Take a moment and stroll back in time with me. We’re going back to a time when life was simpler. Kids went outside and played without an organized play date. Cable was something in your car (jumper cables) or your wardrobe (cable-knit sweaters, socks and tights). Stay-at-home moms were called, homemakers. Smartphones were not how we captured precious moments of our children’s lives. And Yardley of London English Lavender soap, body lotion, and perfume were at the peak of popularity. We just traveled back to the 1960s.
History of Lavender
Now, fast forward to the year 2016. This is the age of smartphones, on-demand video streaming, on-demand grocery delivery services, social media, and lavender. Yes, lavender is still a big part of the landscape. Lavender is one of the most well known essential oils in aromatherapy. It’s been used for over 2,500 years. Over the millennia, lavender has been used in bathwater to wash and purify skin, as a disinfectant, as a deodorant, an all-around cure, and perfume. Lavender is credited with the beginnings of the perfume industry in France. Historians have also written that Cleopatra used lavender to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony by dabbing it on her wrists.
Benefits of Lavender
Today, lavender is still used for those same benefits. Lavender is one of the most versatile essences. It has a sweet, floral herbaceous scent with a woody undertone. Lavender has numerous properties. Some include: analgesic (pain relieving), antibacterial, antidepressant, antimicrobial (destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms), antiseptic, an antioxidant (protects against free radicals), deodorant, detoxifying, and sedative.
Lavender in Skin Care
Lavender oil is popular in the skin care industry as an anti-aging essential oil. It’s great for mature skin, sunspots, and scarring. This is due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cell rejuvenation properties. Lavender oil also helps skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. When used in bath salt preparations, lavender oil detoxifies the skin. Best of all, lavender essential oil is suited for all skin types.
Lavender in Aromatherapy
One of my favorite uses for lavender is aromatherapy. Every evening as I prepare for bed, I light a lavender scented soy candle. The aroma has sedative effects. It calms and relaxes me as I wind down and anticipate the land of nods. Lavender induces a deeper sleep. Using an aromatherapy diffuser is the best way to enjoy the therapeutic attributes of lavender. With a continuous disbursement of lavender scent, it improves your mood and supports brain function throughout the day. If you want to harken back to the 1960s, you can also put lavender sachets in your closet and dresser drawers. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh.
The next time you smell the sweet aroma of lavender, let it take you to your happy place. Let it make you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Then exhale… and dwell in your bliss. Faites de beaux rêves (Sweet dreams)!