What Uses Are There For Lavender?

The leaves and flowers can both be used. The leaves are best garnered before the plant flowers. The flowers are best taken when three quarters of the flower has bloomed.
The Byzantine physician Aetius recommended drinking it with water and honey. Galenus said it was good for respiratory complaints and headaches. It is known today in herbalist circles as a diuretic, disinfectant and spasmolytic. It is often massaged into the skin where it acts on skin diseases.
In the cosmetic industry it is widely used in perfumes, soaps and other toilet preparations. In the south of France it is cultivated specifically for this purpose.
It can be made into tea or used as a flavouring for meat, cheese, salad, fruit salads, bread and biscuits. In prehistoric times residues of lavender have been found, along with other herbs in wine vessels dating to the Minoan period. Furthermore Dioscurides refers to lavender wine, stoechaditis. He thought it a remedy for epilepsy, bad nerves and painful ribs.
Pregnant women should not use too much lavender as it affects the uterus. There has also been a recent health alert that over use in men is not beneficial.

Lavender has many uses, not just as a scent or linen-closet freshener.
Products made with the mint-family member now include lavender-flavored teas, chocolate, breads, desserts and savory dishes.
To make lavender sugar to top cakes and desserts, add two tablespoons dried lavender flowers to one cup of sugar. Store it for 1-2 weeks, then sift before using.
Substitute dried lavender for rosemary in any recipe.
Add lavender to marinades for salmon, chicken, or lamb before grilling.
Make a salad dressing with vinegar,  honey, oil, and mustard.
Make a spice rub for any meat with two tablespoons of fresh-ground black pepper, three tablespoons of garlic powder, three tablespoons of salt, and  ½ tablespoon of ground dried lavender.
Lavender is a key ingredient of Herbes de Provence -- the French region known for its propagation -- used in chicken or fish dishes.