Lavender

Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean region, is a genus of flowering plants. Technically, it belongs to the mint family and has 39 species. Of all these species, the English Lavender is considered the best and most prized species because of the large amount of lavender oils that can be extracted from them.

It is used in shampoos for its anti-dandruff properties.

Ursolic acid present in lavender is a good antibacterial. The herb is also good for skin.

Lavender oil is an excellent chemical free alternative to perfumes.

Lavender provides relief from stress and anxiety naturally and promotes a sense of peace.

It is also used in smelling salts.

Lavender essential oil, when diluted with a carrier oil, is commonly used as a relaxant with massage therapy. Products for home use including lotions, bath oils etc. are also used to induce relaxation.

Names of some recipes that use lavender as a major or minor ingredients are:

• Lavender lemon pound cake
• Lavender and honey salad dressing
• Lavender lemonade
• Lavender grilled salmon
• Lavender harvest fudge
• Lavender shortbread cookies
• Lavender focaccia
• Lavender creme brulee
• Lavender bread pudding
• Lavender punch
• Lavender sorbet
• Lavender aioli
• Molasses lavender cutout cookies

Lavender plants are hardy to USDA Zone 5 and grow to a height of two to three feet.You can start a new lavender plant by the method of cutting. The lavender plants should be grown in full sun and the do not require much watering. Root rot can affect the plants if planted in poorly drained soil. They don't grow well in hot and humid conditions.

Names of some common lavenders are:

Little lady

Melissa

Hidcote 

Munstead.  

Seal Lavender

Cedar Blue

Miss Katherine

Abriali Lavender

Provence Lavender

Madrid Purple

Madrid White

Madrid Blue

Lavenite Petite 

Little Lottie

Arctic Snow

Bowles Early 

Fred Boutin Lavender

Dutch Mill Lavender