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Lavender: A Sense Sensation!
With a long history around the world, lavender now blooms in Elgin.
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romatic, sweet, soothing. All of these words have been used to describe the scent of lavender. At Lavender Blue Lavender Farm, we are aware of the pleasures of accidentally brushing up against these plants and smelling the intoxicating scent. The distinctive fragrance of this remarkable plant is recognized the world over, and lavender has been grown and appreciated almost since the beginning of recorded history. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean regions, islands of the Atlantic, and India. Sometime during the 7th century, lavender found its way to southern Europe. By the 1600’s in England,
lavender was growing in popularity and was used in perfume, bathing and gifts. At this time, it also began to be grown commercially, and this practice was brought to North America by the Quakers. Although lavender is not native to England, the damp, chilly climate was an environment where lavender thrived. In combination with the long summer days, the plant produced more oil. The quality of English lavender oil became one of the world’s finest by the late 1800’s. It is interesting that a non-native plant is so commonly referred
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to as ‘English Lavender’ and the association continues today. Lavender also grew well in France, and was harvested by hand by local shepherds until the early twentieth century. Just prior to the First World War, French perfume houses and the French government worked together to remove almond orchards and plant lavender to help provide jobs in the Provence region. Provence now has become the world’s leading producer of lavender essential oil. Lavender has many uses, dating back to at least 77 AD, when its benefits were first recorded. Its therapeutic properties were used to relieve menstrual pains, upset stomachs and ease insect bites. In early Egypt, lavender was used in mummification. When King Tutankhamun’s tomb was opened, urns were found filled with lavender that still held its scent. Roman soldiers used it to help heal wounds on the battle field. Today lavender is still recognized for its antiseptic properties to help clean wounds and promote healing. It is used to relieve congestion, headaches, nausea and tension and induce sleep. New research in aromatherapy has shown that 3 minutes of lavender aromatherapy increases performance on mathematical tests. These findings may have applications in the work place. Lavender is also used in many specialty gourmet foods. It belongs to the mint family, distinguished by its square stem and wonderful fragrance. It is closely related to the culinary herbs Continued on page 184
Relish Elgin Magazine • Summer 2008