Folklore/Common Names:Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike, Spikenard
Parts Used: Flowers and flowering tops medicinally; entire plant for aroma
Historical Reference
One variety of Lavender is known as Lavandula spica, and some have stated this may be the plant 'Spikenard' that is mentioned in the Bible. Grieve tells us in A Modern Herbal that a Dr. Fernie wrote: "By the Greeks the name Nardus is given to Lavender, from Naarda, a city of Syria near the Euphrates, and many persons call the plant "Nard." St. Mark mentions this as Spikenard, a thing of great value...."
French Lavender was most probably that referred to in classical Roman times as a bathing scent, and it is from this that the plant is said to have derived its given name from the Latin lavare, to wash.
Lavender was naturally included as a strewing herb, although according to Grieve, the Spanish would only use the herb for churches and houses on festivals and special occasions, or "to make bonfires on St. John's Day, when evil spirits are supposed to be abroad, a custom formerly observed in England with native plants".
In the Middle Ages, Lavender was attributed with the properties of Love. Considered by some to be an aphrodisiac, it was also said that one who was sprinkled with Lavender Water would be kept chaste. Ironically, for a time Lavender was also worn by prostitutes to 'advertise'.
Records indicate that Lavender was first cultivated in English gardens around 1568, although it's popularity understandably grew rapidly, and it was included in the listed plants the Pilgrims brought with them to America. One writer of the time, however, suggested in his herbal that Lavender was not suited for the cold winter climate. Colonists clearly took efforts to preserve their plants, however, as we find another source to say "(Lavender) is almost wholly spent with us, for to perfume linnen, apparell, gloves and leather and the dryed flowers to comfort and dry up the moisture of a cold braine." English Lavender was largely preferred over French varieties.
Lavender flowers were used medicinally in Britain through the middle of the eighteenth century, when it was know as "sticadore", one of the ingredients of the infamous 'Four Thieves' Vinegar' of the Middle Ages. In the Middle East, the Arabs made use of the flowers as an expectorant and antispasmodic.
Dried Lavender flowers have long been used to perfume linens, and there are still linen closets today that smell of the light perfume. One reason for the lingering popularity is that, pleasant scent aside, Lavender also helps deter moths and insects. At one time, vets even used Lavender for its efficient means of killing lice and other parasites.
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