MULTI-USE HERB: Did your mother or grandmother ever instruct you to go outside and pick some plantain to put on a bug bite or bee sting? Here in the Allegheny National Forest we have many medicinal resources right outside our doors — one of those powerful healing plants being lavender.

Most individuals recognize lavender as a gentle smelling, signature fragrance known to soothe and calm which makes our laundry smell irresistible. However, if we take a cue from the ancient Romans, it can become a potent healer for us.

Lavender was used by ancient Roman soldiers as long ago as the first century A.D. Roman soldiers, marching and fighting far from their home land, carried in their kit bags lavender on every military campaign.

For minor cuts, burns, and abrasions sprinkling a little lavender from the bud and then cover with a bandage — This will act as a mild antiseptic, absorbent poultice and will allow the injury to “breathe.” Also, studies have shown that rubbing lavender essential oil onto bug bites, minor wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns, will speed up the healing process due to its capability to improve the formation of scar tissues.

According to author Edward Higgins of Farmer’s Almanac, lavender can be used for its absorbing and deodorizing properties, as well. “The dried buds absorb over four times their weight in water, drawing liquids in via capillary action.”

Beyond deodorizing, absorbing and being an antiseptic, lavender has also been proven effective against certain fungi associated with skin/nail conditions. Lavender can also ease anxiety, be used as a culinary herb or create a soothing after-shave or perfume.