Medicinal plant

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

An aromatic flower for mild stress and to support sleep. Also called English Lavender.

An aromatic nervine traditionally used for mild stress and to support sleep. Keep flower preparations (tea, honey, culinary use) separate from concentrated lavender essential oil, which is not interchangeable with them.

Properties

Nervine — Supports, nourishes, or calms the nervous system

Aromatic — Rich in aromatic oils that often support digestion or breathing

Antispasmodic — Helps relax cramps, spasms, or tight muscles

Energetics
Cooling Drying Relaxing
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), historical botanical illustration

Growing and using it

Life cycle

Woody perennial. In cold New England gardens, excellent drainage and winter protection improve survival.

What to buy

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) plant or a cold-hardy named cultivar with confirmed species identity.

Best way to start

Nursery plant or rooted cutting.

Seed starting

Possible but slow and variable; a nursery plant is the practical choice.