Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia – formally Lavendula officinalis)
Flowers: June to July. Height: 80cm (32in).
We know this plant as English Lavender although Lavender comes from the Old French word Lavandre which literally means ‘to wash’ highlighting its properties as a disinfectant. It was used as a strewing plant to deter fleas and moths.
Medicinal: For hundreds of years, it was used alone or in combination with other herbs to treat insomnia, headaches, migraine, fainting, depression and anxiety but also to cure flatulence. Dried blossoms were stuffed in pillows to soothe agitation and encourage sleep with its relaxing fragrance. Its strongly antiseptic oil was used to heal wounds.
Culinary: Used as a scented flavouring.
Magic & Myth: This sweet-smelling herb has long been used in witchcraft in cleansing magic spells, for bringing good luck, and to attract those one loves. It was said to extend life and protect against the “evil eye”.
At Bolton Castle, yellow cotton lavender is intertwined with purple lavender to represent the Scrope Family (the first residents of Bolton Castle) in heraldic terms – blue with a gold diagonal band which is called ‘azure, a bend or’.
