Lavender-My Kitchen Herb of the Week

Lavender has a cleansing scent (who hasn't used lavender soap) and
is associated with passion. It is supposed to provoke passion, but is also
used to encourage chastity. I find that lavender incense 'brightens' and
'clears' a room, but then it's one of my favorites. In addition, lavender is
a relaxing herb; its flowers and their oil are used in all kinds of
destressing and restful remedies.
  Basic Destress Oil In a carrier oil (massage oil works well), blend a few
  drops lavender, camomile, melissa, and bergamot oils. Let sit in a closed
  container for 24 hours if possible. Use whenever you are feeling stressed
  out.
Note: some people are allergic to the scent of lavender.
Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender is a traditional cottage garden plant. Its gray-green spikes
of foliage and purple flowers provide color all year. Since the
Middle Ages, the dried flowers have been one of the main ingredients
of potpourri. Fresh sprigs are included in herbal bunches known as
tussie mussies, which have been used for hundreds of years to mask
unpleasant odors and ward off illness.

Description

The plant may grow to a height of 3 feet, but there are dwarf forms
for edging which reach only about 10 inches. The stems are thick and
woody, and become straggly if left unpruned. The leaves are long,
spiky, and very narrow, and branch out near the ground. The tiny
tubular flowers are carried on long spikes in thick clusters that
surround the stem from the tip to about 4 inches down.
Put pea gravel or small rocks around your Lavender plants whether they are
in the ground or in containers!  This helps the soil to dry rapidly while
radiating drying heat into the interior of the lavender plants.  I have done
this with my container rosemary's for several years and they do so good
indoors that I decided to experiment with the lavender. The lavender
thrives!!!

Cultivation

Cuttings from strong new growth can be propagated in summer or autumn
or from seeds sown indoors in trays. Once rooted, plant them in a
well drained, poor soil. Foliage will yellow in poorly drained soil.
The bushes tend to look after themselves and respond to an annual
pruning in fall after flowering or in early spring. Bushes tend to
straggle as they mature and it is often necessary to cut back
severely in fall to generate strong growth.

Culinary Uses

Fresh lavender flowers can be used to flavor syrup for jellies. Mix 6
flowerheads into each pint of apple jelly syrup. Remove the lavender
before bottling. It is also used to flavor fruit salad and milk and
cream for deserts. Flowers be candied to decorate cakes and puddings.
Use lavender instead of rosemary when cooking chicken. Lavender ice-
cream is a real treat.

Medicinal Uses

Use an infusion of lavender on insect bites. Dried flowers and seeds
are used in herbal sleep pillows and baths for soothing and calming
frayed nerves. Lavender oil applied at the temples will relieve a
headache. Three flowerheads in a cup of boiling water makes a
soothing tea at bedtime.

Other Uses

Bunches of lavender are said to ward off insects. Fresh or dried
flowers are used in rinsing water for clothes and hair. Dried flowers
and seeds are often used in potpourri and sachets. The stems are used
to weave decorative baskets.

To dry the flowers, cut them as soon as they begin to open and hang
upside down in bunches in a well-ventilated area.

Lavender
(Lavandula officinalis)

Part Used : fresh flowers, dried flowers, essential oil
Planet : Mercury
Element : Air
Magical Influences : Health, Love, Celibacy, Peace, Conscious mind

Lore : Well known to the classical Greeks and Romans, lavender was used to
perfume bath water and was burned as incense to the deities.
     In North Africa, women used this plant to guard against maltreatment
from their husbands.
     The scent is said to calm untamed lions and tigers.

Magical Uses : Just before you step into the water, add nine drops of
lavender essential oil to your bath while visualizing good health. Have a
lavender bath once daily for a week as a health-maintaining ritual.
     Lavender has long been associated with spiritual love. Because it is
ruled by Mercury, the planet associated with the conscious mind, lavender's
effectiveness in promoting love seems to lie in its ability to change the
way
we think about love. In other words, performing love-drawing rituals with
lavender stimulates the emotional centers and, thereby, reprograms our
conscious minds. Smelling lavender with visualization causes us to send
signals to others of our need.
     The scent can also be used to maintain celibacy with the proper
visualization. Though the complete lack of sexual thoughts or sexual
activity
(even if preferred alone) is contrary to the human experience, there are
times when it may be necessary. Lavender can be used to help create this
precarious state.
     Lavender induces peace and dispels depression. The fragrance has been
used for this purpose from very early times. Gerard states that "the
distilled water of Lavender smelt unto, or the temples and forehead bathed
therewith, is refreshing to them... that used to swoune much." It relieves
headache as well.
     Lavender calms stormy or uncontrolled emotional states by bringing our
feelings under conscious control. Too often when we're in such states we
kill
all thoughts save for those that prolong our misery. Lavender corrects this
imbalance, tempering our emotions with a healthy shot of rationality. The
fragrance is also used to generally strengthen the conscious mind. (I should
have used it when I was trying to compute the tab for an essential oil order
I wrote up yesterday afternoon.)
       Sprinkled on the pillow, it encourages sleep.

Magical Aromatherapy
Scott Cunningham

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Magickal Lavender
by S Malpass

ORIGINS

The South of France is the main produce of lavender, however it also comes
from England, China and Tasmania. The call for Lavender has increased so
much over the years for its oil that cultivation fields are now
mass-produced in these countries.

The most common types of lavender are English and French.

PLANTING GUIDE

Lavender enjoys the sun and light, well-drained soil.
If not pruned often, lavender bushes can become quite untidy. As soon as the
stems start to flower, cut the stems. But after complete flowering be sure
to cut right back.

Lavender is easy to dry. Tie in small bunches and hang them in a dry, airy
place or spread the stems loose on trays/racks. Once dried, store in a
small, air-tight container in a dark cupboard. You can dry in a microwave or
convectional oven. For a convectional oven, keep the door open and regularly
check them. Time usually takes between 2-6hrs depending on temperature of
oven. With a microwave, use very small quantities and place them on paper
towelling, micro waving for about 30 seconds up to 1 minute. With the
microwave it is more of a trial and error to get the right timing.

LAVENDER WATER

One of the most popular and simplistic uses for lavender is lavender water.
Gather 600g of freshly cut lavender heads.
1 litre of spring water.

Boil the water and put it in a jar with the lavender heads. Leave the jar in
a sunny position for 24 hours. Shake well every now and then. Filter out the
lavender and store in a spray bottle or atomizer in the fridge.

You may wish to adjust the amount of lavender heads used depending on how
strong you want the smell.

MAGICKAL ENHANCEMENTS

Great for oil burners, when meditating, relaxing as it aids in relieving
anxiety, stress and tension.
Great for dream work and sleep in general. (Place a sachet under your pillow
before going to bed.)
Great for purification baths.
Lavender is also good for protection, wishes, peace and long life.

HEALING QUALITIES

Lavender has strong antiseptic qualities, great for bruises, minor cuts,
scalds and bites. (Used as an oil or cream.)
It is also great for depression, as a sedative and for detoxifying.

ELEMENT- Air

Easy Lavender Soap

10 tablespoons finely grated castille soap
8 tablespoons boiling water
2 tablespoons crushed dried lavender flowers
4 drops lavender oil

Melt the soap in the water in a bowl placed over a saucepan of hot
water, stirring frequently, until smooth.

Crush the flowers to a powder and take the bowl off the saucepan.
Stir the flowers into the soap with oil.

Store in a glass or plastic bottle.

Lavendar
(Lavendula officinale)
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
Powers: Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Purification,
Happiness, Peace


Lavendar's many magickal purposes:
Lavendar is good for love spells. To attract love, rub
clothing with the flowers. Write love letters on lavendar
scented paper. Wear lavendar for protection from a cruel spouse.
Burn or smoulder the flowers to induce sleep and rest.
Scatter in your home for peacefulness. If you are depressed,
gaze on a lavendar plant to lift your mood.

A Wish Divination
Place lavendar under your pillow, while thinking of your wish,
before bed. If you dream of anything relating to your wish,
it will come true. If you do not dream of anything relating
to your wish, it will not manifest.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Grow Lavender for Luck
LAVENDER- Luck money; Place in a green conjure bag and also put a
penny, a nickle, a dime, and a quarter in the conjure bag with the
herb. The money will multiply seven times.
source unknown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The Magic of Lavender


Lavender has been used in love spells and clothing rubbed with the
flower attracts love.  A piece of paper on which lavender has been
rubbed is excellent for attraction.


The flowers are also burned or smolder to induce sleep and rest.
Can be scattered around the home to maintain peacefulness. The odor
of Lavender is conductive for a long life.   The herb is also used in
healing mixtures and carried to see ghosts or worn to protect against
the evil eye.


Despite lavender's love associations in the Renaissance it was
believed that lavender together with rosemary, if worn would preserve
a woman's chastity.
~source unknown


Speaking of essential lavender oil, it is the most widely used
and versatile healing oil used in aromatherapy. Not only is it
very effective, it is also very safe and easy to use. It is the
only essential oil generally recommended as safe to apply 'neat' or
undiluted to the skin. It is used as a first aid measure to treat
minor burns in much the same way aloe gel might be applied. It
promotes healing of minor cuts and scrapes, and helps prevent
scarring.
It is antiseptic and is used in a wide variety of herbal beauty
products, and in many insect repellent mixtures. Research has shown
it helpful in promoting restful sleep and as an aid for headaches
when a drop is massaged into the temple area or onto the back of the
neck. The balancing properties of lavender help correct anxiety,
nervousness and other emotional problems. Try a drop or two on
your pillow at night, in a warm bath, or on a tissue or handkerchief
when traveling.

Few other herbs offer so much in so many different ways.
In today's fast passed lives, lavender continues to prove
its value as one of the most rewarding and useful herbs.

Lavender is used for protection, relaxation, and healing.
Good for headaches, insomnia, pain, arthritis, and depression.
Antiseptic and astringent. Good for burns, insect bites, acne
and eczema. Helps to reduce scarring. Promotes hair growth.
Activates the crown chakra. Ancients believed it ensured fidelity.
Lavender may be used externally for sprains and rheumatism.
It is nowadays seldom taken internally.

Magick: Lavender attracts elves, is burned for purification and
awareness, and used in the bath for purification as well as for
its beneficial effects on the skin.  Lavender stimulates the Chrown
Chakra.
*****************************

FOR THE LOVE OF LAVENDER
by Demares


HISTORY AND FOLKLORE

Lavender. Just saying the name conjures up flowing fields of purple
blossoms. The smell itself carries you back to long ago times. To
cupboards filled with freshly washed linen's. Pomanders and sachets
filled with the wondrous flowers, tucked neatly between delicates,
hanging openly in wardrobes and chests, to protect from moths and
other insects. These were the victorian times when ladies carried
crisp, white, embroidered handkerchiefs, lightly doused with
lavender, to be sniffed discreetly to ward off the vapors or an
oncoming headache. It was also the smell of cleanly scoured floors,
done by the washer women of the day who were called 'lavenders'.
Since the word Lavender comes from the latin word Lavare, which also
means 'to wash' or 'cleanse', it was very appropriate for the times.

Queen Victoria herself made it popular amongst the upper and lower
classes of England by using it in tonics and body powders. Since it
was believed to make the wearer irresistible, it was worn by many a
lady of the evening to help in the plying of her wares. Lavender
even had the reputation of warding off the plague. Charles VI of
France demanded lavender filled pillows wherever he went. Queen
Elizabeth I of England required lavender conserve at the royal table.
She also wanted fresh lavender flowers available every day of the
year, a daunting task for a gardener if you consider the climate of
England. Louis XIV also loved lavender and bathed in water scented
with it. Elizabeth I and II both used products from the famous
lavender company Yardley and Co. of London.

Lavender was used throughout the ancient world, as well as in our
modern times. Its long and rich history will be found in the tombs
and pyramids of Egypt. Not only did they use it in their perfumes and
incense, but, it was also a part of the embalming process. They made
and used lavender water for perfuming the bath and annointing
themselves before encounters with loved ones or potential lovers.

In Persia, Greece and Rome it was burned to please the Gods in
purification and healing rites. Its antiseptic properties led them to
use it as a disinfectant in the rooms of the sick and dying. Bath
houses or public bathing waters were sanitized with the oil of
lavender to help cleanse the body and the spirit. The Greeks called
the plant Nardus and later the Romans called it Asarum.

Knowledge of the plants healing abilities didn't take long to spread
to India and then on to Tibet. It was called 'Broom of the Brain'
because it was reputed to sweep away all impurities of the mind. It
was and still is, used in Tibetan Buddhist medicine to treat
psychiatric problems such as insanity and other psychosis. They
administer it in edible ointment form as well as putting a few drops
on the clothing so the patient can inhale the fumes, to help calm and
heal the mind.

You could also find Lavender in medieval castles, the straw
completely freed from the flowers were strewn amongst the rushes on
the floors to help with the odors and to keep the insect problem to a
standstill. In the middle ages it was also considered an herb of love
and was also used an aphrodisiac. It was believed to keep the loved
one chaste if lavender water was sprinkled upon the head. Lavender
was used by warriors, knights and soldiers during wartime to help
staunch the flow of blood and to disinfect the wound. Clothing was
also infused to drive away 'bad' spirits and a few drops on a letter
would imbue the paper with passion.

Lavender's history is rich and varied. It has been used to cure
animals of lice and tame lions and tigers. The plant was used as a
flavoring in snuff, an ingredient in smelling salts and also added
to special lacquers and varnishes.The Kabyle women in North Africa
use it to protect themselves from being mistreated by their husbands
and in China it is used as a 'cure-all' oil.

It uses are as varied as its history, from medicinal to culinary to
spiritual, if you only have one essential oil in your cupboard, or
one plant growing in your garden, it should be Lavender.

THE NAME

Common: Lavender

Latin: Lavendula Officianale (S. France), Lavendula Augustifolia
(English or True), Lavendula Dentata (French), Lavendula Stoechas
(Spanish), Lavendula Latifolia (Spike Lavender)

Pharmacopeial: Lavandulae Flos

Other: English lavender, Garden lavender, True lavender, French
lavender, Queen of Herbs, Spikenard, Nardus (Greek), Asarum (Roman),
Broom of the Brain (India), Pri-Yangku (Tibet), El Khzama (Morocco),
White Flower Oil (China).

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

ORIGINS:

Lavender is a subshrub, native to the low mountains of the
Mediterranean basin. It is cultivated in France, United Kingdom,
Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, United States, Australia,
China and Tasmania. The South of France is the main producer of
Lavender and running a close second would be England. The rise in
sales in recent years has increased so much that cultivation fields
in these countries are now mass produced. The two most popular and
common types of Lavender are English and French.

Perhaps first domesticated by the Arabians, lavender spread across
Europe from Greece. Around 600 BC lavender may have come from the
Greek Hyeres Islands into France and is now common in France, Spain,
Italy and England. The 'English' lavender varieties were not locally
developed in England but rather introduced in the 1600s right around
the time the first lavender plants were making their way to the
Americas.



IN THE GARDEN:

To grow Lavender in your garden, especially if you have a rock
garden, is very easy. So long as you have a sunny location,
protection from heavy rain and winter winds, a light, dry well-
drained soil, these woody perennial shrubs will bloom wonderfully.
Unless you are in a frost-free climate, stick with lavenders and
lavandins that winter over well, like the English variety. Lavender
also needs good air circulation to deter fungal diseases and mildew
can be a problem in humid areas.

The best way to grow lavender is in raised beds. This will give the
plant a longer life span. To mound the plat, use a mixture of:

1 part of original soil
1 part sand (not beach sand)
1 part compost
Then mix in 1/3 as much pea gravel or small sized mixed rock

Use this mix to make a bed 8-18 inches high. The higher mound or bed
would be for wetter areas. Now take the soil mix, without the gravel,
and make a second pyramid shaped mound on top of your bed base, no
higher than 6 inches. This second pyramid will hold your plant or
cutting. Spread the roots over the point of the pyramid and then
cover them with the mix. So, essentially, the bottom of the bed
contains the gravel, for drainage, but, the second pyramid shape,
that holds the lavender, has no gravel at all. Now, water thoroughly
with a seaweed solution to lesson the shock of transplanting. You
can at this point add 2 cups of granite dust to sweeten the soil and
provide a high mineral fertilizer. Once you have the plant in place,
you will cover over the entire bed with 2-3 inches of white sand, do
not use beach sand because of its salt content. The sand will reflect
the light which mimic's the plants natural habitat in the
mediterranean.

You can use this same mixture for container planting as well. The
most important thing to remember with lavenders is to not over-water
them. They get root rot almost immediately and its almost impossible
to save them once this is done.

Depending on which zone you live in and which variety you have
planted will depend on when they will bloom. The English lavender
only blooms in June, July and August. While the French variety blooms
for 9 months out of the year, in most climates. Lavenders do well in
Zones 3-10, so talk to your local nursery to find the best variety to
grow in your area.

Lavender does not normally do well from seed, it is quite difficult
to get a good, strong mature plant this way. Most gardeners will
propagate using cuttings, layering and division of roots. If its your
first lavender, it is much better to start out with a plant bought
from your local nursery.

To propagate your mature plant, take a 2-4 inch long pliable stem
cutting, in the summer. Remove the leaves at the bottom of the
cutting. Dip the end in a rooting hormone, its important that the
leaves do not touch the hormone. Put the cutting into a plastic flat,
that has been filled with a damp mixture of

1 part perlite
1 part peat moss

No soil should be used, only this mixture or one similar, to keep the
new cuttings from getting root rot.

Note: You don't have to use the rooting hormone, but unless you have
a greenhouse that will keep the bottom of the flat at a steady 75-80
degrees F, and high light 12-14 hours a day, I suggest the rooting
hormone.

Give the new cuttings a light feeding every 2 days, keep them in a
sunny, warm spot and you should have root growth in approximately 14
days. At this time, transfer the cuttings to 21/2 inch pots, pinch
the flowers and you will now be on your way to growing a hardy plant.
They should be ready for planting in 6-8 weeks. If these are first
year cuttings the rooting procedure may take longer than the 14 days,
so bear that in mind.

Pruning your lavender is very easily done. Prune the plants lightly
in the spring to give them shape, they can get pretty ragged looking,
and then again in the fall or after flowering, this will divert
growth and energy to the blossoms and not to seed production. The
first year is crucial in growing a healthy, hardy plant, so prune
all blossoms.

To winter over a lavender, cover them with mulch, if you don't get
deep snow cover. But don't use straw, leaves, sawdust or woodchips.
The root rot dilemma again! A thick layer of mulch is recommended
after the first frost.

Just remember it takes 2-3 years for the plant to reach maximum
potential for oil production for blossoms and foliage. Harvesting is
not advised before the lavender is fully mature. Once it has matured,
then you can harvest the flowers, and take cuttings to start new
plants. You will be able to do this until the plant is 5 years old,
then the flowers start to decline in output. Usually in the 7th year,
all the foliage is concentrated at the top of the plant and flowers
have decreased in size and volume. Woody growth also develops at this
time. Once it has hit that 7 year mark, and you notice these changes,
now is the time to take your final cuttings for new plants. Prune the
plant back in small increments starting in the spring. Take 1/3 of
the foliage off to try to stimulate new growth. If you are lucky new
growth will appear, and then you will cut it back by 1/3 again, up to
but not including the new growth. This will hopefully prompt the
plant to grow more new foliage at the base of the stalk, if this does
occur, prune the whole plant away, just up to the new growth. Never
prune out old lavenders unless they are completely dead. If no growth
appears, its time to remove it from the garden, but, you will have
its offspring to replace it.

Lavender flowers are not only beautiful to look at, but, they make
great dried flowers, potpourri, smudge sticks and lavender wands.
Herbal crafting with lavender will give you hours and hours of
enjoyment. There are so many recipes for floral waters, homemade soap
and potpourri for using lavender, that you will be consumed with
collecting recipes! I will tell you how to dry it and the recipe
hunting will be left up to you!

You will need a dry, warm day to harvest your lavender. The best time
of the day is late morning. Timing is is very important when you are
harvesting this plant, you want oil production to be at its peak, so
your herbal crafts will have the best color and smell. Try to do this
by following a few days of really dry weather, since this shortens
the drying time. This method will ensure the stalks have less water
in them for faster drying. You want to harvest fairly quickly because
as the day wears on the oil will dissipate as the temperatures rise.

For wands you want your stalks to be 18-24 inches long and you will
cut the stalk at the base of the plant, at an angle, right above the
first leave. Don't cut away the foliage at the base of the plant,
this will be new growth. Once your stalks are cut, either gather a
few together in a bunch, or this would be a good time to braid a few
for wands. Once they are in small bunches, tie together with a string

or elastic band and lay them flat in a basket, until you are finished
harvesting. Smaller bunches are best for drying because the process
will go quicker and there will be less chance of shattering your
flower heads.

When drying single flower stalks, you can lay them flat on newspaper,
in a dark , dry room. Make sure there is good air circulation. The
bunches you have tied together can be hung from a hook an dried that
way. It will take approximately 1-2 weeks to dry them if the weather
co-operates and it doesn't rain. Darkness or very low light helps to
retain the blossoms color. Check your stalks every couple of days to
make sure no mold develops. Once they have dried completely, the
smell will be very light. You can refresh the lavender with an
essential or fragrance oil by simply adding a couple of drops to the
bunch. They are now ready to use in all the fabulous recipes out
there. I will give you a couple to start you out.

Lavender Wand

15 stems lavender
1 roll thin ribbon

Clean stems of any loose leaves. Gather all the heads together in a
cluster and tie a ribbon right below the heads, do not cut off the
ribbon. Trim all the stems to the same
length and bend down the stems in a circle over the heads to form a
cage.

Weave the ribbon around the stems over one and under one. Keep
repeating this weave until all the lavender heads have been covered.
When the cage is complete, secure with a double knot. Twist the
ribbon down around the stems and secure at the bottom with a double
knot and bow.

Clean the wand of any loose flowers and hang with your favorite
clothes for a beautiful fresh smell.

Lavender Sachet

Ingredients:

1/2 pound lavender flowers
1/2 ounce dried mint
1/2 ounce dried thyme
1/4 ounce ground caraway
1/4 ounce ground cloves
1 ounce sea salt

Detach the lavender flowers and leaves from the stems and mix with
the other ingredients. Place in small bags made of silk, unbleached
cotton or cotton with
die-fast color. Sew shut and tie with a ribbon if desired. You can be
creative with this mixture and sew heart shapes that can then be
decorated with miniature ribbon roses and ribbon.


THE MEDICINE CHEST:

Of all the many useful items you could have in the medicine chest,
Lavender should most definitely be one of them. It is a cure-all for
so many things. It can help to lower high blood pressure, in tonic
form, by reducing mental and physical tension. Used on a burn or
scald it helps along the regenerative powers of the skin by
encouraging new growth of skin tissue, which also means, no more
suffering from a nasty sunburn. In a base lotion or balm, along with
a few drops of peppermint oil, applied to the forehead and nape of
neck, it will soon soothe away headaches. Having sleepless nights?
Use a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or the collar of your
pyjamas, put a few drops in a warm bath or put in a diffuser in your
bedroom, this works especially well with children too!

Lavender can also be used in your linen cupboards, not just for its
enchanting smell, but to keep away moths and other insects. One of
the reasons it is used so extensively in medications, is because of
the aroma itself. It has long been used as a flavoring agent and to
cover disagreeable odors in ointments and compounds. It will help
with spasms, giddiness, faintness, loss of appetite, flatulence and
colic. A perfect way to dispel these malady's is to put 1-4 drops on
a sugar cube or in a spoonful of milk and to simply eat or drink it.
Perfect for small, or fussy children. Although I know some adults who
would be happy to take their medicine this way. The song 'A spoonful
of sugar helps the medicine go down', could very well have been
lavender sugar.

If fatigue is a constant problem, a few drops of lavender or a
handful of fresh flowers, tossed into a warm footbath will work
wonders. Put lavender oil or a fresh flower infusion in a salve or
oil base and then applying it to the skin will help with such
symptoms as toothache, sprains and rheumatism. Because of its non
toxic properties it can be used safely on children, during pregnancy
and while lactating. Its one of the few herbs or flowers than can be
used in this manner. To date, there is no documentation of adverse
effects, if taken with other drugs or medications, as a matter of
fact, combinations with other sedative or carminative herbs may
actually be beneficial.

Lavender has very strong antiseptic qualities, so using it in a mild
infusion, 1 part flowers to 3 parts distilled water, makes a good
sedative, digestive aid, and helps with cold and flu viruses.
The same can be said for germs of any kind. Use it in your bucket for
washing floors, and wiping down furniture. Add a few drops to the
washing machine, when you are cleaning the bedding from a sick room.
It not only will help to cut out the cross contamination of germs,
but will help to heal the sick individual through its aromatic scent.

Lavender oil is also used in veterinary practices for killing lice
and other parasites on animals. Its germicidal properties are very
pronounced and is used in the east of France in the embalming of
corpses. I know this sounds gruesome, but, it does prove a very good
point. It is excellent in the sickroom, surgical or otherwise, in
decreasing or getting rid of bacterial and viral germs. Its
antiseptic properties for swabbing wounds and surgical purposes, gave
the proof needed for the French Academy of Medicine to further
explore its many and varied uses. To this day, it is still used
extensively as a healing compound, and is still added to many
medicines and ointments, just for this very purpose.

Tests have shown that the essential oil of lavender helps in
destroying a wide range of bacterial infections, including Staph,
Strep, and Pneumonia as well as most cold and flu viruses. It also
has anti-fungal properties, so an infusion of lavender flowers used
as a douche is an effective treatment for vaginal infections.
Especially candida type yeast infections.

To date, it has been approved by the Commission E and the German
Standard License, in its internal uses for insomnia, restlessness,
nervous stomach irritations, meterorism, Roehmheld's Syndrome and
nervous disorders of the intestines. In the United States National
Formulary lavender oil is officially listed as a component of dietary
supplement products, mainly in infusions. It has also been
investigated in the use of a bath additive for perineal discomfort
and repair after childbirth.
(Wichtl and Bisset, 1994--Dale and Cornwell, 1994 & 1995)

Some of Lavenders actions and properties are:

Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial,
antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative,
cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrizant, cordial, cytophylactic,
deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine,
parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic,
vermifuge and vulnery.

Here are a few recipes for you to add to your first aid kit:

Smelling Salts

1/2 tablespoon of coarse salt
10 drops of Lavender essential oil

Place the salt in a glass container with a lid. Add the essential
oil, and with the lid on, shake the salt to blend. When you are
feeling faint or dizzy occurs, open your smelling salts and putting
the container fairly close to the nose, breathe in deeply of the
essence. Use as needed. If this mixture is kept in a dark glass
container, in a cool, dark, dry place it will last for up to 6
months.

Headache Blend

5 drops of Lavender essential oil
4 drops of peppermint essential oil
1/8 of a cup (15ml) of veggie oil or a carrier oil.

Blend the oils in a dark glass container with a lid and apply to nape
of neck and forehead as needed when you have a headache.

Acne Recipe

20 drops of Lavender essential oil
1/4 cup (30ml) of witch hazel

Blend in a dark, glass bottle. Apply to oily skin and blemishes with
a cotton ball, as needed.

Lavender Water

5 cups of freshly cut lavender flowers
1 gallon of spring or distilled water

Boil the water and put it in a large glass jar with the fresh
flowers. Leave the jar out in the sun for 24 hours. Give it a shake
every now and then. Filter out the lavender and store in a spray
bottle or atomizer in the fridge. You can adjust the amount of fresh
lavender to your liking. You can also add a few drops of the
essential oil after it has been taken out of the sun. This is great
for sunburns, itching, any type of rash, insect bites, to cool off in
the summer heat or just as a light floral scent.

THE PANTRY:

Cooking with lavender is becoming more recognized today, unlike the
16th century when Queen Elizabeth I, put out the royal command that
lavender conserve was to be placed on every table and insisted it be
served with the roast meat. She was also a lover of lavender tea and
drank large quantities of it on a daily basis.

Lavender can be added to cakes, puddings, sugars, muffins, biscuits,
ice-creams, cookies, ices, beverages, salads, vinegars, jellies,
jams, mustards and wine. The blossoms and leaves can be used in all
of these items. Wonderful decorations for cakes can be made by simply
placing crystallized lavender flowers on the top. You can use
lavender spikes and leaves in most dishes that call for rosemary and
especially with chicken. The lavender blossoms are excellent in a
salad made with bitter type leaves or greens. The sweetness of the
lavender flowers will offset the bitterness of the greens.

In and around the house you can use wax made with lavender essential
oil, simply add a few drops to some unscented paste wax, and polish
your furniture with it. Or wash your floors with lavender water. Your
whole house will smell clean and fresh. The antiseptic and
antibacterial properties of lavender, as I mentioned in The Medicine
Chest above, will clean and disinfect your entire household as well
as giving it a wonderful scent.

But on to the culinary uses of Lavender. Here are some wonderful
recipes for you to try.


Lavender and Mustard Seed Crusted Salmon

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 medium red onions, diced, about 1 cup
1 large red pepper, diced, about 1 cup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/4 cup dry white wine
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons mustard seed
2 teaspoons dried lavender blossoms
4 6-ounce salmon fillets, boned and skinned

Yield: 4 servings

In a saute pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium
heat;add the onion and red pepper and cook, stirring often, for 15
minutes. Add the lemon juice, honey, maple syrup and wine
and simmer for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Keep
warm.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a saucepan, reduce the
balsamic vinegar over high heat to 2 tablespoons of liquid. Set
aside.

Combine the mustard seed and lavender. Season the salmon with salt
and pepper and coat with the lavender/mustard mixture. Heat the
remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a nonstick saute pan. Sear the
salmon, skin side up, for 1 minute; turn and sear for 2
minutes. Finish the salmon in the oven to the desired doneness.To
serve, arrange the salmon on 4 warm plates. Top each fillet with
marmalade and drizzle with balsamic syrup.

Adapted from ''My Favorite Herb,' by Laurel Keser.



Lavender Ice Cream

6 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup honey
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon dried lavender blossoms

Yield: 1 quart

Beat the yolks with the vanilla and honey until volume has tripled.
In a saucepan, bring the milk, cream and lavender to a simmer over
medium heat. Whisk 1/3 of the milk mixture into the egg mixture.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly
until the mixture coats the back of a wooden spoon.

Strain and cool over a bowl of ice water. Chill thoroughly and freeze
in an ice-cream maker following manufacturer's directions.

Adapted from ''My Favorite Herb,'' by Laurel Keser.



Lemon Lavender Tart - Serves 12

8 eggs
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 lemon, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup cream cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh lavender
pastry crust

Method:
Combine all of the ingredients except the pastry crust in a food
processor, and blend until smooth. Pour the batter into a 12-inch
tart pan lined with pastry crust. Bake in a 325º oven for 40-45
minutes or until set.
Chill.



HONEY LAVENDER BISCOTTI

2 1/4 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons minced zest from I orange
1 tablespoon dried lavender blossoms

Sift first 4 ingredients together in a small bowl.
Whisk sugar and eggs in a large bowl to a light lemon color;stir in
next 3 (or 4) ingredients. Sift dry ingredients over egg mixture,
then fold in until dough is just combined. Adjust oven rack to middle
position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Halve the dough and turn each
portion onto an oiled cookie sheet, covered
with parchment paper for baking. Using floured hands, quickly stretch
each portion of dough into a rough 13 by 2 inch log, placing them
about 3 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Pat each dough shape to
smooth it. Bake, turning pan once, until loaves are golden and just
beginning to crack on top, about 35 minutes. Cool the loaves for 10
minutes; lower oven temperature to325 degrees. Cut each loaf
diagonally into 3/8 inch slices with a serrated knife. Lay the slices
about 1/2 inch apart on the
cookie sheet, cut side up, and return them to the oven. Bake, turning
over each cookie halfway through baking, until crisp and golden brown
on both sides, about 15 minutes. Transfer biscotti to wire rack and
cool completely.

(Biscotti can be stored in an airtight container for at least 1
month.)

Based on the flavors of a popular Provencal ice cream, these honey
lavender biscotti are best made with an assertive honey, such as a
spicy clover.

Makes 4 to 5 dozen



Melon with Lavender Syrup

1/2 c Sugar
1/2 c Water
1/4 c Sweet dessert wine*
2 tb Orange juice
1/4 c Fresh or dried lavender-- flowers
1 lg Ripe melon, cubed

Garnish with fresh mint leaves
*Sauterne, Grenache or sweet Reisling

Bring sugar, water, wine and orange juice to a boil; reduce heat and
simmer for 5 minutes, stirring once or twice to dissolve sugar. Add
lavender flowers. Cover and steep for 1 to 2 hours. Strain out
lavender flowers, pressing on pulp.

To serve, pour syrup over melon; gently toss.
Garnish with mint leaves.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings.



Lavender Shortbread Cookies

Yield: 25 Servings

1/2 c Unsalted butter; room temperature
1/2 c Unsifted confectioners sugar
2 ts Dried lavender blossoms
1 ts Crushed dried spearmint leaves
1/8 ts Cinnamon
1 c Flour

Preheat oven to 325°. Line and lightly spray a square baking pan with
Pam. Cream the butter until light and fluffy. Stir in sugar,
lavender, spearmint and cinnamon. Work in the flour and blend until
the mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into baking dish. Bake 25-30
minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Gently lift out by
foil into cutting surface. Slice with serrated knife. Transfer to
wire rack to cool completely. Store in a tightly sealed tin.



Lavender Cheesecake

CRUST:
1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c melted butter
1/4 c sugar
1/2 c ground almonds

Combine crust ingredients and press into bottom and around sides of a
spring form pan. Chill for 1-4 hours.

FILLING:
24 oz softened cream cheese
1 1/2 c sugar
6 eggs
2 c sour cream
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp powdered lavender flowers
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a food processor or blender mix
cream cheese and sugar on high speed until smooth. Turn to low and
add eggs, sour cream, cornstarch, lemon juice, lavender and vanilla.
Pour mix into chilled crust and bake 1 hour at 350 F. Turn oven off
and leave cheesecake for 30 minutes more.

Remove from oven and let chill over night for best results.

TOPPING:
1 c sour cream
2 tbsp berry sugar
1 tsp powdered lavender
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together and spread on top of cheesecake. Cover,
refrigerate and enjoy!



Lavender Sorbet

9 oz. sugar
18 oz. water
6 lavender heads j
juice from one lemon

Method:
Stir the sugar into the water, in a saucepan, until the sugar
dissolves. Add the lavender heads. Bring to a boil, then add the
juice of half the lemon, and allow to cool. Strain the liquid through
a sieve, to remove the lavender heads, and add the remaining
water. Taste to check the sweetness, and add more lemon juice if
necessary. Put in a freezer-proof container and still-freeze.

To still-freeze, it's best to use a large shallow container at first.
Pour the liquid in, place it in the coldest part of the freezer, then
wait for at least an hour (it may take longer depending on the
freezer, mine took about 4 hours to start to freeze) until the
mixture is just starting to freeze, with crystals on it. Working
quickly, put the mixture in the liquidizer or food processor, give it
a quick process, then put it back to keep freezing. Repeat the
processing twice more after a couple of hours each time. This breaks
up the ice crystals to give an easy scoop sorbet. You can
use an ice-cream maker.(Serves 4)



Lavender Custard

Bring 1.5 cups milk and 1 tablespoon of lavender leaves to a
boil. Cover and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes then strain this and
set aside.

Stir together 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of corn starch and
the strained milk. Away from pan add 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture
to 2 eggs, stir, then add to remainder of mixture. Cook for another 3
minutes. This can be served hot or cold.



LAVENDER CREME-CARAMEL TART

We love the added flavor and texture the crust brings to this
dessert, but if you're short on time, the crème caramel on its own is
still delicious.

For crème caramel
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk
3 tablespoons dried non-toxic and organic lavender flowers
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks

For pastry crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons ice water

Special equipment:
a 10-inch glass pie plate (1 to 1 1/2 inches deep),
9 1/2-inch plate or cardboard round, and
10-to 14-inch flat serving plate with a slight lip

Garnish: fresh nontoxic and organic lavender or violets

Make crème caramel: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook 1 cup sugar in a dry
large non stick skillet over moderate heat, swirling and shaking pan
(to help sugar melt evenly), until sugar is melted and caramel is
deep golden. Immediately pour caramel into pie plate, tilting to coat
bottom and sides evenly. Bring cream, milk, lavender, salt, and
remaining 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer and remove from heat. Let stand
15 minutes, then reheat. Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl,
discarding lavender. Whisk whole eggs and yolks together in a bowl
and slowly whisk in hot cream mixture. Pour custard over caramel.
Bake custard in a water bath in middle of oven until set but still
trembling slightly
(custard will continue to set as it cools), 40 to 45 minutes. Remove
pie plate from water and cool crème caramel on a rack. Chill, loosely
covered with plastic wrap, at least 2 hours.





________________________________________________________________________


Growing Lavender
There are over 30 species of lavender, so when choosing the lavender
that is
best for you, you must first decide if you want the tall-growing
variety
(about 30" or dwarf/ semi-dwarf ( up to 18" .. The dwarf/ semi-dwarf
lavenders grow faster than the tall-growing varieties and they tend
to have
a stronger scent. Lavender plants and seeds can be bought at your
local
nursery or you can order them from most seed catalogs. Burpee carries
one of
the best lavenders, Lavendula angustifolia, in both seeds and plants.
Start
lavender seeds indoors in February by sprinkling them onto a wet paper
towel. Fold towel in half twice and place in a plastic bag. Set in a
warm
place for four days. The seeds will germinate and be ready to be
planted in
flats, 2 inches apart. Keep in a warm, sunny window. You may also
propagate
lavender in the spring or fall by cutting a stem off just below a
node. Take
off all the leaves, leaving just two or three at the top. Plant the
cuttings
in vermiculite, sand, peat, or perlite and keep damp and out of direct
sunlight. When the plant is showing new growth, move to a windowsill.
In two
to three weeks the lavender can be planted outside, eighteen inches
apart.
Lavender thrives best in a well-drained rocky or sandy soil with a
high lime
content but it will grow well in less extreme conditions. The dryer
the
climate the stronger it's scent. Lavender will give a large yield of
flowers
after its third year of life. It will give a good yield until its
seventh
year. At this time is best to get rid of the old plants and start new
ones.

Harvesting and Drying

A word of caution: Bees love lavender (lavender honey is delicious)
so it is
best to harvest at night if you are allergic to bee stings. Harvest
lavender
once the flowers have opened. Lavender needs to be heavily pruned so
don't
be afraid to cut lots of stems off. Lavender leaves, which are almost
as
strong as the flowers, may be harvested anytime.

To Dry Lavender:

1. Tie stalks in bunches and hang in an empty closet, the attic, an
unused
room, from a clothesrack.

2. Put up a clothesline in the garage, attic, or empty room to hang
bunches.

3. Place upside down in a paperbag with an inch of the stem sticking
out of
the top, tie and hang. The bag will catch any of leaves or flowers
that fall
off the stem.

4. Spread out on newspaper or on open trays.

Remember to keep drying lavender out of the sunlight because it will
fade
the flowers. Keep it away from moisture to prevent mold. If you are
drying
lavender for floral arrangements, you will want to harvest it before
the
flowers fully open. Any later and the flowers may fall off while
drying.

Using Lavender

There are so many uses for lavender. Besides having a wonderful
scent, it
deters flies, ants, and moths. It was once a very popular strewing
herb and
its stems were burnt to disinfect and sweeten the air. The stems can
also be
thrown onto the embers of a fire to freshen the air. Lavender is a
fantastic
money maker. Everyone loves its scent and there are a wide variety of
items
you can make to sell.

Lavender Tea

Lavender tea is popular in Europe where it is drunk to sooth ones
nerves. To
make the tea, you'll want to gather lavender leaves before the
flowering or
the flowers after they have opened, and dry them. Use one teaspoon
dried
flowers or leaves for every one cup of boiling water. Let brew for
three
minutes and sweeten with honey. Empty tea bags can be purchased at
most
health stores. Fill with one teaspoon lavender, close and package to
sell.

Carpet/ Air Freshener

Grind dried lavender leaves and spread them out on the carpet. Let
sit for
ten minutes or longer and then vacuum. Powered leaves can be burnt in
dish
as incense. Hang a bunch of fresh lavender from your walls, in your
closet,
car, or anywhere.

Pin Cushions

Dried lavender flowers were once used in pin cushions because the oil
in the
flowers prevented needles and pins from rusting. The simplest way to
make a
pin cushion is to take two round pieces of felt, about the size of a
roll of
masking tape, and sew the edges together, leaving an opening.
Overstuff with
lavender flowers and filler. Sew shut.

Lavender Bath Bags

Lavender is a very relaxing bath herb. To make a bath bag, put half a
cup of
dried lavender flowers in the center of a square piece of cheesecloth,
gather up the corners and tie. Make a loop at the end of the string
to hang
over the faucet so that the hot water will go through the bag. For a
soothing footbath, put only a 1/4 cup of lavender flowers in the
cheesecloth
and place it in hot water. Let the water cool to a comfortable
temperature
before adding your feet.

Lavender Gift Card

On a sturdy table, place fresh lavender on sheet of blotting paper.
Cover
with another sheet of paper and place a couple of heavy books on top.
After
several weeks, the lavender will be flat and dry. Buy precut cards or
postcards at any craftstore or make your own. Glue the lavender and
ribbon,
if you choose, on to the cards. Cover with wax paper and set a couple
of
books on top. Let sit for a day. Uncover and use spray mount to keep
everything in place.

Potpourri

To make lavender potpourri you will need a fixative to absorb the
scent of
the lavender and to make it last longer. Powdered orris root is, in my
opinion, the best. It can be bought at most craft and herb shops. Mix
one
tablespoon powdered orris root with one cup of dried flowers ( you
may also
add some dried lavender leaves which are almost as fragrant as the
flowers)
and blend with your hands. Seal the mixture in a jar and place it in
a warm,
dark, dry place to cure for six weeks.

Lavender Sachets

1. Cut cotton fabric eight inches long and three inches wide.

2. Fold length in half, wrong sides facing out. Sew both long sides,
1/4
seams, leaving top open.

3. Turn right side out.

4. Fold top edges in one inch and iron in a crease.

5. Fill bag a little over half with lavender potpourri.

6. Gather top and tie with ribbon.

If the lavender scent ever seems to fade, give the sachet a little
squeeze
and the lavender will release more scent.

Cheesecloth Bags

Cut a square piece of cheesecloth, any size you want, and fill the
center
with lavender potpourri. Gather up edges and tie with ribbon. These
can be
used to hang in closets or cars.

Herb Pillows

Herb pillows can be made into any size and have numerous uses. Always
use
cotton fabric and it is wise to make an inner case to fill with the
lavender
potpourri and then use a pretty floral, solid, or calico fabric for
the
cover. This will prevent the lavender from leaking out. Make
different sizes
for putting under sofa cushions, chair cushions, in linen closets, at
the
head of the mattress between the mattress and the fitted sheet, etc..

Drawer Liners

Sew together two tightly woven fabrics, nine by eleven inches,
leaving an
opening. Fill lightly with lavender potpourri so that when the liner
is
flat, the lavender covers the inside surface. You do not want your
liner to
bulk like a pillow. Sew opening shut and make a cover. You could also
take
orders for customized drawer liners.

Pillows and Soft Toys

Stuff pillows and soft toys with a little bit of lavender potpourri
to scent
them.

*************
Cosmetic Uses for Lavender:

Lavender Velvet Cream

Great daily foot treatment

1/2 cup (120 ml) all-vegetable shortening

1 teaspoon (5 ml) beeswax

3 tablespoons (45 ml) distilled water, rose water, German chamomile

tea, or lavender tea

1 teaspoon (5 ml) borax

15 drops lavender essential oil

15 drops rose or geranium essential oil

5 drops spearmint essential oil (optional, but adds a nice, mild, minty note.
Yield: approximately 3/4 cup (180 ml)

In a small saucepan, heat the shortening and beeswax over very low heat until
just melted. Remove saucepan from heat. In another small saucepan, warm the
distilled water, rose water, or tea and dissolve the borax in it; then remove
saucepan from heat. When both mixtures have cooled to approximately the same
temperature, set the wax/shortening pan into a bowl of ice cubes and add the
essential oils. Drizzle the liquid into it, stirring rapidly with a small
whisk or spoon. The cream should set up fairly quickly and look and feel like
fluffy cake icing.

To use: Slather it thickly onto clean feet, put on socks and go to bed.
Awaken to "feet of velvet." This product can be used wherever you have dry
skin: hands, elbows, knees, or even as a cuticle conditioner. It sinks in
amazingly fast, is non-greasy if you don't use too much, and makes your skin
super soft. Store in an attractive container away from heat or light. No need
to refrigerate unless weather is hot. Will last approximately one year if you
do choose to chill it or up to three to four months at room temperature.
(Natural Foot Care)



Lavender Cream for Acne

50 tsp sweet almond oil

13 tsp white wax

39 tsp distilled water

1 tsp lavender oil

¼ tsp aspic

Mix the ingredients together slowly, one at a time, in a double boiler or
similar container over a low heat. When cool, pot up and label. (The Herbal
Health & Beauty Book)



Lavender Barrier Cream

¼ oz beeswax pieces

1 oz cocoa butter

4 Tbsp almond oil

1 Tbsp castor oil

15 drops lavender oil

This waterproof hand cream protects the hands from abuse and should be used
before chores. Put the beeswax pieces and cocoa butter in a heatproof bowl
and place in a saucepan half-filled with water. Gently heat until the beeswax
and cocoa butter have melted together. Remove from the heat and stir in the
almond oil and castor oil. Allow to cool and beat in the lavender essential
oil. Pour the mixture into tubs or shallow screw-top jars and rub into the
hands whenever a protective barrier cream is needed. (Illustrated Natural
Beauty)



STARDUST BODY POWDER...

This powder leaves your skin feeling silky smooth and a bit sparkly with the
addition of a fine "fairy or angel dust" powder.

1 Cup White Clay

1/2 Cup Baking Soda

1/2 Cup Arrowroot Powder

1/2 Cup Powdered herbs: Lavender/Roses/Thyme

1/4 Cup Slippery Elm powder

40 drops of Palmarosa Essential Oil

A pinch of Fairy Dust!

Mix all ingredients together and store in a moisture proof container,
preferably a powder cylinder. It smells good, feels good, and looks great!
(Jean’s Greens, 119 Sulphur Springs Rd., Newport, NY 13416; 888-845-8327)
***************************
For pastry crust
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, slightly softened
1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons ice water

Special equipment:
a 10-inch glass pie plate (1 to 1 1/2 inches deep),
9 1/2-inch plate or cardboard round, and
10-to 14-inch flat serving plate with a slight lip

Garnish: fresh nontoxic and organic lavender or violets

Make crème caramel: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook 1 cup sugar in a dry
large non stick skillet over moderate heat, swirling and shaking pan
(to help sugar melt evenly), until sugar is melted and caramel is
deep golden. Immediately pour caramel into pie plate, tilting to coat
bottom and sides evenly. Bring cream, milk, lavender, salt, and
remaining 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer and remove from heat. Let stand
15 minutes, then reheat. Pour through a fine sieve into a bowl,
discarding lavender. Whisk whole eggs and yolks together in a bowl
and slowly whisk in hot cream mixture. Pour custard over caramel.
Bake custard in a water bath in middle of oven until set but still
trembling slightly
(custard will continue to set as it cools), 40 to 45 minutes. Remove
pie plate from water and cool crème caramel on a rack. Chill, loosely
covered with plastic wrap, at least 2 hours.

Make pastry crust:
Blend together flour, sugar, salt, and butter with your fingertips or
a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal. Drizzle 1 1/2
tablespoons ice water over mixture and toss with a fork until
incorporated.

Test mixture by gently squeezing a small handful:
When it has proper texture, it should hold together without crumbling
apart. If necessary, add remaining ‚ tablespoon water.(If you
overwork mixture or add too much water, pastry will be tough.)

Turn mixture out onto a work surface and divide into 4 portions.
Smear each portion once in a forward motion to help distribute fat.
Gather dough together and form it into a disk. Chill dough,
wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to
350°F. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10 1/2-
inch round and slide onto a baking sheet. Trim dough to a 9‚-inch
round (use 9 1/2-inch plate turned upside down as a guide). Prick
round all over with a fork and chill 30 minutes. Bake round in middle
of oven until golden, 20 to 25 minutes, and cool completely on baking
sheet on a rack.

Assemble tart just before serving:
Run a thin knife around edge of crème caramel and rotate pie plate
back and forth to make sure crème caramel is loosened. Slide crust on
top of crème caramel, centering it carefully, and invert serving
plate on top of crust. Invert tart onto serving plate (caramel will
run to edge of plate).

Cooks' notes:

If you substitute fresh lavender for the dried, use the same amount
(fresh lavender is actually stronger than dried).

You can make crème caramel and crust 1 day ahead, but
don't assemble until just before serving. Chill crème caramel and
keep crust, covered with plastic wrap, at room temperature.

Serves 8.



Lavender Vinegar

Fill a screw topped 1 pint bottle to the brim with white vinegar and
add six heads of Lavender. Leave on a sunny window sill for at least
2 weeks. Use this sweetly scented vinegar for salad dressings and
savory dishes.


Lavender Ice Cream

This ethereal flavor may inspire you to grow your own lavender. If
the herb isn't available either fresh or dried, try mint or lemon
verbena leaves. You can cut the recipe in half if you have a 1-quart
freezer.

4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
3 whole fresh lavender tops (each about 5 inches long);
2 Tbsp. dried lavender; or
1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, bruised*
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Fresh lavender buds (optional)

In a heavy medium saucepan warm milk over medium heat until hot but
not boiling. Remove from heat; stir in sugar, honey, and lavender or
mint. Cover and steep until mixture has cooled to room temperature
(45 to 60 minutes).Strain milk mixture; discard lavender or mint.

Freeze mixture in a 2-quart ice cream freezer according to
manufacturer's directions. Transfer frozen ice cream to a clean
freezer container with a tight-fitting lid; pack down with a spoon.
Freeze for at least 4 hours or up to 1 month.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve ice cream with fresh
raspberries and sprinkle with lavender buds, if desired.

Makes 10 servings.

*Note: To bruise the mint leaves to release more flavor, lightly
crush with the back of a spoon.



LAVENDER HERB BREAD

1 pk Active dry yeast
1/4 cup Warm water
1 cup Low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup Honey
2 tb Butter
1 ts Dried lavender buds
1 tb Fresh lemon thyme
1/2 tb Fresh basil; finely chopped
1/4 ts Baking soda
2 Eggs
2 1/2 cup Unbleached flour
Butter - softened at room temperature

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water. In a larger bowl, mix
together the cottage cheese, honey, butter,herbs, baking soda and
eggs. Stir in the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour to form a stiff
dough, beating well after each
addition. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.
Stir the dough down with a spoon. Place in a well-greased 1 1/2 or
2qt. casserole.

Let rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.

Bake at 350 F. for one hour for a large loaf, 20 to 30 minutes for
small loaves. When done, turn onto a rack, brush top(s) with soft
butter, and let cool.

Yield: 1 large round loaf or 10 individual dinner rolls.



LAVENDER LEMONADE,
with a Sparkling Lemonade option

Cover 1/4 cup lavender flowers with 1 cup boiling water and let steep
10 minutes. Strain. Combine lavender infusion with 1 12 oz. can
frozen lemonade concentrate. Add 1 quart water. Chill and serve over
ice, decorated with fresh lavender sprigs.

To make Sparkling Lavender Lemonade, fill glass 1/2 full of Lavender
Lemonade over ice, then top up with
ginger ale or a lemon-lime soda such as Sprite.



Lavender Cookie recipe

Oven 350

Line cookie sheet with parchment paper...Cream together:

1 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup (minus one Tablespoon) sugar and one beaten egg

Stir in 1 1/4 cup (also minus one Tablespoon) SELF RISING flour and 1
Tablespoon lavender flowers...Drop by teaspoonful on parchment,
spacing widely enough to allow for spreading. Bake 15-20 min. They
will be golden pale brown. They need to cool completely or they will
be too soft to eat. Store in an airtight container.


You can see by the recipes above, just how versatile Lavender can be
in the kitchen. All the wonderful desserts, beverages and main
courses, are waiting for you to experiment with the excellent taste
and aroma of lavender. Go on, give it a try!


CIRCLE OF MAGICK:

Magick and lavender. They simply go hand in hand. The many properties
of lavender apply equally as well in magick. Known as a flower of
love, it has been used in love spells for centuries, or simply put in
the hem of clothing for protection and to keep a lover faithful. It
has been strewn on the marriage bed for long lasting love and for
healthy children. Lavender can also be used to protect oneself from
an abusive spouse. It has helped many a good witch as that
little 'extra' in whatever wonderful potion she was making up for her
customers. It also took away some of the horrid smells in some of
those same concoctions.

To keep your home peaceful and to rid it of negative vibes, either
smudge your home or simply place fresh lavender in all rooms. If
depression is a problem, simply place a sachet under your pillow at
night, filled with fresh blossoms and a few drops of lavender
essential oil. This will not only lift your spirits but help you in
your dream work. You can attract love to you by simply rubbing your
clothing with fresh lavender or better yet, a few discreet drops of
essential oil placed at the collar, cuffs and hem will attract
potential mates.

The smell of lavender is said to enhance the length of your lifespan
and because it is such a spirit booster, which helps to rid yourself
of negativities, there may be some truth to this. You can use
lavender in healing mixtures or charms to protect yourself from the
evil eye and to promote positive vibrations. It is also very useful
in astral travel, as well as helping to remember your dreams. Which
also makes it a perfect scent for meditative pursuits. It will dispel
negative thoughts and calm our emotional state so we will be able to
control our wayward feelings in a conscious state, making our
visualization skills much easier to attain.

Since 'intent', is the main focus of magick, we would do well to
smell some lavender before spell work, especially if we need calming.
It will help to center your magick, and ground you accordingly. The
scent will keep us rational, making sure we are not doing spell work
out of revenge, but simply out of need. Too often, we have trouble
focusing our intent in rituals, and end up not getting what we were
needing. If the mind wanders at this crucial point, your spell will
be wasted and will not work. We can help our concentration by having
a ritual bath before spell work, to which 4-6 drops of lavender
essential oil has been added. This will calm the mind, the body, and
set you in the correct mood for that all important ritual.

Lavender's magickal properties are:

love, protection, sleep, chastity, longevity, purification,
happiness, peace, luck, health, and conscious mind.

CORRESPONDENCES:

DIETIES: Hecate, Brigid
PLANET: Mercury
ELEMENT: Air
GENDER: Masculine
COLOR: white, purple
GEMSTONES: jet, lodestone
ANIMALS: cat, cow
ZODIAC: Virgo
DAY OF THE WEEK: Sunday

A Wish Divination:

Before bed, place lavender under your pillow. While doing this, think
of your wish. If you dream anything relating to your wish it will
come true.


SABBAT ASSOCIATIONS:

Lavender is associated with a few sabbats. Ostara (spring equinox),
and Midsummer. It is and has been well loved by the Gods, it is
Brigid's flower as well as Hecate's. So, what better way to honor
them. Purify and cleanse your home by smudging with lavender,
sprinkle the fresh blossoms on and around your altar. Use lavender
incense or lavender essential oil to help keep the smell of the
blossoms fresh. Instead of your traditional wand use a lavender wand
in its place. This is the time to start fresh, so make a lavender
money charm, and place it on your altar or shrine. As many ways as
you can think of to use lavender, there are just as many ways to
integrate its use into your sabbat rituals.

Magickal Powders:

To make a magickal powder, simply grind the herbs as fine as you can
while empowering them with your intent. They are as simple to make as
they are enjoyable to use. They can be scattered where ever you may
need their energies.

Draw an actual circle with the powder, beginning and ending in the
east and moving clockwise. Sit within the circle and absorb the
powder's energies.

Those who work with crystals and stones can add powders to their
rituals by sprinkling the powder around the appropriate stones to
increase their power.

You can boost a candle's energy by sprinkling a magickal powder
around the base, before they are burned.

Scatter the appropriate powder over your altar or shrine before any
ritual work, or make specific shapes to use as focal points. Such as
a heart shape for love spells, pentagrams for protection and circles
for psychic abilities.
The list is as endless as your imagination.

Happiness Powder

2 parts lavender
1 part catnip
1 part marjoram

When you need to lift your spirits, sprinkle this powder on the floor
or ground, sit within it and soak up the powder's happiness energies.

Love Powder

3 parts yarrow
3 parts lavender
2 parts rose petals
1 part ginger

Use for attracting love. Carry it with you in a sachet or sprinkle
the bed sheets or bedroom.

Money Powder

2 parts cedar
2 parts patchouli
1 part lavender
1 part ginger

To attract money, sprinkle in your place of business, in your wallet
or purse. You can also rub the powder onto money before spending it,
so the same amount will come back to you. This would be perfect on
the altar, sprinkle it into a dollar sign and burn green candles over
the symbol.


There are many ways to enjoy the benefits and aromas of lavender.
Here is one of the simplest ways, burn lavender incense or make your
own with lavender included, especially for a specific holiday or
sabbat.

Have a safe and happy Mid Summer!

Honored Blessings,
Demares



YE OLDE HERB SHOPPE:
Here are some online sites to buy fresh lavender:
http://www.richters.com/
http://www.lavenderfarm.com/
http://www.crimson-sage.com/
http://www.herbmart.com/
http://www.herbworld.com/lunarfarms/

To buy Lavender essential oil:
http://www.poyanaturals.com/
http://www.herbed.com/

Here are some wonderful pictures and crafts with lavender:
http://www.herbsearch.com/herbofmonth/lavendercrafts.htm



Lavender Deodorant

4 ounces 100 proof grain alcohol
28 ounces purified water
1 cup of dried lavender flowers
1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaf
1/4 cup witch hazel leaf
2 teaspoon Lavender essential oil

In a large jar, combine herbs. Mix alcohol and water and pour into jar
with herbs to fill. Screw cap tightly on jar. Let steep, shaking
occasionally for a full moon cycle. Strain liquid through muslin cloth.

Return liquid to clean jar, add essential oils. Screw cap tightly on
jar, shake vigorously. Let set and shake thrice more over the course of
a day. Shake well before decanting into spray bottles.

***