COMMON NAME: Spike Lavender, Aspic, Broad-leaved Lavender

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lavandula latifolia

FAMILY NAME: Lamiaceae (Mint)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: France and Spain

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Spain, France, North Africa, Italy

HISTORY INFORMATION: It has an old herbal history. It was part of the "oleum spica" a mixture of spike lavender and turpentine used for paralyzed limbs, old sprains, stiff joints and to grow hair. Currently listed to aid in flatulent dyspepsia, colic, depressive headaches and rheumatic pain (external use).

GENERAL INFORMATION: Spike lavender is more robust than true lavender and its scent also seems to be more aggressive or harsh. Sometimes it is adulterated with sage. It has a higher camphor content than true lavender and is used as a cheap fragrance and in varnish.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: An evergreen shrub growing to 3 feet with lance-shaped leaves, broader and rougher than true lavender producing a flower that is more compressed and of a dull gray, blue color.

PARTS PROCESSED: Flowering tops.

PROCESSING METHODS: Water or steam distilled.

COLOR RANGE: Clear to yellow.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class Oxide/Ketone. Cineol and camphor are up to 60%, linalool, linalyl acetate.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrizant, cordial, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary. Used for abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete's foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammation, insect bites, insect repellent, lice, ringworm, sunburns, wounds, lumbago, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, throat infections, abdominal cramps, colic, flatulence, flu, depression, headache, insomnia, migraine, nervous tension and shock.

MENTAL USES: I am able to give as well as receive love. My mother and I are at peace or I want to be at peace with my mother.

EMOTIONAL USES: Issues with Mother or feminine side, issues with being a woman, issues over nurturing, not having enough or being smothered, food issues (especially cravings for sugar) TO able to receive and give love, able to care and be cared for, food gives pleasure and enjoyment without needing to eat too much or too little.

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you have issues to clear about being a woman or issues with your mother to clear. The giving and receiving of love is vitally important to the health of your physical body as well as your spiritual body. Spike Lavender balances the male and female, the giving and receiving, the left and right side of the body.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath diffusor, inhaler, light bulb ring, massage, mist spray, steam inhalation.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic. Avoid in pregnancy.