Cotton Lavender
An evergreen shrub growing to 0.6m by 1m .
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July
to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The scented
flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are
pollinated by Insects. We rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium
(loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in
nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic
(alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It cannot grow
in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate
drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Medicinal Uses
Antispasmodic; Disinfectant;
Emmenagogue; Stings; Vermifuge.
The leaves and flowering tops are
antispasmodic, disinfectant, emmenagogue, stimulant and vermifuge[4,
7, 11, 201]. Cotton lavender is rarely used medicinally[238], though
it is sometimes used internally as a vermifuge for children and to
treat poor digestion and menstrual problems[4, 238]. When finely
ground and applied to insect stings or bites, the plant will
immediately ease the pain[7]. Applied to surface wounds, it will
hasten the healing process by encouraging the formation of scar
tissue[7]. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the
summer and dried for later use.
The aromatic leaves are used as a
flavouring for broths, sauces, grain dishes etc
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