Lavender's delicate scent has been valued for centuries as a relaxant for the mind and body. The name comes from the Latin verb "lavare" meaning to wash--Romans used lavender to scent their baths. Fields of lavender are cultivated commercially in France, Spain, around the Mediterranean basin and in the United States. Although lavender flowers find their way occasionally into a tea or potpourri, most people encounter it as an essential oil extracted from lavender flowers through distillation.
Relaxation
The scent of lavender produces a response characterized as relaxation in most people. Aromatherapists say the smell of lavender triggers areas of the brain that control mood and facilitates calming. In an often-quoted study reported by Grupo Compostela Health University, researchers at Oldham College demonstrated that a drop of lavender placed on the pillows of elderly patients before bed made their sleep was more restful.
To experience the relaxing effects of lavender oil, add five to 10 drops to a warm bath, onto your pillow or use with carrier oil for massage. Lavender oil used in massage improves sleep quality and reduces anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that a recent study demonstrated people receiving a massage with lavender oil felt less anxious than those who received massage alone.
Because the scent of lavender is pleasing as well as relaxing, makers of candles, skin creams and household cleaners add the scent to their products.
Hair Loss
The National Institute of Health reports that preliminary research results indicate that lavender oil, combined with oils from other herbs, might help with a condition called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. The double-blind study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in Foresterhill, Scotland, involved 86 people over seven months who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils. The results were compared with a control group using only carrier oils. Those using the essential oils showed significantly more hair growth.
Scented Ink
Susan Wittig Albert in her book "China Bayles Book of Days" tells readers that in Victorian times, women often wrote letters using scented ink. Drops of distilled lavender oil or lavender water can be added to regular ink to compose scented letters suggesting affection and romance. Commercially prepared lavender oil scented ink are available online and at stationary stores.
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