Guest article written by Julie Dee Suman
Lavender’s seductive and medical powers transcend time. Cleopatra used lavender oils
to charm Mark Antony. Naturalists from ancient Greece believed that lavender’s aroma
exhibited healing powers. Traditional Oriental medicine referred to lavender as the
“broom of the brain.” Castles and infirmaries scattered lavender on the floor as a
disinfectant. Doctors applied lavender oil to wounds during World War II. Today, lavender
supports all aspects related to the body and mind.
The Fragrant Herb
Lavender, with its fragrant blue-violet blooms, belongs to the herb family. The plant
originated in the Mediterranean Sea, spreading from southern Europe through northern
and eastern Africa, and the Middle Eastern countries. The first European settlers,
possibly the Shakers, brought lavender to the United States.
Over 45 species of lavender exist and are grown for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal
purposes. Lavender oils contain hundreds of compounds associated with health
benefits, including linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, camphor, coumarins, tannins, and
flavonoids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies consumable lavender
products as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Health Benefits of Lavender
According to the Cleveland Clinic, lavender supports sleep, reduces pain and
inflammation, improves mood, and acts as an antiseptic. Anecdotal uses, such as
headache relief, have also been reported. However, scientific and clinical evidence
suggest that lavender contains pharmacological benefits.
Lavender’s application in promoting sleep has been studied in young and middle-aged
adults, menopausal and postmenopausal women, pregnant and postpartum women,
cancer patients, and geriatric populations (Luo 2022). The most common application of
sleep hygiene is the use of aromatherapy and massage with lavender-scented products.
Many report the relaxing effects of lavender. In fact, scientific studies indicate that
lavender is effective in treating sleep disorders across a wide range of people.
Relaxation with lavender also extends to stress relief. Lavender acts on the limbic
system, which regulates behavioral and emotional responses. A systematic review of 21
articles with treatment and control groups determined that lavender significantly reduced
stress levels in individuals (Ghavami 2022). Researchers also determined that lavender is useful as part of a stress management program.
Lavender Production
Lavender oil is produced through steam distillation, where water containing the flower
buds is heated to its boiling point. The resultant steam is collected, cooled, and
condensed back to a liquid that contains oil and water. The essential oils are then
separated from the water phase.
Commercial distillation may use steel containers to extract oils. However, copper
distillation prevents impurities in the finished product. Copper removes unwanted
elements during processing. If you think a lavender-scented product smells bad, it was
likely made using a stainless steel process.
The water phase from the distillation results in hydrosols, which are lavender-infused
water. Hydrosols are less concentrated than lavender oils, making them suitable for
dermal applications or as a flavoring agent. Hydrosols are a growing form of lavender
application. Star Bright Farm in Maryland offers a dedicated line of hydrosol products
for skin care.
Types of Lavender Products
Lavender is available as an essential oil, extract, or hydrosol. The oils and extracts are
highly concentrated and may require dilution before use. The oils are used for
aromatherapy, as well as in bath products, candles, and lotions. You can also find dried
lavender for culinary and medicinal purposes in the form of lavender buds, sugars, and
teas.
Consider Local Lavender Growers
Lavender farms are a great way to sample a variety of lavender-based products. You’ll
also understand if the grower uses artisanal processes with copper stills. For example,
Brittingham Farms in Delaware utilizes custom-made copper stills for optimal lavender
distillation. Check out the United States Lavender Growers Association to find a farm
near you.
To learn more about Julie Dee Suman, Travel Writer and Photographer, follow her travels on Instagram @seebyjuliedee.
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