Magical and Mundane Plants - A Wizard's (and Witche's) Guide
By Katherine Lutz
This book will guide you through all that you need to know in your primary years at Hogwarts in the subject Herbology. Enjoy!!
Last Updated
May 31, 2021
Chapters
104
Reads
5
LAVENDER
Chapter 90
Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence. In Roman times, flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which was around the same as a month's wages for a farm labourer or 50 haircuts from the local barber. Lavender is native to Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, and southwest Asia to southeast India. Lavender can be found as an annual or short-lived herbaceous perennial plants, and shrub-like perennials, or small shrubs. The leaf shape is diverse but all are covered in fine hairs, which contains the essential oils. The flowers are borne in whorls, held on spikes, rising above the foliage. The flowers can be blue, violet, or lilac in the wild and sometimes blackish purple or yellowish. Since 1920, they have been invasive in Australia and considered a weed in Spain. Lavender flourishes best in dry, well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in full sun. They require little to no fertilizer and good air circulation. It is found in temperate climates as ornamental plants in gardens, as culinary herbs, and for essential oils. It is used as a fragrance for bath products, balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In culinary arts, it is used in salads and dressings. The flowers yield an abundance of nectar from which bees make a high-quality honey. Flowers can be candied and are used a cake decorations. Lavender flavours baked goods and desserts. Lavender flowers are blended with black, green, and herbal teas. It can be paired with chocolate, sheep's milk, and goat's milk cheeses. Lavender syrup and dried lavender buds are used to make lavender scones and marshmallows. Lavender is found in dried flower arrangements, potpourris, sachets, confetti, and in scented water. Lavender is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding mother nor for young boys. Lavender can cause skin irritation. As a magical note, it's also a common tertiary ingredient in potions, impacting mostly the fragrance and taste of rather poor-tasting concoctions. Lavender is used with herbs such as chamomile in aromatherapy. Infusions are believed to soothe insect bites, burns, and headaches. In pillows, lavender seeds and flowers aid sleep and relaxation. Lavender oil is used to treat acne when diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel. It also treats skin burns and inflammatory conditions. It has anxiolytic effects and helps alleviate anxiety and related sleep disturbances. To dry lavender, hang bunches upside down in a warm, dry, dark well ventilated area.
