by Sharon Falsetto

Created on: July 25, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2009

The Healing Benefits of Lavender

True Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is known for a number of healing benefits and is familiar to almost everyone. It is one of the most versatile plants in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy. In addition to true lavender, there are also a number of varieties of lavender and hybrids which also have a number of healing benefits.

Historical Use of Lavender

Lavender derives its name from the Latin lavare', meaning to wash', so it is no surprise that the Romans were avid users of Lavender in their bathing habits. Lavender has historically been used for centuries and although some plants have seen a rise and fall to and from common use, Lavender has been a perpetual favorite. It could be due to its versatility to be both calming and uplifting in different circumstances.

Lavender was a key player in the re-discovery' of aromatherapy in the early twentieth century when Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist studying the effects of essential oils, severely burned his hand in one of his experiments and, by accident, plunged his hand into the nearest container to cool it, not realising it was, in fact, a vat of lavender. The reduction in his feared burn scars demonstrated to him the therapeutic properties which lavender had.

The ancient Greeks used lavender to treat throat infections and to ease constipation. It was also known as an ancient folk remedy and was said to comfort the stomach and the soul.' European herbalists used lavender water in the treatment of head lice. It has been a constant part of herb gardens since the Middle Ages.

Varieties of Lavender for Healing Benefits

True lavender (lavandula angustifolia) only grows at high altitudes above 2,000 ft and has the most fragrant lavender' scent. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has small purplish-blue flowers.

Spike Lavender (lavandula latifolia) has grey-blue flowers and grows at lower altitudes than true Lavender. It has many similar healing benefits as true lavender. For aromatherapy purposes, the plant is mainly grown in France and Spain.

Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) is a relatively new invention'. It is basically a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender and is to be found growing at lower altitudes than true lavender. It is, in fact, this plant which many people see when visiting the Provence region of France, and not true Lavender, which is growing at a lot higher altitude. It is a favorite in the perfume industry, as oppose to true lavender, due to

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