The genuine lavender having the Latin name of Lavandula angustifolia or referred to (colloquial) as Roman thyme, is found widespread throughout the Mediterranean area in sunny, warm places. The blossom has four stamens enclosed in the crown shaft. The blossoms as well as the herbs can be harvested, the flower stalk having a greater medicinal effect. The flower blooms in June to August, and harvest time for the herbs and blossoms is July and August.
Lavender is an ancient remedy. With internal use it acts as a medicament, soothing and relieving flatulence. Externally, lavender oil is skin stimulating. There are no known side effects. If the lavender is used internally, it can relieve health disorders such as unrest, sleeping disorders, functional complaints of the upper digestive tract (nervous irritated stomach, Roemheld syndrome, meteorismus, nervous intestinal complaints). Furthermore it is used in Balneo-therapy for treatment of functional circulatory disorders.
If not otherwise prescribed, lavender for internal use has the following dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoons of lavender per cup of hot water as a tea infusion or 1 to 4 drops (about 20mg to 80mg) of lavender oil on e.g. a cube of sugar. Externally, e.g. as a bath supplement, it is used with 20g to 100g of lavender in 20 litres of water. Careful! In larger doses (from 1g) the lavender essential oil has a somniferous effect!
At Casa Buffetto, only the effective lavender blossoms are exclusively used, consisting of the blossoms of Lavandula angustifolia MILLER, collected shortly before full flowering, and dried. After preparation, the blossoms used in their indicated dosage contain at least 1.5% (volume/weight) of essential oil with the main components linalyl acetate, linalool, camphor, ß-ocimen and 1.8 cineole. Further contained in the active substance is about 12% lamiaceen tannins.
Lavender is used at Casa Buffetto for producing essential oils (e.g. as bath supplements), fragrant sachets and as additives to spice mixtures. Ask at the hotel reception desk about the current offers.