The Lavender Journey: From Harvest to Healing. The First in the Essential Oils Series

If you ever happen to summer in the south of France, amidst the allure of its captivating beaches, a visit to Provence becomes an enchanting necessity. Among the must-see wonders lies the Valensole Plateau, a realm adorned with the world's most famous and picturesque lavender fields. These fragrant landscapes are not merely a visual spectacle but also a testament to the timeless beauty and significance of lavender. Beyond its picturesque charm, lavender holds a myriad of benefits and a rich historical legacy, making it far more than just an idyllic sight for tourists. Let's delve into the captivating world of lavender, exploring its importance, benefits, and the profound impact it holds in the realms of health, wellness, and beyond.

An Introduction to Lavender

Its scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia, and stands as a vibrant purple flowering plant, belonging to the mint family. Among its botanical kin are several aromatic culinary herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, and sage. This herbaceous wonder is native to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, North Africa, Cape Verde, and the Canary Islands, as well as Asia, Russia, Australia, and the Americas, where the climate is conducive to its growth. However it’s the climate around the Mediterranean that’s truly ideal for lavender and why most of the highest quality lavender is harvested there. The two countries that are best known for its lavender fields are France and Bulgaria. 

 A Brief History of Lavender

Lavender boasts an illustrious history that spans over 2,500 years! The ancient Egyptians revered lavender for its numerous qualities, using it not only in the embalming and mummification process, but also valuing its aromatic essence in perfumes. Remarkably, traces of lavender were discovered in the tomb of the Egyptian pharaohTutankhamun. The ancient Romans incorporated lavender into their bathing and washing rituals for its calming fragrance. Actually the origins of its name comes from the Latin word, lavare, which means washing.

During the 16th century, at the height of the Black Plague, lavender was used with alcohol to disinfect medical gloves and significantly reduce the risk of the doctor  contracting the disease. It was also discovered at that time that lavender harvesters and field workers were less likely to become infected. In the Mediterranean region, European doctors used it to treat wounds and burns and the ancient Greeks used lavender to reduce body aches and to improve sleep.

Harvesting & Distillation

The harvesting and distillation of lavender entail meticulous processes that extract the plant's precious essential oil. Typically, lavender harvest occurs when the flowers are in full bloom, usually during the summer months. Experienced hands carefully hand-cut or use machinery to gather the lavender blossoms, ensuring they're at the peak of fragrance and oil content. Following harvest, the flowers undergo steam distillation—a traditional method involving the infusion of steam through the lavender flowers. This gentle yet intricate process separates the volatile essential oil from the plant material. The extracted oil then undergoes a meticulous testing process to ensure its purity and quality before it's bottled and made available for various applications. It takes approximately 3 pounds of lavender to produce 15 ml of lavender essential oil. 

Medicinal Benefits & Uses

Lavender is often introduced as the queen of medicinal plants because compared to other plants, there’s a lot of research showing and supporting its numerous soothing, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

We recommend you always research the quality of a brand’s products and always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Pharmaceutical grade Lavender essential oil can be used aromatically, topically and internally to:

• Support sleep and relaxation - A few drops on a pillow or on the soles of your feet or even using a lavender-infused sleep spray may promote better sleep quality and help ease insomnia symptoms.
• Reduce feelings of stress and mild anxiety - Diffusing lavender oil or adding a few drops to a warm bath with epsom salts can create a tranquil atmosphere, promoting relaxation after a long day. You can even inhale it directly from cupped hands for a more immediate effect or even place a drop under your tongue for immediate effect.
• Soothes and relieves symptoms of mild eczema, dermatitis, acne, mild burns, sunburns and blisters - When diluted with a carrier oil, it can help soothe a variety of skin irritations. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Relieves and reduces mild to moderate pain - Lavender oil can be used topically to alleviate headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. A massage with diluted lavender oil may provide relief and relaxation to sore muscles.
• Improve memory - The inhalation of lavender oil vapor could improve cognitive performance and memory in healthy individuals. The aroma of lavender was found to have a calming effect on the nervous system, potentially enhancing cognitive abilities such as memory retention and recall.

As we conclude this journey through the fragrant world of lavender oil, it's clear that its versatility and myriad benefits make it a true gem in the realm of natural remedies. From its calming aroma aiding relaxation to its remarkable skincare properties, lavender oil stands as a timeless elixir that has enriched lives for centuries. 

Stay tuned as we delve into the potent world of tea tree oil next. 

* If you’re interested in trying out any type of essential oils, we recommend you join the doTerra product education WhatsApp group before purchasing. You’ll learn more about which essential oil is suited for your particular condition along with the ways to use it for maximum benefits.

Yours in Health & Happiness, 

Lana