Lavandula intermedia
Grosso Lavender is a perennial, hardy, semi-woody plant which grows in a shrubby mound and bears highly aromatic silver-gray leaves on square stems which produce deep, dark violet flowers in terminal spikes during the summer.
Grosso is a major source of French lavender oil. The fresh/dried flowers contain the medicinal properties of Lavender and are antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive and anti-depressant. The rich perfume of Grosso lavender blooms also works well in culinary applications. Use Grosso flowers as you would any other culinary lavender to season desserts and savory dishes, as well as teas and spreads.
Taken internally, lavender is used for stress, anxiety, exhaustion, irritability, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, colds, digestion, flatulence, upset stomach, liver and gallbladder problems, nervousness, loss of appetite and as a breath freshener and mouthwash.
Externally, Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be used full-strength, directly on the skin. Apply to cuts, scrapes, wounds, burns, insect stings, and rashes. It is also used to relieve muscle aches, rheumatism, arthritis, cold sores, canker sores, blisters, bruises, and athlete’s foot. Rub directly onto the temples to soothe headache/migraine symptoms. Add the essential oil to your bath to relax and relieve muscle aches.
Inhaling the essential oil will help induce relaxation and sleep, as well as, ease symptoms of depression and reduce headache pain. Add a few drops of essential oil to boiling water and breathe in the steam.
You may also like to use unsweetened lavender tea as a hair rinse to help reduce hair loss and dandruff.
Sachets of lavender flowers will help keep moths out of your clothes or used under a pillow to help maintain restful sleep.