Comfort

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Comfort

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

.... it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer - one of those summers that come seldom into any life , but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going ......
~L.M. Montgomery [fr. Anne of Green Gables]

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English Lavender
Lavandulua augustofolia; L. officianlis, L. spica

Family : Labiatae

Boil a good handful of lavender flowers in enough water to cover for 10 minutes. Strain into the bath and have a long soak.

Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil or a little good quality lavender water on your pillow to enhance the effect - and you will be asleep in no time.
~ John Parkinson, herbalist and apothecary to King James I (fr. Paradisus in Sole)

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This is the most widely grown and used lavender for cosmetics and scent. It has often considered to be the true lavender. The first cultivation of lavender was in 1568, although it is said the Romans brought lavender to the British Isles much earlier. The Romans used it in their baths: the word come from the Latin lavare meaning to wash. Once in England, the monks grew it in the monasteries. It was used as an insect repellent. In 14th century France, any cushions touching Charles VI had to be filled with lavender. The French began growing it for its perfume in the 17th century. It grows wild in the Mediterranean hillsides, in the Canary Isles, and in India.

Lavender is used for headaches and migraines; the oil can be rubbed into the temples or drink a tea made from the flowers. It is also used for burns, stings, nervous disorders, chest infections, and as a cough suppressant; also, throat infections, skin sores, inflammation, rheumatic aches, muscular aches, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. It has antiseptic qualities that help heal cuts. The oil kills diphtheria and typhoid bacilli; also streptucoccus and pneumonoccus.

Burning it on a low fire can perfume a room. Lavender sachets are used as a moth repellent. Oil in the bath can soothe and calm. In the kitchen, lavender is used for cookies and biscuits, in jellies and vinegars, and the flowers can be crystallized.

This herb was used against the Evil Eye in times long past, and legend has it that lions and tigers became docile with its scent.

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1.2 litres (2 pints) pure alcohol
1 T. oil of lavender
1 T. essence of bergamot
1 1/2 tsp. essence of ambergris
5-6 drops musk

Put all the ingredients into a bottle; shake well. Store 3 months before use to sooth and calm inflamed skin (or to tone normal skin).

~ Commonplace Book, 1813

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Source:
The New American Herbal [S.Orr]
The New Guide To Herbs [A. Clevely]
Jekka's Complete Herb Book [J. McIvar]
Country Wisdom [R. Richardson]
Folk Wisdom For A Natural Home [B.Pagram]

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This image of summertime comforts was taken on a summer's day in Lewes, Sussex, England, in the kitchen of the (former) home of Anne of Cleves.

Anne of Cleves was one of the more fortunate wives of King Henry VIII (the fourth wife); she was allowed to keep her head. Her marriage to the king was annulled after only six months, and the King provided her with a generous settlement. Part of their settlement was a 15th-century timber-frame house --- a property which she never visited.

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

Greeting Cards For All Occasions
Artists Cards,Fine Art Greeting Cards
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Phenomenal Club

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October 26th, 2016

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