Lavender
Our Plant of the Month: Lavender
If there was ever a time to keep calm and carry on, this is it. Lavender might be just the plant to help...here’s why.
Is there any herb that combines beauty and utility quite like lavender? Maybe not, for reasons we’ll soon see. It turns out lavender is more than just a pretty color — much more.
About Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint (Lamiaceae) family. That means it’s a close relative of many other therapeutic plants and herbs, like basil, sage, oregano, and more.
Though lavender seems to have originated out of the Middle East some 2,500 years ago, it quickly became a worldwide favorite. Lavender even shows up in the bible! Reportedly a costly lavender perfume (they called it spikenard back then) was used to anoint none other than Jesus. And the Hebrews weren’t the only ones to view lavender as such a holy herb.
Even lavender’s name points to its meaning. It’s derived from the Latin ‘lavare,’ meaning ‘to wash,” a testament to the values ancient Rome found in the plant. These same Romans were among the first to discover lavender’s medicinal properties. [1]
Health Benefits
So...what is lavender good for, exactly?
First and foremost, it’s powerfully calming. One study showed that merely inhaling lavender oil makes people “more active, fresher [and] relaxed than subjects just inhaling base oil.”
This same study even identified lavender-induced changes in brain waves! Both alpha wave (correlated with living in the now) and theta wave (correlated with memory and introspection) activity increased. That’s a neurological win-win if you ask us.
There’s one more area where lavender’s calming nature could help you: sleep. A 2017 study found that ICU patients slept better when given lavender aromatherapy. In light of how central good sleep is to good health, this might be a concept to try out for yourself.
Skin Benefits
Many essential oils are good for the skin, and lavender is no exception. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for combating blemishes and poor skin health. “Lavender also has antimicrobial properties, which are suitable for healing skin,” says dermatologist Debra Jaliman.
And while you’ve probably already started using aloe vera for sunburns, those who use lavender are also in luck. Both scientific and anecdotal evidence agree that lavender is great for restoring sun-damaged skin.
Why We Love It
In addition to everything above, lavender has some seriously awesome practical uses, too!
Like what? Here’s what none other than Leonardo DaVinci says: “to make a perfume, take some rose water and wash your hands in it, then take a lavender flower and rub it with your palms, and you will achieve the desired effect.” One can use diluted lavender oil as part of a haircare or massage-care regimen, too.
If nothing else, placing a few sprigs of fresh lavender in your house is a great way to refresh its vibes and brighten your mood! Given that more and more of us are homebound right now...that’s probably not such a bad idea.
You could also, you know, (metaphorically) kill two birds with one stone by taking lavender with your CBD. Our Restful CBD Roll On makes this easy by featuring lavender alongside botanicals like jojoba oil, marjoram, geranium, cedarwood, frankincense, and chamomile.
