NEWS LETTER 
August 2003 
HERBAL ELEGANCE 
Lavender 
The topic for this month is on the herb lavender 
 
Lavender ( lavendula officinalis )  
 
Lavender is a shrubby perennial with woody branches , long 
narrow gray-green leaves and slender spikes of blue-purple 
flowers. Known for its sweet highly aromatic clear  
fragrance and its almost-bitter undertone flavor. Its 
indigenous to the mountainous regions of the countries 
bordering the western half of the Mediterranean. Lavender 
has been around for thousands of years , dating back to the 
ancient Greeks and Romans. The Romans favored lavender and 
used it in daily bathing rituals. Lavender even comes from 
the Roman name “ lavare “ and was brought to Europe by the 
Romans .Today it is cultivated all over the world. 
 
Lavender is one of the most versatile herbs you can find. 
It is used to treat , are you ready , here we go:  
 
Medical Conditions 
 
Bacterial and Viral Conditions  
* Herpes 
* Streptococcal and staphylococcus infections 
 
Nervous Conditions 
* Fainting 
* Mental depression 
* Migraine headache 
* Nervous anxiety  
* Nervous tension 
* Stress 
* Tension headaches 
Gastrointestinal Conditions 
* Colic 
* Nausea 
* Vomiting 
Respiratory Tract Conditions 
* Coughs 
 
There are also many ways to use Lavender herb , Lavender 
essential oil and Lavender water for these conditions and 
others. Here are a few examples: 
 
A strong lavender tea is calming and helps relieve stress , 
tension and headaches. 
Cold lavender teas applied to a washcloth makes a compress 
to relieve headaches. 
Add a few drops of lavender oil to boiling water and inhale 
for headaches. 
Use lavender water ( externally ) for an antiseptic against 
acne , reducing puffiness and repelling insects. 
Add a few drops of Lavender oil to your bath for relieve of 
headaches , stress, tension and to induce sleep. 
Use Lavender oils ( externally ) for burns, corneal ulcers, 
cuts, disinfecting wounds, toothaches , sore joints and 
sprains. 
Use a few drops of Lavender in a light massage oil ( I like 
grape seed oils) for sore muscles, aches , sprains or to 
heighten sexual desire. 
 
Lavender is truly a indispensable oil as a natural 
antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, sedative, and 
detoxifier which promotes healing and prevents scaring. 
 
Lavender is also used in cosmetic , perfumes, soaps, crafts 
and in cooking recipes. 
 
LAVENDER 
RECIPES 
 
 
Lavender Lemonade 
For that extra touch, garnish lemonade with fresh lavender 
sprigs.  
1- 1/4 cup sugar  
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoon dried lavender blooms 
stripped from stems  
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained  
Combine sugar with 2 1/2 cups water in a medium pan. Bring 
to a boil over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. 
 
Add the lavender blooms to the sugar water, cover, and 
remove from heat. Let stand at least 20 minutes or up to 3 
hours.  
Strain mixture and discard lavender. Pour infusion into a 
glass pitcher. Add lemon juice and another 2-1/2 cups 
water. .  
Pour into tall glasses half-filled with ice and enjoy.  
Makes: 6 cups  
 
Lavender Herb Bread 
1 pk Active dry yeast  
1/4 cup Warm water  
1 cup Low fat cottage cheese  
1/4 cup Honey  
3 tb Butter  
2 ts Dried lavender buds  
1 tb Fresh lemon thyme  
1/2 tb Fresh basil; finely chopped  
1/4 ts Baking soda  
2 Eggs  
2 1/2 cup Unbleached flour  
 
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water.  
 
In a larger bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, honey, 
butter, herbs, baking soda and eggs. Stir in the yeast 
mixture. Gradually add flour to form a stiff dough. Cover 
and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.  
 
Stir the dough down with a spoon. Place in a well greased 1 
1/2 or 2 qt. casserole or ten 4" individual pie tins. Let 
rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in size.  
 
Bake at 350 F. for one hour for a large loaf, 20 to 30 
minutes for small loaves.  
 
Yield: 1 large loaf or 10 individual dinner rolls.  
 
 
HERBAL ELEGANCE has Dried Lavender Bubs and Lavender 
Essential Oils in stock