Lavender was named by the Romans using the Latin word "lavare" meaning to wash. They put the light purple flowers (which can sometimes also be white or pink) into their bathing waters. The lavender plant itself is a woody, evergreen perennial shrub that blossoms from late spring through early autumn. It originated from areas around the Mediterranean, but now is found in dry-summer, cool-winter areas throughout the western US and Europe.

Lavender flowers are comprised from several healthy constituents including:

·           Essential oil containing borneol, camphor, geraniol, and linalool;

·           Coumarins;

·           Caryophyllene;

·           Tannins;

·           Other antioxidant compounds;

Formally called Lavandula (angustifolio, intermedia or officinalis), lavender may also be called English Lavender, Broadleaf Lavender. Grande Lavender and True Lavender. Its aromatic flowers are used for quite a lot more than bathing these days. Here are some of the various uses that you may find beneficial from tinctures, teas and recipes that contain lavender flowers:

·           Helpful as a sleep aid to fight off insomnia;

·           Settling nervous stomachs;

·           Calming anxiety symptoms;

·           Alleviating flatulence and colic;

·           Warding off depressive headaches;

·           Treating migraines and other menopause symptoms;

·           Treatment for diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance;

·           and more!

Do not boil the flower directly. Rather, simmer it gently to make delicious and calming teas.