Photo: Lila la Loop
Fragrant and medicinal herb of the Benedictines
Lavender was used in Benedictine abbeys such as the Abbey Werden today Baldeneysee One of the most important aromatic and medicinal herbs, lavender's name derives from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash," and refers to its purifying and calming properties. In monastic medicine, lavender was considered an herb that "calms the heart and senses." It was used for sleep problems, nervousness, headaches, and to purify spaces. Many monastic writings praise it as a "herb of peace" that brings harmony and tranquility to everyday life.
Cultivation and garden structure
Lavender prefers sunny, dry locations and calcareous soils. Typical characteristics of its cultivation were, and still are, planting in sunny herb beds, often near rosemary or sage, and regular pruning to keep the plant compact and prevent it from becoming overgrown. The Benedictines used lavender as a border plant because of its stylizing effect. The herb should be protected from waterlogging, as it is sensitive to moisture. Lavender was a focal point in the monastery garden and was often planted along paths so that its fragrance would waft up to passersby.
Lavender as a medicinal herb – effects and uses
Lavender was one of the most important calming herbs in the monastery. Typical uses included lavender tea for nervousness and sleep problems, lavender oil to relieve headaches, for baths and relaxation, compresses for muscle tension, and incense to purify rooms. Lavender was considered an herb that "calms the mind and strengthens the heart.".
Lavender as a culinary herb
In monastery kitchens, lavender was used very sparingly. The blossoms were used in desserts, in the form of lavender honey, in herbal wines, and in flavored oils. Its flavor is intense and floral. Today, we associate lavender with the French region of Provence, whose lavender fields are legendary. Therefore, lavender should definitely be included in the original spice blend "Herbs of Provence.".
Lavender as a spice and fragrant herb
Lavender was one of the most important fragrant herbs in the monastery. It was used for scented sachets placed among the linens, ointments, oils, incense, and room fragrance blends. It was believed to repel clothes moths and keep laundry fresh. Its fragrance was considered purifying, calming, and uplifting. As a spiritual and symbolic plant, lavender was associated with purity, peace, and mental clarity. It was regarded as an herb that "calms the soul and opens the mind." It was one of the most versatile herbs in the monastery garden.
Relevance for today
Today, lavender is a classic in aromatherapy and natural cosmetics. Its natural insect-repellent properties make it popular as a border plant for patios or as a solitary plant at entrances. To this day, its fragrance is associated with fresh laundry and its use as a natural remedy against clothes moths. Lavender remains a symbol of peace, purity, harmony, and summer, as the plant thrives in sunny locations and dry conditions.
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