Origin & History
Grown across the world, the evergreen shrub originates from the Mediterranean, growing wild in sunny, dry areas. Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family, where you will find most of the leafy herbs that have been traditionally used in herbal medicine, such as Rosemary, Mint and Sage. Lavender is grown throughout southern Europe, most famously in Grasse, France. However, Lavender is also grown in Bulgaria and right here in the UK, too. You can visit Lavender farms to see the amazing purple fields in bloom during the summer months, which is a beautiful sight!
Lavender comes from the word ‘lavare’, meaning to wash and was used throughout ancient Europe to scent bathing water. During the Middle Ages, Lavender was used as a ‘strewing herb’; when a plant is placed on the floor around the home and as the plant is walked on, it releases its aroma. It was also used in a ‘nosegay’, a bundle of aromatic plants tied into a posy so that you could lift it easily to your nose to disguise the not-so-pleasant smells around you. The Middle Ages were not that fragrant!
The benefits of Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is contained in the tiny star-shaped plant hairs (trichomes) that cover the flowers, leaves and stems, which is why it is so easy to smell the aroma just by touching the plant. Lavender essential oil is steam distilled from the flowering tops of the plant and is one of the most widely used essential oils and has been studied in trials to ascertain its efficacy. In certain clinical trials, it has been shown to aid sleep and act as a powerful antiseptic, skin healer and effective pain reliever.
The aroma of Lavender is intensely floral, softly sweet with a medicinal fresh note, and blends easily with most other essential oils.
Here are a few blends with Lavender for you to try at home.
Bedtime Diffuser Blend:
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser at least 20 mins before retiring to bed. This will allow the aromas to fill your bedroom. Turn off the diffuser as you turn out the lights.
3 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
3 drops of Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
2 drops of Roman Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis
Moisturising Face Oil
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Jojoba Blending Oil:
2 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
1 drop of Neroli – Citrus aurantium
1 drop of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
Apply after your normal cleansing routine. Take your time to massage the blend slowly and gently over the face, inhaling the aromas as you work the blend into your skin. This amount should last several applications. Suitable for all skin types.
Soothing Bath Oil
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of a Blending Oil of your choice:
2 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia
1 drop of Vetiver – Vetiveria zizanoides
3 drops of Mandarin – Citrus reticulata
This is a wonderful blend to help you relax after a long stressful day. It will encourage a good night’s sleep and leave your skin feeling moisturised. Run your bath to desired temperature and depth, then add 2-3 teaspoons of the blend. Stir the water before getting in, lie back and inhale the sumptuous aromas.
