutions. It is also said to soothe skin irritations.

Only the lower part of the shrub becomes woody. Characteristic of true lavender are its violet flowers, which grow in the form of spikes. If you prune it in time, you can even enjoy a second bloom. Outside the flowering period, which begins in July, its leaves fascinate in silvery gray.