History of Lavender Plant

Down the centuries throughout the history of lavender, the lavender plant has been a perennial favourite of the masses for numerous reasons.

The documented use of this wonder herb of more than 2500 years pays homage to the fact that this miracle plant has been grown in the flower garden and the kitchen garden alike, for its decorative and medicinal properties, not to mention other uses that fall outside these two broad categories.

The Egyptians utilised the lavender herb in the process of mummification and perfuming, as did the Phoenicians as well as the Arabs.

Geographically speaking, these are the lands surrounding the Mediterranean, which is originally the natural habitat of this multifaceted plant and where it grows wild. Hence, it is probable that this was the reason that the use of lavender was common amongst the people of this area in ancient times, during the earlier history of lavender.

Lavender was also used to scent water used for bathing by the Greeks and Romans and this is where the derivation of its name originated, etymologically speaking. The Latin word "lavo" means "to wash", hence the name lavender.

It is likely that the use of the lavender plant and its domestic cultivation was first initiated by the Arabs (outside their natural habitat), and thereby spread across Europe. This is the path that this herb took, as it was carried back by voyagers and conquerors to their own lands and must have entered France, Italy, Spain and England.

It was in the 1600s that the history of lavender took a further turn and the lavender herb first made an appearance on the continent of America.

Lavender was used widely for its medicinal purposes during World War I to bathe the wounds of soldiers with lavender washes.

During the great bubonic plague, glove makers would scent leather with lavender oil, as this was known to ward off the plague. This claim may well be true as the plague is transmitted by flies, and lavender is very effective as a repellent.

As is evident from the above, lavender has become a staple herb in the kitchens, medicine chests and apothecaries for thousands of years.

Due to its multidimensional uses, the lavender plant also became a valuable trade commodity commanding huge sums. In contemporary times, French distillers still pay exorbitant prices for certain varieties of lavender oil for their perfumery products.

More lavender facts and information are covered in the other related lavender articles.

Lavender Pages | History of Lavender Plant | Some Lavender Facts and Information | How to Grow Lavender Plants - Basic Growing Tips | How to Make Lavender Oil - a simple lavender oil recipe | Uses for Lavender - Culinary and Medicinal Uses | Lavender Herb - Health Benefits and Precautions

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