Lavender
The Clean Slate
Lavender is a bit of a Marmite herb. You either love it or you absolutely can’t stand it. For some of us, it’s the only thing that touches a migraine or actually lets the brain shut off. For others, it’s a one-way ticket to feeling sick. There’s no middle ground with Lavender, and I respect that bluntness.
The name comes from the Roman word lavare, which means “to wash.” Long before modern soaps, Lavender was the go-to for scrubbing things down. I still use it for that— we soak white vinegar with lavender, rosemary, and lemons to make a natural cleaning spray or a fabric softener alternative. It’s a woody, silver-leafed shrub that just feels clean. People have used those purple spiked flowers for ages, hanging bundles over doors for protection or tucking them into drawers to keep moths out of their clothes.
In the Middle Ages, it was used as a herb of attraction. Girls would sneak it under the pillows of people they liked to turn their thoughts toward romance. But it wasn’t just for “soft” things; it was tucked into herb bundles to ward off the plague, and women in labour were given lavender to squeeze for strength. It has this duality of being both gentle and incredibly tough.
The Lavender Thread in Our History
We can’t talk about Lavender without talking about us. In the 20th century, a Lavender Marriage was the term for a marriage of convenience between a man and a woman to hide the fact that one or both were queer. It was a survival tactic. Because of that, Lavender became our color—a symbol of resistance and visibility. You’ll often see Lavender tattoos in the community today; they’re a quiet way of saying “I’m here.” It’s been reclaimed. It’s no longer a mask; it’s a badge of honor.
The Witchcraft & Ritual of it
In the craft, Lavender is the ultimate all-rounder. You’ll see it in everything from elaborate rituals to simple simmer pots. It’s a staple for decorating candles, tucking into spell jars, or weaving into the bristles of brooms to sweep out stagnant energy. Because it’s so tied to peace and “washing,” it’s often used in cord-cutting ceremonies to help soothe the raw edges after a connection is severed.
Historically, Lavender was thrown into Midsummer bonfires to ward off evil spirits, and it has a long history in incense and “smudge” sticks for fumigating rooms after illness. It wasn’t just about the scent; it was about using fire to release the plant’s protective oils into the air to clear a space culturally and physically.
The Essentials:
- Stimulating & Sleep Inducing: It’s a bit of a paradox; it can wake you up or knock you out depending on what your body needs.
- Pollinator Friendly: Bees absolutely love lavender. It’s a great plant for pollinators all summer long.
- The Evil Eye: Historically worn as a talisman to ward off bad vibes and jealousy.
- Ghost Sight: There’s an old belief that inhaling lavender smoke helps you see spirits. Whether that’s the herb or just being really relaxed, it’s a nice thought.
Types & Strains:
- English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): This is the “sweet” one. It’s the best for cooking, teas, and fancy drinks. Starbucks even uses it with matcha to make those calming lattes, and it’s perfect in lavender cookies.
- French/Spanish Lavender: These are the ones with the “ears” on top. They’re much more camphorous and medicinal. Great for cleaning or keeping bugs away, but don’t eat it.
So, what do we use Lavender for?
In the floral arrangement world, lavender symbolizes devotion, serenity, and grace. There’s also a lovely tradition of making “lavender wands” using freshly harvested stalks woven together with ribbon to keep the scent and oils trapped inside for years.
In the shop, you’ll find it in our Lavender Haze Body Scrub, Anxious Bean, and Cleo’s Blessing bath spells, as well as our Dreamweaver Bath Bomb and Sweet Dreams Balm. If you need something physical to hold onto, our Lavender Heat Packs are perfect for that weighted, soothing feeling.
If you’re into herbal smoking, Lavender is a solid addition. It helps open up your chest for easier breathing and it’s very aromatic, which is great for when you need to settle your nervous system after a long day. (Just ensure you’re using organic, food-grade flowers.)
Next time you’re using one of these or just sitting with the scent, think about what you’re actually “washing” away. Whether you’re squeezing it for strength or just trying to get some peace, take a second to check in.
What does your inner self need to let go of right now?
Visualize that purple scent clearing out the mental cobwebs, leaving you with a bit more room to breathe.
Soft enough to soothe, strong enough to protect.
