Who hasn't heard of the lavender plant? Who hasn't seen its beautiful purple inflorescences and smelled the fresh fragrance that wafts from them?
Lavender is one of the most well-known and loved plants, thanks to its many health and beauty benefits. This fragrant plant has been used since centuries ago for its healing and soothing properties. Today, it is widely used in cosmetics, aromatherapy and perfumery. It is also widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and conditions of the body. Not surprisingly, lavender oil is the best-selling essential oil worldwide.
Lavender: History and origin
Lavender is a genus of plant that originates from the family of Leafy Family. More than 40 species of lavender are known, but the most common and well-known species in this country is Lavandula angustifolia. When in flower, lavender forms dense flower fields that look like a sea of purple waves. It is known for its unique, sweet and soothing scent, which comes from the essential oils contained in the flowers and leaves of the plant.
Its name comes from the Latin word lavare, which means "to wash", as in ancient times the Romans used lavender in their baths to scent and cleanse.
In antiquity, lavender was particularly popular in Ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to make perfumes, in medicine and to scent living spaces. Over time, it found a place in the monastic gardens of Europe, where monks cultivated it for medicinal purposes.
During the Renaissance, lavender spread to England, where it became particularly popular among the aristocracy for its pleasant scent and its use in cosmetics. Gradually, lavender became a symbol of purity, relaxation and natural care, making it extremely popular to this day.
Interesting facts from the past
Lavender is one of the most ancient and versatile plants used by mankind. Stories of the use of lavender oil can be found thousands of years back in time. Known for its soothing properties, lavender oil has been used since ancient Egypt, where it served as an embalming agent and in religious rituals. The Egyptians believed that lavender helped the soul reach the afterlife and purify itself. In Ancient Rome, lavender was used to scent baths and linens, as well as to treat wounds and skin problems thanks to its antiseptic properties.
In the Middle Ages, lavender was considered a powerful protector against the plague. It was often used in sachets or diffused in rooms to purify the air and ward off disease. One legend has it that the so-called "four thieves" who robbed plague victims stayed healthy thanks to a mixture of lavender and other herbs.
Lavender: Benefits and uses
Today, lavender finds widespread use in folk medicine, perfumery and cosmetics. Its health benefits are numerous and varied - from calming the nervous system and improving sleep, to alleviating skin problems, to stimulating the immune system. In the following lines, we will introduce how lavender can contribute to improving mental and physical well-being, as well as practical tips for its use.
Medicinal properties and health benefits
Calming effect
One of the most well-known and widely used effects of lavender, is its calming effect. It acts on the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress levels in the body. It also qualitatively and quantitatively improves sleep - speeding up falling asleep and reducing night waking's. For this purpose, you can apply a few drops with light massage movements of lavender oil first on the nape, then on the soles. Apply a few drops on the pillow as well.
The aroma of lavender has the ability to calm the mind and body. Add a few drops of the essential oil to an aroma diffuser, and enjoy the pleasant and relaxing aroma of the water vapor.
Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
Thanks to these properties, lavender finds application in the treatment of minor wounds, insect bites, burns and skin eczema and dermatitis. It helps speed up the healing process and reduces the risk of infections. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with olive oil and apply on the affected areas. Relief of symptoms occurs almost immediately.
Lavender oil can also be used for massages or compresses on sore joints and muscles. Doing so helps reduce pain and swelling.
Antibacterial properties
Lavender oil has powerful antibacterial properties that help fight various types of bacteria. This makes it particularly useful in treating acne and other skin problems caused by bacteria. It unclogs pores and reduces inflammation.
Improves breathing
Studies have shown that lavender oil is beneficial for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It improves breathing and relieves symptoms significantly. It is also used for stuffy nose and hay fever. For this purpose, a few drops of the essential oil are rubbed between the palms or fingers, and the nostrils are gently pinched.
Application in cosmetics
Antiseptic action
Due to its antiseptic and antibacterial action, lavender oil finds wide application in acne products. This is due to the active ingredients in lavender - linalool and linalyl acetate, which limit the growth of bacteria. Thus applied to the skin, lavender oil significantly soothes skin inflammations and irritations.
After several applications, the skin barrier is restored and the skin is smoother and more radiant in appearance.
Nourishing and hydrating
Lavender oil is an excellent moisturizer. It helps retain moisture in the skin, protecting it from drying out. Regular use of lavender oil significantly improves skin texture. It makes it more supple, soft and smooth.
Anti-ageing effect
Oxidative stress is known to be one of the causes of skin aging. Thanks to the antioxidants in its composition, natural lavender oil and lavender cream protect the dermis from free radicals and slow down the signs of aging. They successfully smooth fine wrinkles and prevent their appearance. The result is more toned, brightened and firmer skin.
Improving complexion and reducing pigmentation
Lavender oil is an effective remedy for improving complexion and reducing pigmentation. It helps to lighten dark spots and scars, evening out skin tone and giving a fresh and healthy appearance. Lavender oil can be used to treat hyperpigmentation and pigment spots caused by acne, sun exposure or age-related changes.
Lavender is an extremely useful plant with numerous uses in cosmetics. Lavender oil and cream offer a variety of skin benefits including hydration, soothing, antibacterial and anti-aging. They are suitable for all skin types and can be used in daily face and body care. Whether you need a soothing remedy for sensitive skin or a moisturizer for dry skin, lavender products are an excellent choice for maintaining beautiful, healthy skin.
