A flowering member of the mint family, Lavender is widely known for its distinct sweet aroma. Commonly used in cooking and baking, especially in English cuisine. Most notably, Lavender oil is used in practices of herbalism as an aid in reducing restlessness and insomnia.
Much of the folklore surrounding lavender is quite ancient. Cleopatra is said to have worn its scent to seduce Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, and some claim the asp that delivered her fatal bite was hidden amongst her lavender bushes. Additionally, European royalty made lavish use of lavender in perfumes and foods. In the Tudor era, young maidens would sip on lavender tea and recite, "St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me. In my dreams, let me my true love see."