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 | Lavender (Cotton) Other Names: Santolina.
Botanical Name: Santolina Chamaecyparissus
Family: N.O. Compositae |
Description: |
Lavender Cotton (also sometimes called French Lavender, like L. Stoechas) is botanically known as Santolina Chamaecyparissus. It is not a true Lavender at all, buthas yellow, clustered buttons of composite flowers and finely-cut, grey, rather disagreeably-scented leaves, whose odour somewhat resembles Chamomile. It is used as a vermifuge for children. This plant was once also esteemed for its stimulant properties, and the twigs have been used for placing amongst linen, etc., to keep away moths. All the species of Santolina have a strong resemblance to one another, except S. fragrantissima, which differs in having the flowerheads in flat inflorescences termed corymbs, the flowers all being at the same level, instead of singly at the apex of the twigs.
The Arabs are said to use the juice of this plant for bathing the eyes. Culpepper tells us that Lavender Cotton 'resists poison, putrefaction and heals the biting of venomous beasts.' It is now chiefly used as an edging to borders, spreading like a silvery carpet close to the ground.
A perfume oil is also extracted from it. |
Ancient Lore: |
LAVENDER (cotton)
SANTOLINA CHAMAECYPARISSUS
It is an antidote for all sorts of poison.
A shrubby plant with roundish leaves which are retained all winter. The stalks have long white hoary leaves and many yellow flowers.
Where to find it: It is cultivated in gardens as an edging plant, but is a native of the Mediterranean countries.
Flowering time: Mid to late summer.
Astrology: It is under Mercury.
Medicinal virtues: The leaves and sometimes the flowers are used. The leaves and flowers boiled in milk and taken fasting will destroy worms. It is good against obstructions of the liver, the jaundice and to promote the' menses. It is an antidote for the bites and stings of venomous creatures.
A dram (1.7 g) of the powdered leaves taken every morning on an empty stomach stops the running of the reins in men, and whites in women. The seed, beaten to a powder and taken as worrn-seed, kills worms in children and people of riper years. Bathing in a decoction of the herb helps scabs and the itch.
Modern uses: An infusion of the herb - 1 Oz (28 g) to 1 Pt (568 ml) of boiling water - is used as a worm remedy in children and to promote menstruation in women whose periods are irregular. The infusion is taken in doses of 2 fl oz (56 ml). |
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