The origin of Lavender is believed to be from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India. Its history goes back some 2500 years. Lavender is a flowering plant of the mint family known for its beauty, its sweet floral fragrance, its delicate perfume, its medicinal and multiple uses. There are many legends surrounding the history of lavender, including one that says that lavender was brought from the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. The term "lavender" is derived from the Latin word "lavere" meaning "to wash". This may be due to the fact that the ancient Romans are known to have added lavender oil to the water in their famous public baths. Another possibility is that women would spread their freshly washed clothes on the lavender bushes, allowing them to absorb that wonderful smell as they dried. Lavender was used in Ancient Egypt for embalming and cosmetics. In tombs, jars filled with ungents containing something resembling lavender were found. These ungents were used only by the royal families and high priests in cosmetics, massage oils, and medicines. The Greeks learned much from the Egyptians regarding perfumes and the use of aromatics. The Greeks called lavender Nardus, referring to a city in Syria called Naarda, where lavender was often sold. Many simply called the plant Nard.
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Queen Elizabeth, used it as a perfume. She encouraged the development of lavender farms. Queen Victoria took an interest in lavender in 19th century. The Queen wanted a supply of fresh flower bundles brought to her daily. Lavender flower was strewn through stone castle floors and released its scent under foot traffic. The scent of Lavender symbolized cleanliness and purity. This is how the history of English Lavender also called Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis began, and English lavender became so popular. In 16th-century France, lavender was regarded as an effective and reliable protection against infection. During that time, lavender was primarily grown for its medicinal and aromatic qualities. Seventeenth-century lavender was found in most herbals as a cure all. The great English herbalists all wrote about lavender. Great interest was generated and lavender street sellers appeared. Prices were high during the Great Plague of 1665, when lavender was thought to protect against this terrible disease.
Ancient Romans recognized lavender for its healing and antiseptic qualities, for its usefulness in deterring insects, and used it in washing. The first written record of the healing uses of lavender appears to be that of the Greek military physician Dioscorides in 77 AD. Dioscordes, a Greek military physician under the Roman Emperor, Nero, collected medicinal plants from around the Mediterranean. He described these plants and provided information about their medical uses in a 5-volume work entitled De Materia Medica. Lavender, he noted, when taken internally relieved indigestion, headaches and sore throats. Externally, lavender could be used to clean wounds and burns or treat skin ailments. Roman soldiers took lavender on campaigns with them to dress war wounds. Lavender was strewn on the floor to sweeten the air, fumigate sick rooms and as incense for religious ceremonies. The Arabs dominated the Mediterranean culture around the seventh century AD.and Some varieties of lavender were first thought to have been domesticated in Arabia. They brought their medicine to Spain, where it spread to the rest of Europe. Their greatest known physician: Ibn Sina, or Avicenna, was born in Bukhara, then a leading city in Persia. His youth was spent in the company of the most learned men of his time and he became accomplished in all the sciences and arts. Ibn Sina collected in over 100 books the entire scientific knowledege of his time and is called the "Prince of Science". He spent the last years of his life in Hamadan, where he composed the 'Canon of Medicine', which is among the most famous books in the history of medicine, and he was the most famous of the philosopher-scientists of Islam.
In many parts of the world, such as the Provence region of France, lavender has been grown commercially for centuries. Before soap was discovered people used to wash with lavender water. Today, lavender is largely used in the perfume industry, where the plant is cultivated on a large scale for adding to soaps and other cosmetic products.
Lavender is cultivated primarily for the flowers from which aromatic essential oil is extracted. Lavender oil is used for making bath soap, candles, perfume, cosmetics and even insect repellent.
Plant description
Lavender is an aromatic herb originally hailing from the Mediterranean. Its a perennial plant, in the Lamiaciae, or mint family, which grows about 18 inches to 2 feet high. It has grey-green feathery leaves covered in a silvery down . The foliage is semi-evergreen and has a fine texture, and it is aromatic. The blue-violet flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 to 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage. Lavender has an upright, bushy growth habit ,blooming in late June and bearing a pleasing scent.
Lavender has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It’s this dynamic aroma that has made the flower a classic for perfumes, soaps, fresheners, and beauty products.
Lavender varieties
There are four main groups of lavender
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is known as true lavender, and is typically used in the production of oil.
Italian lavender (Lavandula stoechas) has two brilliantly coloured ‘wings’ at the top of each flower.
French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is a large and billowy shrub with grey-green serrated leaves and a flat, furry-spiked purple flower.
Winged lavender (Lavandula ‘Sidonie’) has ferny foliage and forked flowers.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most well-known essential oils in aromatherapy. Ancient texts tell us that lavender essential oil has been used for medicinal and religious purposes for over 2,500 years.
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil, obtained from the flowering tops of the plants by steam distillation. The flowers are picked when they are in full bloom, where they contain the maximum amount of esters.
Lavender oil is a versatile essential oil, obtained from the flowering tops of the plants by steam distillation. The flowers are picked when they are in full bloom, where they contain the maximum amount of esters.
Medicinal Uses
- Lavender oil is very useful in aromatherapy and many aromatic preparations and combinations.
- Lavender oil is used medicinally for burns, sunburn, skin complaints, cold sores and insect bites due to its antiseptic and soothing qualities.
- Aromatherapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders and exhaustion.
🛒 Pure Lavender Oil
In conclusion, the world of lavender cultivation is a captivating journey that goes beyond the mere act of growing a plant. It's a delicate dance between nature and human hands, where each petal tells a story of resilience, fragrance, and the artistry of essential oil extraction. As we've delved into the fields of lavender, we've uncovered the secrets of this enchanting herb, from its historical significance to its therapeutic properties.
Lavender isn't just a plant; it's a symphony of color, fragrance, and utility. From the vibrant purple hues that paint the landscape to the sweet, soothing scent that wafts through the air, lavender is a testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and humanity. The cultivation of lavender isn't merely a commercial endeavor; it's a celebration of nature's bounty and the art of turning petals into potent elixirs.
As we stand amidst the lavender fields, we can't help but marvel at the convergence of science and tradition, as farmers apply age-old wisdom to harness the essence of these blossoms. The aromatic journey from field to bottle is a testament to human ingenuity, transforming a humble flower into a versatile and sought-after essential oil.
So, the next time you catch a whiff of lavender in the air or apply a drop of its essential oil, remember the meticulous process it underwent, from cultivation to distillation. Lavender isn't just an ingredient; it's a fragrant tapestry woven with the threads of history, nature, and human skill. It invites us to appreciate the beauty in simplicity and the profound impact that a single blossom can have on our senses and well-being.
In the realm of lavender cultivation, each field tells a unique story, and each drop of essential oil is a distillation of passion, patience, and a profound connection to the land. As we bid farewell to the lavender fields, let us carry with us the appreciation for this remarkable plant—a true testament to the artistry of nature and the hands that carefully cultivate its blooms.
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Precautions
Herbs,contain active components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.
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