Righteous Win Part II

Lavender
As with most herbs, there is more than one type of lavender. I tend to use French Lavender myself because I think it's prettier and was historically used more in medicine. It is, apparently, difficult to grow as it is unhearty and best as an indoor plant. It is also sometimes called "fringed lavender" because of the shape of the leaves. The latin name "Lavendula Dentata" translates to Lavender with teeth.
Culinary: Lavender is also a member of the party "herbs de Provence" and lends a pretty, aromatic, and obviously floral quality to any type of cooking. Despite the frenchy name, it is english lavender who is most often used in cooking. It can be used fresh or dried, but note that the potency of the aroma is increased in drying, so one may use less than fresh. As can be expected, putting too much lavender in food will make it taste like perfume. Lavender is used more often in baking than cooking, although fresh flowers are awesome in salads. Adding some fresh flowers to sugar and sealing for a few weeks can make lavender sugar to be used in all types of baking. Lavender may replace rosemary in nearly any dish.

Medicinal: Lavender literally means 'to wash' and was often used as part of cleansers pre-windex. Many naturalists and chemical disparagers (raise your hands!) have begun to use lavender oil with water and apple cider vinegar as all-purpose washes for the home. Lavender has a calming effect on the nerves and is often used in aroma therapy to relieve anxiety, tension, and headaches. Laveder tea is used for the same. Lavender oil is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Oil applied to the temples can relieve headache. It can also be applied to bruises to aid in speady healing. When diluted in water in can help to treat acne topically. It may also help treatment of burns. Pillows filled with the flowers can aid in sleep and relaxation. Lavender oil should not be applied, and should be internally avoided during pregnancy.

Magical: Love, Protection, Sleep, Chastity, Longevity, Peace, Purification, Happiness. It is often made into sachets and placed clothes closets and drawers to scent clothing to attract love. It is said to protect against cruel treatment by spouse and scattered about the home to promote peace. It may be worn to protect against the evil eye. It has been used in incenses to celebrate Midsummer, when it is said to protect from wandering spirits. It is often used at handfastings to bring peace and stability to the relationship.