Lavandula officinalis

• Garden side . It grows in soil as in pot, provided it is exposed in a very hot, sunny, and in a container at least twice the size of the mound. Prefer topsoil (sold in bags) or garden soil rather than potting soil. Mix a few handfuls of gravel. Check that the water of irrigation - to distribute without excess - flows well under the pot. Prune after flowering. This perennial plant can live for more than 3 to 4 years in the same pot.

• What we harvest . Its small purple flowers, just at the end of flowering (in July or August, depending on your area) and before the petals fade.

• Health side . Infusions are prepared at a rate of not more than 5 g per 1 liter of boiling water, which is allowed to infuse for 5 minutes as for tea. We can add honey to cut its bitter taste. This is a very good antistress infusion which can take 3 or 4 cups daily (between meals) in difficult times or a large cup at bedtime, if you have trouble sleeping.