Learn About Lavender

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The lavender flower is the symbol of Provence. It’s native to southern France and the Canary Islands. It’s a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), with its silvery foliage and tall purple flowers, this herb is an attractive addition to any perennial bed. It’s characteristic scent is stored in oil glands embedded among its flowers, leaves and stems, and the result is a plant that has served people functionally, therapeutically, as well as aesthetically. Lavender blooms year after year, each flower stem has to be harvested just when the flowers start to open up. At this point the essential oils are at their peak. Originally from the Latin word "lavare" that means "to wash," ancient cultures had many uses for this fragrant plant.

Throughout history, lavender oil, and lavender skin care have been prized for thier impressive healing properties. It was used by the ancient Romans for its healing and antiseptic properties, the name itself comes from the Latin "lavare" which means - to wash. It is strong cleansing and germicidal effects make it valuable in the treatment of skin disorders and injuries. The lavender plant has a long-standing history as a folk medicine, for centuries it has been used for it benefits in cosmetic, medicinal and decorative uses -
* It was used on the battle fields of World Wars I and II to prevent infection and relieve pain when other medical supplies were scarce.
* During epidemics, the Persians, Greeks, and Romans burned the aromatic lavender branches to protect themselves from "bad emanations" in the sick rooms.
* At the beginning of the century, in France, lavandières (washerwomen) used it in the washtub. They placed lavender in the laundry baskets to perfume their linens.
* In Provence, in the classrooms, when pupils were nervous and disruptive, the teachers crushed lavender seeds to calm the students.

Lavender has many benefits, here are some of them -
* Lavender is antibacterial, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, antiviral, anticoagulant, carminative, cordial, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, hypotensive, insecticidal, parasiticidal, restorative, sedative, tonic, vermifugal, and vulnerary. It’s Good for the mind, body & soul, Lavender helps support a calm composure and reduces irritability, apprehension, stress, nervous tension, insomnia, nightmares, and is generally balancing to the psyche as well as the body.

Lavender Skin Care works well in the treatment of acne, eczema, dermatitis, fungus, burns and wounds. It makes a refreshing astringent as well as an effective Skin Care moisturizer. It can alleviate aches, pains and swelling from arthritis, injury, headache, and other maladies. Lavender can also alleviate motion sickness, and research shows that lavender is beneficial for the treatment of indigestion, hypoglycemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, kidney stones and anemia. It is non-toxic, non-irritant and non-sensitizing.
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