Lavender – with its intoxicating aroma and calming qualities is by far one of my favorite herbs. If you would ask my family, they’d tell you that I’m quite obsessed with it. I can’t help it! It smells so delightful and the way it soothes my racing mind, we were bound to be a pair.

One of the things I love when I study herbs (and anything, really) is the history and folklore associated with it. The fact that these plants have been used so far in the past is absolutely fascinating and a joy to learn about. Lavender’s journey through history and folklore is as captivating as its fragrance.

Over 2.500 years ago (!), evidence suggests that lavender was potentially used in the mummification process in Egypt. It’s said that Greeks and Romans, valued lavender for its medicinal and cleansing abilities and was typically used in baths, treating headaches and wounds, and used in religious ceremonies as incense. Interestingly, it is said that in the 7th century, thieves would wash themselves in lavender to protect them from the plague, however, that was not necessarily proven to be effective.

Like many herbs, Lavender has a rich history of folklore. From Protection to healing to acquiring new husbands, Lavender was a beloved herb that captivated all who came across it.

Even today, Lavender is often associated with protection. It was widely believed that lavender would ward off evil spirits and bad luck. It was hung above doorways, burnt in bonfires, and even worn to stave off evil and provide protection.

While our understanding of Lavender’s benefits has evolved, in the past the aroma and calming properties led to various folk remedies, some of which are still used today! It was used against ailments like headaches, and anxiety. As mentioned above, some even bathed in it to prevent the plague.

As I mentioned earlier, it was believed that Lavender could help you snag a husband. However, it was not that direct. Like protection, Lavender is heavily associated with love and divination. Young women would drink lavender tea in hopes of dreaming of their future spouse and would even place lavender under pillows to help encourage marriage proposals.

There are an abundance of varieties of lavender but the best for healing and medicinal use is Lavandula angustifolia and the most popular for its strong aroma is L. Officianalis.
Lavenders are shrubby plants that range in height (around 1-3 feet). More hardier lavenders (like L. Angustifolia) do not grow as tall as other varieties. Their leaves are lobed and mostly grow at the base of the stems.
Lavender flowers range in color, between blue and violet and can be spiked/tapered in shape.

Lavender grows best and produces the best fragrance when it is grown on well-drained but moisture-retaining soil. Lavender thrives on neglect and full sun. If you prefer compact lavender bushes, be sure to clip to the base of the flowering stems once the flower has been gathered or has faded. This is best done in autumn or the following spring just as new growth begins. After 5-7 years, Lavender will need to be replaced.

Lavender, particularly the Lavandula angustifolia species, has a complex chemical composition. There are up to 100 different compounds that make up Lavender’s unique properties. Having such a diverse chemical makeup contributes to many different uses and potential benefits, making Lavender a fascinating and versatile plant!

The most abundant constituent is Monoterpenes, these make up to 80-90% of the essential oil. However, Linalool, which makes up about 20-40% of lavender oil, is the one that causes the characteristic floral aroma of Lavender. It is also the main reason Lavender possesses its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Linalyl acetate, another major component, helps create the floral and sweet smell of Lavender and some of the plant’s antimicrobialdestructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, an... properties.

While the following constituents are less abundant, they still play a role in the benefits of Lavender. These compounds contribute to antiseptic and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. properties (Terpinen-4-ol), antioxidant and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. properties (Lavandulol), and floral scents and calming effects (Lavandulyl acetate, Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) and camphor).

When you hear Lavender, what is the first thing you think of? Most likely laundry, a candle, or something along those lines. When it comes to medicinal remedies, Lavender is often left behind by those who are unaware of this beautiful plant’s benefits. But, as we learned earlier, Lavender is more than just a pretty plant and has been used medicinally throughout history. So, what can we use Lavender for and how can it improve our well-being? Let’s find out how versatile Lavender truly is!

With anxiety and anxiety disorders on the rise, and just as the people back in time, today we still incorporate lavender in our day-to-day lives to calm down nerves and to help with anxiety support. Studies have shown that using lavender oil, through inhalation or diffused in a carrier oil and used topically, is effective at reducing anxiety. Research has shown that Lavender can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Studies have shown that lavender (when paired with lemon balm) can be beneficial for people with stagnant depression or who feel like they are in a fog. Another study has shown that an aromatherapy blend of lavender paired with rose was beneficial for women who have or are at risk for postpartum depression.

It is no surprise that in this age sleep deprivation is high. The hustle and bustle of life is constantly putting pressure on us.
Studies have shown that people who use lavender oils, whether that’s topically or in a diffuser, have found that it is effective in promoting relaxation and sleep and it has also shown to help people fall asleep faster.
Some have preferred to have a diffuser of lavender or even a bedroom lavender spray that they can spray on their bedsheets. Another popular option (that also comes from way back in history!) is adding lavender sachets under their pillows.

Due to Lavender’s antiseptic, antimicrobialdestructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, an..., and anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. properties, it has become a popular choice for healing and pain management.
Lavender’s ability to promote healing while helping to address infection (all while decreasing pain, too!) makes it ideal for minor cuts and burns. Studies have shown that lavender used after natural births and cesareans has reduced discomfort. Further, women with painful periods found it effective for reducing pain as well.

Lavender oil can be used as a bug repellent and it even helps with relieving pain, itching, and inflammation caused by bug bites and bee stings. The oil can be used topically to relieve muscle pain and stiffness. Massage diluted lavender oil into sore muscles or add a few drops to a warm bath.
Studies have shown that people who suffer from migraine attacks have reported significant pain reduction after inhaling lavender oil during the onset of symptoms. It is also known to help with headaches (massage onto temples). You can also massage lavender oil on your temples for headaches as well.

Our skin is the largest organ that we have. It’s absolutely fascinating and the one that gets the most neglect from day-to-day life. While skincare may seem unimportant, it’s quite important to make sure it’s getting all the love and attention it can get.
Lavender has anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. and antiseptic properties making it a popular ingredient in many skincare products. It has been used in lotions, serums, and salves to help soothe sunburns, heal minor cuts and scrapes, and help with acne and eczema.

Aromatherapy has gained popularity over the years. In almost every store you’ll find an assortment of different diffusers and essential oil blends. It can feel overwhelming to choose when there are so many different scents and blends.
One of the most popular choices for aromatherapy is none other – lavender! Sometimes keeping things simple is the way to go. Since lavender is known for its ability to promote relaxation and help with anxiety it makes it an easy choice to make.
You can add a diffuser to your bedroom for sleep support or in areas where you are more prone to stress. For me, having mine in the living room where all the chaos happens (think small human chaos) is the best option.
However, adding it to a diffuser isn’t your only option. Adding it to an essential oil necklace, putting it in your bath, or creating misting sprays are wonderful options as well.

Anyone studying herbalism has come across these two ancient, holistic healthcare systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been around for centuries and are a wonder to reference.
Like Western Herbalism, both these systems incorporate lavender into their practices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) categorizes lavender as warm, pungent, and bitter in flavor, and is associated with the liver meridian.
Lavender is often paired with chrysanthemum and mint to help alleviate headaches and dizziness. Further, it is used to help with digestive issues like bloating and indigestion. For skin conditions, it is typically used topically for eczema, boils, and insect bites. When the Liver Qi is in stagnation, it is said to manifest as stress, anxiety, and irritability which lavender is then used to help with the emotional imbalances.
Ayurveda, a system that I hold dearly puts lavender in the warming and pungent category. These properties are associated with the Vata and Kapha doshas.
Like Western Herbalism, lavender is used for anxiety and stress and is often associated with a Vata imbalance. In various Ayurvedic preparations, lavender oil is used for skin and hair care for its cleansing and soothing properties. With lavender’s anti-inflammatorynatural molecules that help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies. and antiseptic properties, it is especially helpful for a Kapha imbalance which is often associated with eczema and psoriasis.

It’s said that Lavender itself works directly with your spirit opening a deeper connection to your intuition and communication. Given that Lavender has an affinity for bringing peace, love, and awareness to one’s self, I am not surprised. Further, if you dream of Lavender, your spirit is requesting freedom of expression and creativity.
One of Lavender’s magical qualities is love. Many like to wear lavender (or place lavender in clothing drawers) because it is said to attract love. You can rub lavender on paper to create a little magical touch to note-taking. Most popular is for love notes, however, I like the thought of self-love notes to a past version of oneself to promote healing.
Interestingly, many have carried Lavender for the ability to see ghosts (since Lavender brings clarity and a deeper connection to your intuition) and is worn for protection against the evil eye.
Lavender placed in pillows or sachets under pillows not only allows for better sleep but also brings peace by dispersing night terrors. Not only that but keeping cold water topped with lavender has been said to keep night spirits away while creating a mist of peace.

According to the Botanical Safety Handbook, Lavender is given one of the highest safety ratings. However, there are some considerations to be mindful of.
Lavender essential oil should be taken under the guidance of a trained clinician and should not be used internally during pregnancy. Lavender oil should always be diluted with a carrier oil (like jojoba) as undiluted oil has been shown to irritate skin and even give chemical burns. It’s recommended to do a 1 percent dilution for sensitive skin.
There are unsupported reports that have said lavender and lavender-scented products have affected young boys due to estrogenic effects, however, these isolated claims have been questioned.
Some who have an allergy to the Lamiaceae (Mint) family may be allergic or have sensitivities to Lavender as well.