Apothecary Bottle, SPIR: LAVEND

18th century

This blown glass bottle is marked <i>SPIR: LAVEND:</i> The opaque white color of the glass comes from the addition of tin oxide and was meant to imitate porcelain. The flowers and leaves of the Lavender plant were used as an aromatic and to eliminate pests. Lavender was used as a medicinal by mixing it with other herbs. It was also used to cure headaches, apoplexy and loss of speech.