Few scents are as familiar as lavender. It shows up in soaps, sachets, candles and essential oils, and many people associate it with clean linens and quiet evenings. But lavender’s story stretches back a very long way, and learning about it adds a new layer of appreciation to this humble purple plant.
A Mediterranean Native
Lavender belongs to the mint family. Several species are native to the Mediterranean region, where they thrive in sunny, dry, rocky soil. The most common in aromatherapy is Lavandula angustifolia, often called true lavender or English lavender, though it is not originally from England.
The plant’s name is often linked to the Latin word lavare, meaning to wash. That connection fits well with lavender’s long association with bathing and cleanliness.
Lavender in the Ancient and Medieval World
The Romans are known to have used fragrant herbs in their baths, and lavender is commonly associated with that tradition. In the centuries that followed, lavender found a place in monastery gardens across Europe, where monks grew many aromatic and useful plants.
By the medieval and early modern periods, lavender was used to scent linens and clothing and was strewn on floors to freshen rooms. Small bundles and sachets tucked into drawers are a custom that has lasted to this day.
The Lavender Fields of Provence
Today, many people picture the rolling purple fields of Provence in southern France when they think of lavender. The region became closely associated with lavender cultivation for the perfume industry, especially around the town of Grasse, long known as a center of French perfumery. Lavender and its cousin lavandin are still grown there, and the summer bloom draws visitors from around the world.
Lavender in Modern Self-Care
In modern aromatherapy, lavender is one of the most popular oils. Many people enjoy its soft, floral and slightly herbal scent as part of an evening wind-down routine or a relaxing bath. Some simple ways people use it:
- A few drops in a diffuser for a short time in the evening
- A properly diluted blend in a carrier oil for a hand or foot massage
- A dried lavender sachet tucked into a pillowcase or drawer
- A cup of tea made with culinary lavender, if you enjoy the flavor
It is important to be realistic about what scent can do. Many people find lavender pleasant and calming to smell, but that is different from treating any health condition. If you have trouble sleeping or other health concerns, talk with your doctor.
Using Lavender Safely
Like all essential oils, lavender oil is concentrated. Dilute it before applying to skin, patch test a new blend, and keep it away from your eyes. Store it out of reach of children and pets, and check with your doctor or veterinarian before using it around little ones, during pregnancy or near animals.
Growing Your Own
Lavender can be grown in many gardens, though it prefers excellent drainage and lots of sun, and it can struggle in heavy clay or very humid conditions. A local nursery or your county extension office can suggest varieties that suit your area. Even a single pot on a sunny porch can give you fragrant stems to dry and enjoy all winter.