In researching information on lavender, it was interesting to learn that it descended from several species of the flowering plants of the mint family, primarily the most common being Lavandula Angustifolia.  Usually, the flowers are light purple similar to a light shade of lilac or pale violet.  The flowers are grown in gardens for the most part.  It is the buds that contain the essential oil that provides the scent and flavor of lavender.

The Lavender oil produced from this amazing flower, Lavandula Angustifolia offers a sweet, full-bodied, flowered perfume.  It is a clean essential oil that has many uses.  Based on some of what I read about, not all oils are created equal.  Essentially, Lavendin oil, also produced from the Lavender flower, is considered to be of lower quality because it does not have the same strength and cross-pollination ranking as that derived from the plant Lavandula Angustifolia.

The uses of lavender are plentiful.  It is beneficial in culinary foods, for medicinal purposes, as a topical balm/oil, and offers scented fragrance results in different areas of the home, as aromatherapy, in potpourris, candles and the list goes on…

In the culinary world, it lends a floral and slightly sweet flavor to dishes.  Some common uses include flavoring recipes w/herbes de Provence, adding lavender in goat and sheep milk cheeses, desserts, sauces, syrups, teas and the like.

It was interesting to read about the medicinal remedies of Lavender used since ancient times.  Lavender oil has been used as an antiseptic, for anti-inflammatory reasons, in the relief of headaches, to aid in rest and relaxation during bedtime and/or stressful situations, and helps in the healing of some skin wounds including insect bites.  Some applications include rubbing some of the lavender essential oil on the temples which is said to soothe and alleviate headaches.   It was also said that breathing in the aroma of the lavender can ease stress and anxiety and help lift depression.  It was also believed, that soaking in a bath that mixes lavender oil in it and or as a skin rub can also provide some assistance in circulatory and/or rheumatic ailments.

Of course, Lavender can also be a powerful allergen and could affect people in different ways, especially if allergy prone.   Like with anything that you are uncertain about, always check with your Doctor.

Massages, bath scented gels and salts always provide a calming affect for us.  As you can see, Lavender-scented products offer extra benefits.  Whether you are using Lavender for dried flowers, sachets, recipes, relaxation, enjoy the soothing affects it will produce for you.   No wonder Lavender is now so popular and broadly used.

Please refer to website for the array of lavender scented products as well as other scents that will allow you some "pamper me" time along with soothing and calming principles.  You will be happy you did...