Stop and Smell the Lavender: History, Healing, and Heavenly Scents
Ah, lavender. Just the name alone might make you picture fields of soft purple flowers swaying in the breeze or the soothing scent of a spa treatment. However, there’s more to this fragrant herb than just its attractive appearance and calming aroma. From ancient civilizations to modern medicine cabinets, lavender has played a starring role in history, health, and everyday life. So sit back, grab a cup of lavender tea, and enjoy this fragrant journey!
A Brief Stroll Through Lavender’s History
Lavender’s story starts way, way back—like, ancient Egypt. Egyptians used lavender in mummification. Later, the Greeks and Romans adopted its use, recognizing its healing and antiseptic qualities, its usefulness in deterring insects, and its effectiveness in washing. Therefore, they incorporated lavender into their baths, beds, and even their wine. In fact, the word “lavender” comes from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash.”
Fast-forward to medieval England and lavender was introduced to domestic gardens. Women used lavender for many things. It was often planted near the laundry room, and linens and clothing were laid over the plants to dry, absorbing the fresh scent of lavender. By the time Queen Elizabeth I ruled England, lavender had become fashionable, functional, and essential for alleviating headaches and migraines1.
Health Benefits That Make Scents
Lavender isn’t just a pretty face with a pleasant perfume—it’s a natural health helper backed by both ancient wisdom and modern science. Here are some of its most talked-about benefits:
Stress Buster: Lavender is famous for its calming effects. It can communicate with the limbic system in the brain, causing the release of endorphins and serotonin, which create a sense of relaxation and well-being2,3. Perfect after a long day or before a nerve-wracking meeting.
Sleep Savior: Can’t sleep? Lavender to the rescue! It has been shown that aromatherapy with lavender can improve sleep quality2,4. A few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in a diffuser will help you drift off into a restful sleep.
Pain Reliever: Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) properties. Inhalation aromatherapy with lavender oil resulted in lower respiratory rates, heart rates, and blood pressures, likely due to its ability to reduce pain levels2,5. Massage it into sore muscles or temples for tension headaches.
Skin Soother: Thanks to its antimicrobial and healing abilities, lavender is often used in balms and salves to treat cuts, burns, acne, and bug bites. Lavender may also help alleviate skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis2.
Practical (and Delightful) Everyday Uses
So, how do you bring more lavender into your life without turning your house into a medieval apothecary? Glad you asked.
In the Bath: Add a few drops of lavender oil or a handful of dried lavender to your bath for instant relaxation.
In the Air: Use a diffuser or make a simple room spray with lavender oil and water. Your home will smell heavenly, and your mood will thank you.
In the Closet: Toss dried lavender sachets into drawers or closets to keep clothes smelling fresh and repel moths, as they dislike the scent of floral freshness.
In the Kitchen: Yes, you can eat it! Culinary lavender adds a unique floral note to baked goods, teas, and even lemonade. Just make sure it’s labeled “culinary grade,” or use essential oil.
In the Laundry: Instead of using detergents and dryer sheets that are full of chemicals, try a different option to make your laundry smell fresh, clean, or floral. Use wool dryer balls sprinkled with a couple drops of lavender essential oil. Your clothes, bedding, and towels will have a natural, fresh, and floral scent.
In Your Yard/Garden: Plant lavender in a location that receives full sun, or at least six hours of direct sunlight, in well-draining soil. If cared for correctly, lavender comes back every year, as it is a perennial plant. Bees love lavender, so planting some in your garden not only adds beauty but also supports local pollinators6. Buzz-worthy, don’t you think?
Lavender: Your Scent-sational Sidekick
Whether you’re steeping it in tea, diffusing it in your living room, or blending it into your laundry routine, lavender is as versatile as it is lovely. It’s been around for centuries, and there’s a reason it’s still a favorite today—it works, it smells divine, and it makes life just a little bit more beautiful.
So the next time you need a breather, a good night’s sleep, or a reason to slow down and smell the flowers, remember: lavender’s got your back.
1.) History of lavender. CACHE CREEK LAVENDER. (n.d.). https://www.cachecreeklavender.com/history-of-lavender.html
2.) Macdonald, M. (2023, July 12). Lavender in history and its therapeutic use. BodyBest. https://bodybest.com/blogs/article/therapists-lavender?srsltid=AfmBOor9Wp-NvG7Lt-Lwhfj_0xW2NghQNgyPrcRmkvnoQeAL6CwFWwo8
3.) Ghavami, T., Kazeminia, M., & Rajati, F. (2022). The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 68, 102832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102832
4.) Davari H, Ebrahimian A, Rezayei S, Tourdeh M. Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality and Physiological Indicators in Patients after CABG Surgery: A Clinical Trial Study. Indian J Crit Care Med. 2021 Apr;25(4):429-434. doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23785. PMID: 34168398; PMCID: PMC8138632.
5.) Ardahan Akgül, E., Karakul, A., Altın, A., Doğan, P., Hoşgör, M., & Oral, A. (2021). Effectiveness of lavender inhalation aromatherapy on pain level and vital signs in children with Burns: A randomized controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 60, 102758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102758
6.) Boeckmann, C. (2025, April 24). How to grow lavender: The Complete Gardener’s Guide. Almanac.com. https://www.almanac.com/plant/lavender
