Lavender

Plant Name: Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Common Names: Spike, Elf leaf, Nardus
Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Mercury
Deities: Aradia, Hecate
Magickal Properties: Chastity, love, peace, happiness, clairvoyance, longevity, sleep, protection

Lavender flowers, or Lavandula angustifolia, are famed throughout the world, not only for their beauty but for their many culinary and agricultural uses as well. In agriculture, the flowers are used because of their abundant nectar, from which honey bees can create a high quality honey that is marketed worldwide as a premium product. Lavender flowers are also used widely as a flavoring for baked goods and desserts, and are on occasion candied to be used as a decoration for dishes. There are also references to Lavender flowers which date back to biblical times, showing that it was used to prepare the Holy Essence. The Romans also favored it to scent their bath waters and aid in restoring their skin, paying the equivalent of a farm worker's monthly wage for only a small amount. Ancient and modern spiritual practices also found great use for the flowers, using Jasmine in spells seeking love and healing, as well as inner calm or a peace of mind. With these properties it became a favored component in spells seeking money, protection, purification, or contact with good spirits.

In medicine Lavender flowers are known for being usable as an antiseptic as well as an anti-inflammatory, and even saw use during World War I disinfecting the floors and walls of hospitals. Some herbalists also believe it to be of use in healing and soothing insect bites and acne, and Lavender has been a traditional treatment for skin burns, headaches, as well as helping one relax before sleeping.