Note from the editor - It's springtime at our locale in North America. New growth is beginning to appear on the lavender plants and we are looking forward to a busy and productive summer. We are always learning something new about lavender and do our best to share it with you at what-about-lavender.com. Is there something you would like to know but haven't found it on the website? Is there something you discovered that you would like to share with others? Send us an email at lavender_essentials@what-about-lavender.com and we'll share in a future newsletter. We hope you enjoy what we have for you this month. - Jimmie

Lavender Tip of the Month Most varieties of lavender are very hardy and require little care. Depending on the soil conditions, lavender will usually do just fine without fertilizing. But if you want to give your plants a boost, fertilize in the spring as new growth begins to appear. Use a slow release fertilizer such as organic bone meal or fish emulsion. This will help increase the new growth and bloom production. Repeat again in late summer to keep the plant strong as it enters the cool season when it begins to grow more slowly and eventually goes dormant for the winter.

Feature Article

The History of Lavender

Many people that are just now discovering the healing wonders of lavender don't realize that the history of lavender goes back many thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians and Romans, through the Middle Ages and all the way to modern aromatherapy, the essential oil of lavender has proven to be a versatile and powerful healer.

Legends of lavender history claim that Adam and Eve brought lavender with them from the Garden of Eden. Another Biblical connection is the anointing of Jesus with an expensive perfume that some claim to have been lavender oil. While the veracity of this reference is unknown, there is archeological evidence that the ancient Egyptians used lavender in their mummification process.

Recorded history tells us that lavender was used extensively by the ancient Romans. This is not surprising given that lavender grows wild in many Mediterranean countries, and the word "lavender" is said to have originated from the Latin word "lavere" meaning "to wash". Women dried their clothes by laying them on lavender plants after washing. Lavender oil was added to the famous public baths in Rome, and was carried by Roman soldiers to treat wounds received in battle.

During the Great Plague of London in the 1600's it is reported that thieves were caught pilfering the belongings of plague victims. When interrogated about how they avoided catching the disease, the criminals confessed that they washed themselves after their "work" with a lavender concoction that became known as "Four Thieves Vinegar". Though they may not have understood it at the time, the antibacterial properties of the lavender essential oil certainly helped prevent the infection.

In the early 20th century a French perfumer named René-Maurice Gattefossé was working in his laboratory and experienced a serious burn. He treated it with the substance nearest at hand - lavender oil. Gattefosse noticed that the wound healed much more quickly and with less scarring than would be expected without the treatment. This led him to research aromatic oils and their healing properties. He published a book on his findings - Aromathérapie: Les Huiles Essentielles Hormones Végétales in 1937. The book was later translated into English, bringing us the term "Aromatherapy". Lavender played a major role in leading to this area of scientific research.

Today lavender essential oil is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy. The variety of uses for this sweet smelling substance is truly amazing. From treating insomnia and headaches to its use in first aid for burns and cuts, lavender essential oil should be a basic requirement in every household medicine cabinet. Combining lavender with other essential oils in aromatherapy recipes can create even more beneficial effects.

While it is not the sole subject of many books, the history of lavender is written in the daily lives of individuals through the centuries, who have come to know and love its powerful properties and its pleasing aroma. It continues to be written by those of us who appreciate the positive impact of such a simple yet powerful natural healing agent.

Lavender Fun Facts - Lavender is great for cooking. It can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, beverages, or even desserts.

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