The girls are really into making “sodas” this year. We have made several syrups together (violet, lilac, rose, and elder flower). They are fun to add to soda water, enjoying them on a hot day. Not all flavors are well liked, some like elder are an acquired taste.
Lavender and Blueberry syrup recipe
1 TBP of fresh lavender flowers
1/2 lemon sliced
8 ounces of fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup of honey
2 cups of water.
Bring water to a boil. Add ingredients. Reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Pour liquid through a fine mesh strainer. Press out juice from blueberries with a metal spoon. Bottle and store in refrigerator when fully cool. TO USE: 1 part syrup to 2 parts carbonated water. Serve over ice.
We picked a lot of lavender this year.
Latin name: Lavandula (there are lots of species). Family: Laminacea (mint family). Lavender is an evergreen perennial shrub that can grow 1-4 ft high. Typically it appears as a smaller singular plant but in the right conditions it will spread and expand to fill a larger space. The entire herb is covered in a grayish down. At this time of year the plant shoots up a flowers in the form of a terminal spikes. The highly scented purple flowers form a group on the tip of their personal stalk. The narrow leaves are sparsely arranged oppositely on the square stem, often clustered at the base of the plant when not in bloom. Lavender can be very easy to grow in many climates especially when given well drained, poor, sandy soil and full sun. Lavender is not native to the United States. It is very popular with bees and butterflies. The smell is the best way to remember this herb. Rub any part of it between your hands and smell your palms.
Lavender’s pure essential oil is a great remedy for burns, cuts, tight muscles, rheumatism, edema, eczema, hair loss, acne, fungal infections, earache, cold sores, and insect bites/stings. This plant contains numerous volatile oils, many of which are powerful anti-microbials. It was used in WW 2 for wounds and parasites. It was burned for bubonic plague to prevent the spread of the disease. Steam inhalations, baths, and infusions have been used to treat chest infections, asthma, dizziness, insomnia, digestive issues, colic, fever, colds, flu, strep, yeast, vaginal infections, bad breath, muscle spasms, headaches, fear, earaches, eczema, acne, burns, cold sores, edema, rheumatism, hair lossatigue, stress and anxiety. Lavender has a history of being present at birth and death because of its calming nature. The flowers are edible and can be used in baked goods, and other sweets. You will find this herb in many gifts and beauty products.
Energetics:bitter, pungent, sweet, cooling, dry
Element:air
Parts used:flowers. Leaves and stalks can be used for incense
Contraindications: During pregnancy. Do not use the essential oil internally. Do your research on using the pure EO on a frequent basis externally (including in creams and shampoos).
Blackbird's Backyard Pharmacy 