But I can’t fall asleep

I remember it was the night before we were traveling to Detroit with a stop at Deerfield Village. I was excited and so ready to leave the next morning. But I could not go to sleep. So, Gertrude got out a sashay of dried lavender. She put it next to my pillow and told me to take deep breaths. Sure, enough I fell asleep. How did she know that lavender can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, reduce stress and anxiety plus help with sleep?

I just completed a book on integrated geriatric medicine and the authors all reported amazing results for lavender combating insomnia. How did Gertrude know about this in the early 1950’s? She had lots of what my mother called “Old Wives Tales”. My mother, Gertrude’s daughter was the completely modern housewife of the 50’s. My mother would never admit Gertrude knew what she was talking about.

I love the smell of lavender and to see it growing is also relaxing.