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 many superpowers worth knowing more about to sweeten one's daily life. In any case, we never tire of it!
A Bit of Botany
Lavender belongs to the Lamiaceae family. If that doesn't ring a bell, think of plants with very distinct 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 is said to come from the Greek Lamia, referring to a ferocious creature, an ancient queen who became a woman with a serpent's body. What is the connection with the Lamiaceae? Well, it comes from the lip-shaped inflorescences that resemble a monster's mouth. Note the anatomical practicality: the helmet-shaped upper lip protects the reproductive organs, while the three-lobed lower lip offers a welcoming landing strip for pollinators. Furthermore, the Lamiaceae were initially called Labiatae (Latin - lip-shaped).
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Let's get back to our lavender! It includes about 40 species, the most famous of which are: true lavender (or fine lavender), spike lavender, and lavandins (grosso and super). They all have their specificities, even if most properties are common.
Let's conclude the botanical point with a piece of information that caught our attention. Have you noticed that lavender is hairy? This silvery appearance is very useful (like hair in humans, all genders included - a little reminder by the way, as some tend to forget). For lavender, there are 2 types of small hairs that interest us: the bulbous trichomes (purple) store essential oils, and the stellate trichomes (light green) protect the plant from the sun and parasites. In short, 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 believed to originate from the Mediterranean basin and further south, from Persia (present-day Iran) and Cape Verde. It particularly thrives in sunny, dry, and rocky areas. It also likes high altitudes!
In Quebec, you have to wait until June to see the first flowers. It's in July that cultivated fields abound, smelling so sweet 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 review the most common uses.
Nervous system
Its sweet and floral scent calms tension, reducing stress (a physiological reaction to a present threat) and anxiety (an emotion facing an anticipated threat). Contact with it relaxes you, 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, minor wounds, or dry and irritated skin. Its soothing power adds another layer by calming pain related to inflamed, damaged skin and relieving itching caused by dermatitis or insect bites. Pssst: what's more, it repels insects!
→ Essential oil: for external application, in vegetable oil or a balm
Respiratory system
Here 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 clearance, thus clearing the airways.
→ 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 overlook the pleasure we get from inhaling it, wearing it to perfume our surroundings and bring well-being and appeasement in its wake!
Gustatory system
The floral, slightly sweet, and fresh taste of lavender makes it a choice ingredient for flavoring desserts, drinks, and confectionery!
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A Little History
Before concluding, let's delve into a few fragments of this plant's history, because we love to travel through time!
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The Romans generally used it for washing and perfuming themselves. Amusing facts: at that time, lavender was considered an aphrodisiac, and women who couldn't get drunk chewed it to hide their alcoholic breath.
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It was an ingredient in a famous therapeutic preparation used as early as the 2nd century BCE: theriac. This remedy remained popular until the 19th century!
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The name "lavande" appeared in the Middle Ages and comes from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "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 referring to it as "blue gold," a name that demonstrates the precious and luxurious nature of this now famous plant.
Absolute extraction service, 1940s
Lavender harvest, 1930s
For us, lavender is synonymous with well-being and pleasure. It's an excellent companion when you want to take care of yourself. To taste, smell, and touch, it's pure softness! That's why you can find it in all our ranges (Skincare, Flavors, Scents).
We hope this article has provided you with 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 or so that lavender comprises. Each has its specificities, although 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: cultivated fields are in full bloom, with purple as far as the eye can see and a delicious scent in the air. Quite a spectacle!
How to use lavender for stress and sleep?
As an infusion (flowers) or by inhalation, diffusion, or 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 "lavande" come from?
It comes from the Latin "lavare," meaning 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.
