Who doesn't know lavender? Deodorants, dishwashing liquids, body soaps, toilet or fabric sprays, air fresheners: many industries use this plant in the formulation of their products. Despite this apparent commonality, lavender is a plant with multiple superpowers to get to know better to sweeten your daily life. In any case, we never tire of it!
Table of Contents
A bit of botany
Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family. If that doesn't ring a bell, think of plants with very strong aromas: mint, lemon balm, oregano, sage, basil, thyme, rosemary, agastache, etc. A family that makes you hungry, in short!
The origin of the word is interesting enough to dwell on: it would come from the Greek Lamia, designating a fierce creature, an ancient queen who became a woman with a snake's body. What is the connection with Lamiaceae? Well, it comes from the lips formed by the inflorescences which resemble the mouth of a monster. Note the anatomical practicality: the helmet-shaped upper lip protects the reproductive organs, while the three-lobed lower lip provides a welcoming landing strip for pollinators. Moreover, Lamiaceae were initially called Labiatae (Latin - lip-shaped).
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Let's get back to our lavender! It has about 40 species, the best known of which are: true lavender (or fine lavender), spike lavender, and lavandins (grosso and super). They all have their specificities, even if most of their properties are common.
Let's conclude the botanical point with some information that caught our attention. Have you noticed that lavender is hairy? This silvery appearance is very useful (like hair on humans, all genders combined - a small reminder by the way because some tend to forget it). For lavenders, there are 2 types of small hairs that interest us: the glandular trichomes (purple) store essential oils and the stellate trichomes (light green) protect the plant from the sun and parasites. Basically, long live hair!
Lavender leaf trichomes, Lauren Holden
When and where to find it?
Today widely cultivated in various parts of the world, it is said to originate from the Mediterranean basin and further south, from Persia (present-day Iran) and Cape Verde. It particularly appreciates sunny, dry, and rocky places. It also likes altitude!
In Quebec, you have to wait until June to see the first flowers. It is in July that the cultivated fields abound, smelling so good and dressing the landscape in a pleasant purple-mauve.
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Why and how to use it?
It is a very versatile plant used in multiple cases. Let's look at the most common uses.
Nervous system
Its soft and floral scent calms tension, reducing stress (physiological reaction to a present threat) and anxiety (emotion in the face of an anticipated threat). Contact with it relaxes us, which facilitates sleep and alleviates headaches, also eased by lavender's analgesic power.
→ Flowers: in infusion
→ Essential oils: by inhalation, diffusion, or external application, in vegetable oil
Integumentary system (skin and its accessory structures)
With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, it is ideal for chapped skin, shallow wounds, or dry and irritated skin. Its soothing power adds another layer by calming pain related to inflammation of damaged skin and relieving itching from dermatitis or insect bites. Psst: plus, it keeps insects away!
→ Essential oil: for external application, in vegetable oil or in a balm
Respiratory system
Again, its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and calming virtues are called upon to combat respiratory infections and coughs. Lavender is an expectorant, so it helps to thin mucus for better expulsion, thus clearing the respiratory tract.
→ Flowers: in infusion
→ Essential oils: by inhalation, diffusion
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Olfactory system
We smell lavender, and it is largely thanks to its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that we benefit from its virtues. So let's not neglect the pleasure we get from sniffing it, from wearing it to perfume our surroundings and bring well-being and appeasement in its wake!
Gustatory system
The floral taste of lavender, slightly sweet and fresh, makes it a choice ingredient for flavoring desserts, drinks, and confectionery!
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A little history
Before concluding, let's dive into some fragments of the history of this plant, because we love to travel through time!
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The Romans generally used it to wash and perfume themselves. Funny facts: at that time, lavender was considered an aphrodisiac and women who could not get drunk chewed it to mask their alcoholic breath.
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It was part of the composition of a famous therapeutic preparation used as early as the 2nd century BC: theriac. This remedy was popular until the 19th century!
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The name "lavender" appeared in the Middle Ages and comes from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash". It was then considered a purifying plant and used to curb the spread of diseases like the plague.
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The rise of perfumery in the 19th and 20th centuries led to an intensification of lavender cultivation in Provence (France), with Grasse as the perfume capital. At that time, people started talking about blue gold, a name that demonstrates the precious and luxurious character of this now famous plant.
Service des absolues, 1940s
Lavender picking, 1930s
For us, lavender is synonymous with well-being and pleasure. It is an excellent companion when you want to take care of yourself. To taste, smell, and touch, it's pure sweetness! That's why we find it in all our ranges (Care, Flavors, Scents).
We hope this article has brought you new knowledge and that it will make you want to adopt lavender if you haven't already!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between true lavender, spike lavender, and lavandin?
These are three different species among the forty that lavender counts. Each has its specificities, even if most of their properties are common. Lavandin is also the result of a natural cross between true lavender and spike lavender.
When does lavender bloom in Quebec?
The first flowers appear in June. But it's in July that the magic truly happens: the cultivated fields are in full bloom, with purple as far as the eye can see and a delicious fragrance in the air. Quite a spectacle!
How to use lavender for stress and sleep?
In infusion (flowers) or by inhalation, diffusion, external application diluted in a vegetable oil (essential oils).
Is lavender good for the skin?
Yes. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, it helps with chapped skin, dry skin, irritations, and itching. It also relieves insect bites and repels them.
Can lavender be used in cooking?
Yes, its floral, slightly sweet, and fresh taste makes it an interesting ingredient for flavoring desserts, drinks, and confectionery.
Where does the name "lavender" come from?
It comes from the Latin "lavare" which means to wash. It appeared in the Middle Ages, when the plant was used to curb the spread of diseases.
Why is lavender called "blue gold"?
The expression appeared in the 19th century with the rise of perfumery in Provence, to highlight the precious nature of this plant, cultivated notably around Grasse, the world capital of perfume.
