Lavender is one of the most fragrant herbs in your garden and its benefits have been enjoyed for thousands of years. A member of the mint family, the versatile herb is used in the kitchen, medicinally and in essential oils and aromatherapy. Egyptians used lavender in their burial techniques and Romans used it to scent their public baths. The word lavender comes from the Latin verb ‘to wash.’ It is gentle enough for the littlest babies and is on the short list of essential oils that can be used directly on the skin.
There are over 45 species of lavender and over 400 varieties. With purples shades ranging from violet to indigo, there are also less common pink, yellow and white varieties. It’s an easy perennial to grow because it is generally free of pests and disease. Plants can last up to 15 years and can thrive in poor conditions in your garden. It can flower up to three times a year when cut back and is beautiful when dried, retaining its strong aroma.
Throughout history, this versatile herb has been used for calming and soothing nerves, relaxing muscles, relieving anxiety and depression. Lavender essential oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and deodorizing. It can be used to soothe aching muscles and joints, improve brain function, heal burns and wounds, restore skin complexion, treat bee stings, nausea, relieve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, soothe chapped or sunburned lips and help improve sleep.
It is also an all around useful herb to have in the garden and home. Its scent deters mice, flies and mosquitoes. You can create a bug repelling container garden near your home and deter pests the natural way by combining lavender, marigolds, rosemary, oregano, lemon balm, thai basil, citronella grass and lemon thyme in a planter that is both beautiful and beneficial. You can also clean your home by mixing 1 C vinegar, 50 drops tea tree oil and 25 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle for a natural, all-purpose disinfecting spray.
The Bee Charmer showcases this fragrant herb in our many gentle body care products including soap, lip balm, bath salts, shampoo, honey body wash and bee bar lotions. You can also relax with our fragrant lavender eye pillows.
Nectar from lavender plants are used to make high quality honey. The Bee Charmer creates aromatic lavender infused honey (available in both the large 12 oz and small 3oz sizes) by combining honey with fresh, locally sourced lavender and infusing it over low heat for thirty days. This honey is a great culinary treat that makes a delicious addition to vanilla cookies, shortbreads and jams. Sprinkle lavender buds on top of honey frosting for a unique dessert.
