The history of lavender

Lavender has been used for more than 2000 years. The ancient Romans bathed in scented baths to which they added lavender oil. They also used dried lavender in church ceremonies and childbirth. The Greeks also used lavender, but more for medicinal purposes. The famous Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides used its healing properties to alleviate breathing problems and as a natural laxative. Many monks cultivated various medicinal plants in monasteries, among which lavender had a special place. During the plague of London in the 18th century, lavender was used as a protection against infection so that people put it under their noses and breathed it that way. Lavender was also useful during the First and Second World Wars, where it was used as a pain reliever and wound dressing to protect against infection.

Lavender is a very popular ornamental plant, and it is increasingly grown in plantations. It has no great requirements in terms of soil quality, its cultivation is very economical, and it can also serve as a good pasture for bees.

The name lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, which means to bathe, and explains the basic purpose of the dried flower and lavender, the essential oil. Real lavender essential oil is used for the production of perfume and cologne. Cheaper hybrid lavender essential oil is used for soap production. The medicinal property of lavender consists in reducing nervous tension in migraine and neuralgia. It relieves spasms and helps heal wounds.