English Lavender

English Lavender

Lavender is a sweet smelling plant, and the buds are the part we use when we need them for anything holistic or magical.  I use lavender in just about everything.  I make lavender tea, both hot and cold.  I put it in bread and pastries.  I run warm milk through it.  I add it to all of my spells, potions, and charms.  It is my go to plant.  If I had my way, my entire back yard would be small field of it.

DISCLAIMER

As with any holistic medicinal practice, if you want to use lavender for anything you should first be absolutely sure you won't have a bad reaction.  Some people with severe allergies to pollen and flowers should be very careful if you ever want to use it for ingestion.  You should never ingest anything when pregnant or breastfeeding without express permission from your doctor.  The same goes if you have any chronic illness.  If you ever want to use lavender essential oil, always dilute it before applying it to any skin.  It is very very strong.  Mineral oil is a good dilution agent.  Always test it on a small area of skin (I test on my underarm) before using it anywhere else.

Some information about lavender:

Holistically it is used to help with:

Headaches

stomach aches

stress

anxiety

inflammation

infection

Insect bites

Burns

Insomnia

Magical Uses:

Luck

Prosperity

Prophetic dreams

Protection

Happiness

Peace

Longevity

Chastity

Purification

Lavender is a fantastic plant to add to smudges.  A few spears of it, if dried properly, added to some sweet grass and rosemary make a great alternative for people who don't like to "potty" smell of sage.  The smoke is blue-white and pretty strong.

Lavender is a great addition to magical satchels for travel, mending relationships, aiding in sleep, self control, and overall health. 

Lavender Charm for Sweet Dreams and a Good Night's Sleep:

What you need:

2 tablespoons of dried English, Roman, or Dutch lavender.

1 small piece of Amethyst(Hematite will also work, as it is a stone that promotes health and good dreams).

A piece of purple fabric or a small purple bag.

Purple, white, and black ribbon, preferably very thin.

Take the purple ribbon in hand and say aloud "For health."  Take the white ribbon in hand and say aloud "For Sweet Dreams." Take the black ribbon in hand and say "For a Protection."  Tie a knot in one end and braid them, chanting the meanings of the colors as you do.  You can repeat this in your head if you are more comfortable with it.

Lay the ribbon braid to the side and lay the cloth out.  If you have a pre-made bag, open it up in your power hand (the hand you write with, or feel you are strongest with).  Put the lavender in to the bag or on the fabric.  Place the stone in the lavender.  Bundle up the cloth and tie it with the ribbon braid, or use the braid to close the bag.  Hold the bag in hand and charge the contents, all together, with thoughts of sweet dreams (perhaps remembering a dream you really liked), restfulness, and quiet. 

Handg the bag over your bed or put it in your pillow. 

Lavender tea bread

Original Recipe Yield 12 servings

Ingredients

§  3/4 cup milk

§  3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh lavender

§  6 tablespoons butter, softened

§  1 cup white sugar

§  2 eggs

§  2 cups all-purpose flour

§  1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

§  1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1.  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

2.     Combine the milk and lavender in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat to a simmer, then remove from heat, and allow to cool slightly.

3.     In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until the mixture is light and fluffy. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk and lavender until just blended. Pour into the prepared pan.

4.     Bake for 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a wooden pick inserted into the crown of the loaf comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 212 | Total Fat: 7.1g | Cholesterol: 52mg

Recipe was found here:

http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/lavender-tea-bread/Detail.aspx