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                                    CULTIVATION:
     Lavender is a aromatic perennial evergreen shrub with small grayish leaves
     and  long  spikes of usually purple flowers.  It  grows to about 3 feet in
     height.

     Lavender  needs  a  sunny location,  preferable  open to discourage fungus
     disease.  The  soil  should  be well  drained,  and  sandy  with some lime
     content. Take 4-8 inch stem cuttings in autumn or spring, or divide plant.
     Sow  fresh  seeds  in late summer and  autumn.  Thin  and transplant to 18
     inches  to  2 feet apart. Remove  faded  flower stalks, and prune straggly
     plant in spring.

     Gather  flowers  stalk just as flowers  open, and pick leaves anytime. Dry
     flower stalks by laying on open trays, or hanging in small bunches.


                                   CULINARY USES:
     Lavender  flowers  are  used  to flavor  jams,  or  crystallize flowers as
     decoration.

     A  few  leaves  added  to  soups and  stews  will  give  them a definitely
     spiciness.  Always  use  lavender sparingly as  a  culinary herb, both the
     flower and leaves have a hot flavor.


     LAVENDER  VINEGAR  : Fill a screw-topped 1  pint bottle almost to the brim
     with  white  vinegar  and  add six heads  of  lavender.  Leave  on a sunny
     windowsill  for  at  least 2 weeks.  Use  this sweetly scented vinegar for
     salads dressings and savoury dishes.


                                   MEDICAL  USES:
     In  the  U.S.A. lavender is frequently  used in aromatherapy, a treatment
     that employs various scent to affect your mood.

     A member of the mint family, lavender contains a long list of biologically
     active  compounds, some proven to kill bacteria and viruses, including the
     germ  that causes thyhoid, staph  infection, diphtheria, and strep throat.
     Lavender  oil  can also be massaged into  the skin for a variety of muscle
     and joint aches and pains. Rubbed into the temple, lavender oil is said to
     help relieve headaches.

     Lavender  oil  vapor  is  traditionally  inhaled  to  prevent  vertigo and
     fainting.  It  may also be used as  an antiseptic lotion for cuts. The oil
     seems to work particularly well for minor burns, it will have an immediate
     soothing effect.

     Infuse  flowers as a tea to sooth  headaches and calm your nerves. To make
     your  own pain-soother, add 1 tablespoon  of crushed lavender flowers to a
     cup  of  boiling water, and when the  infusion is cool apply to temple and
     forehead as a compress.
     


                                   LAVENDER  2/2
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                                      WARNING:
     Used  on  the skin or inhaled lavender  oil  is considered to be safe, but
     like  any  essential  oil  it  should  not  be  used  internally except in
     consultation with a doctor.


                                    OTHER  USES:
     Flowers can be used in decoration, or add sprigs to wreaths. Put dried
     flowers in sachets and bundle to scent drawers. Use the flowers in
     potpourris, scented herb pillows, and linen sachets.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     Make a tonic water from lavender and use on delicate and sensitive skin to
     speed cell replacement and for an antiseptic against acne.

     LAVENDER SCENTED OIL : Dry a quantity of lavender flowers and buds. Fill a
     clear  glass container loosely with dried lavender, top up with olive oil,
     cap and leave it in a sunny place for a few weeks, shaking every few days.
     Finally  strain the oil into another container, pressing and squeezing the
     flowers to extract all the oil.