Parts Used |
| Scientific Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
| English Name | Lavender, English lavender, common lavender, true lavender, narrow-leaved lavender. |
| Portuguese Name | Alfazema, alfazema-verdadeira, lavanda, lavanda-inglesa. |
| German Name | Echte Lavendel, Schmalblättrige Lavendel. |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean Europe. |
| Habitat | Slopes, fences, dry and rocky soils, often on calcareous soils. |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Preferences Cultivation | Soil pH is not limiting, can grow in alkaline soils as well as in saline. Does not grow in the shade. Prefer dry or moist soil, tolerates drought and maritime exposure. Sun exposure is key. When soils are rich tend to develop more leaves and less essential oils. It should be watered sparingly. |
| Method of propagation | Sowing - sow abroad between May to July and from April to June in the greenhouse. Mature between August and October. |
| Ornamental Characteristics | Flowering from July to September. H: 1 m, ᴓ 0,5 m |
| Description of smells and flavors | Sweet, floral and camphor. |
| Properties Medicinal | Relaxing. The essential oil has antiseptic properties (fighting bacteria of typhoid fever, diphtheria, Streptococcus and Pneumococcus) and should be applied on the skin (suitably mixed with a neutral oil), treats burns, wounds, bites, ulcers, prevents wrinkles and it regenerates the skin. The oil obtained from the flowers is also antispasmodic and tonic, treat bad breath, relieves headaches and fights carminative (flatulence). Used as an antidote for snake venom. Recommended for nervousness, insomnia, circulatory system problems, dyspepsia (indigestion) and lack of appetite. |
| Properties Edibility | Candied flowers are used to flavor jams, ice creams, vinegars, salads, teas, soups and stews. Herbal Tea: heat the water to about 85°C, add 3 g/L of plant (usually flowers) and wait 5 minutes, strain and serve. The lilac or pink color is an invitation to be involved by the floral aroma that reminds us of the spring fields. |
| Properties Other | The essential oil of the fruit is used in soaps and in cosmetic. Ornamental, used in potpourris, bouquets, perfumes and to make incense. |
| Contraindications / Side Effects / Comments | Side effects: Do not apply essential oils on the skin for long periods of time because it may cause irritation or allergy. The leaves and flowers of Lavandula angustifolia have sedative properties. |
| Pests and diseases & how to fight them | Homoptera and fungi. |
| How and When to harvest and / or pruning and which parts used. How many cuts per year? | Parts used: leaves, petals and flowers and flower buds. Pruning: after flowering. Harvest: the stems of lavender are picked before flowering, the flowers should be harvested when mature. The leaves can be harvested at any time. |
| Can be used in intercropping ( repellent / attractive ) or is biopesticide? | Attracts pollinators and repels mice and rats. |
| Curiosity / Personal Experiences | Personal experience / Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil in the bath for a more relaxing experience. Curiosities: The combination of rosemary, bergamot and lavender originated one of the most famous products in the field of cosmetic and health: Cologne 4711. Initially, was produced as a medicine in Florence - Italy, in 1508. In the 18th century, when it began to create a link between hygiene and health. The word lavender comes from the Latin "Lavare" and is recognized as "The Lavender washes, cleans and detoxifies". |
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