Lavender is one of the most versatile and beneficial plants known to herbalists. This informative and practical book describes the plant's manifold uses--medicinal, cosmetic, therapeutic, cleansing and culinary--and outlines its extensive history and folklore. The many varieties of lavender are described, with advice on how to grow it. Philippa Waring provides detailed instructions on harvesting and processing lavender to extract the essential oil, as well as advice on how to store and use the oil. With its wealth of illustrations and comprehensive resource section, this is an essential for any health section.