Lavandula angustifolia / Lavender / Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Information

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Other Names

Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spica, Lavandula vera, Common Lavender, English lavender, True lavender, Lavendel, Lavanda, Lavandîna, Lavendin, Levandula, Laventeli, Lavandula, Levanta, and Lavender.

Scent

A pleasant sweet fragrance. It has a green, hay-like sweetness and gives "fruity aspects" in perfumes and other scented products. Perfume-note: Middle to Top.

Aromatic Properties

Lavender used in aromatherapy activates the crown chakra and stimulates activity of the medulla oblongata, bringing mental alertness. It is cleansing to all meridians and can be used effectively running the meridians. It can help open visionary states and helps establish emotional balance. Effective in meditation to determine the emotional blocks or conflicts that are creating health problems. Promotes consciousness, health, love, and peace. Calming, helps relieve pain.

Contents

The primary components of Lavender oil are linalool and linalyl acetate. Other components include alpha-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis- and trans-ocimene, 3-octanone, camphor, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and lavendulyl acetate.

Synergic Combinations

Blends well with: Bergamot, Clove, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Rose, Jasmine, Citrus Oils, Chamomile, Geranium.

Historical

The historic use and recognition of Lavender is almost as old the history of man. As a herb, Lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years. In ancient times Lavender was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and peoples of Arabia. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb "Nardus", after the Syrian city of Naarda. It was also commonly called "Nard". During Roman times, flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, which was about the same as a month's wages for a farm labourer, or fifty haircuts from the local barber. When the Roman Empire conquered southern Britain, the Romans introduced Lavender.
The name Lavender comes from the Latin root Lavare , which means "to wash." Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit.
During the height of the Plague, glove makers would scent their leathers with Lavender oil, and this was claimed to ward off the Plague. This story could have some validity as the Plague was transmitted by fleas, which Lavender is known to repel.
Royal history also is filled with stories of Lavender use. Charles VI of France demanded Lavender filled pillows wherever he went. Queen Elizabeth I of England required Lavender conserve at the royal table. She also wanted fresh Lavender flowers available every day of the year, a daunting task for a gardener if you consider the climate of England. Louis XIV also loved Lavender and bathed in water scented with it.
Also called spike oil, Lavender oil is used as a medium in oil painting. Because more common painting oils (e.g. linseed) smell unpleasant, several artists prefer mixing their pigments with spike oil.

Health Warnings

Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to Lavender. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using Lavender.

Plant Description

It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. It is popular for its colourful flowers, its fragrance and its ability to survive with low water consumption. It is a strongly aromatic shrub growing to 1-2m tall. The leaves are evergreen, 2-6cm long and 4-6mm broad. The flowers are pinkish-purple (lavender-coloured), produced on spikes 2-8cm long at the top of slender leafless stems 10-30cm long.

References

(1) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
(-) Lavender, University of Maryland Medical Center
(-) Lavenders, A Modern Herbal, by Margaret Grieve
(-) King's American Dispensatory, Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(-) Lavender, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia