“…especial goode use for all griefes and paines of the head and brain” John Parkinson, 1640
The NHS in the UK used a meta analysis of studies of efficacy for complementary practices and Herbal. One of them was specifically on Lavender and they found it actually did have both antibiotic as well as antiseptic properties when used in cleaning.
Lavender has been probably cultivated as a medicinal and garden plant ever since someone came across the plant and thought “what a fabulous scent, gee that makes me feel good!” Its recorded history goes back two and a half thousand years to the Egyptians although there are biblical references too in the book of Solomon to Nard or Spikenard which was the old term for the Lavender that originated in the Mediterranean (from the Syrian town of Naard). Cleopatra reputedly used it as her secret seduction ingredient using its heady scent to help seduce both Julius Ceasar and Marc Antony. Its referred to in all the old herbals and physics and the term Lavender eventually became general use from the Romans using it in all their cleaning processes and soaps (from Laeve – to wash) My favourite use of Lavender has to be in the 4 thieves vinegar. This was a mix of Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary and Sage steeped in vinegar that the looters and thieves during the great plague, used to sluice themselves down with, after a hard night of robbing the dead. Ironically, since Lavender repels fleas (the actual vector of infection for the plague) it may have even worked.
I like to think the term Sovereign Specific applied originally to Lavender, which along with Rosemary and Evening primrose were used to treat an extraordinary range of ailments. Its use as a perfumery and medicinal plant is well documented and I won’t go into it here. Its documented and proven use as an antiseptic means adding it to the final rinse of your clothes or a few drops on a minor wound is a good old fashioned remedy that works. I make solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and a table spoon of essential oil and put that in a spray bottle. It works equally well as a counter top wipe or room deodoriser. Not really meant to be ingested, although the two main cultivars for essential oils, L.Augustifola (officinalis or English lavender) and L.Spica, have been used in cooking for centuries. The flowers are used in teas and baking and to infuse butters and cheeses. I’ve even had them in Mash Potatoes in a fancy restaurant once. L.Mustead is also used for essential oil production but there are hundreds of varieties and more hybrids being produced every day. You can grow it just about anywhere although it really hates waterlogged soil or high humidity, and prefers sandy well drained soil. I’m growing mine in clay soil on a slight slope. The Hardy Lavenders (L.Spica, augustifola and dentata) will tolerate frost and even snow, but really the best place for them is warm wet moderate winters and hot dry summers. Once established they will thrive on neglect and will grow robustly on very little water and the occasional prune to keep it in shape if you
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