All About Lavender: History, Uses, and Varieties

Overview

Sweet-smelling lavender (Lavandula) belongs to the mint family (Labiatae). 39 species range from annual herbs to woody perennials and small shrubs. Flower colors: blue, lavender, pink, purple, white.

Origin

Native to Mediterranean, North Africa, India. Cultivated millennia, now worldwide. Species cross-pollinate easily, creating countless variations. Many grow wild, spread by wind/animals.

Medicinal Uses

Lavender oil: antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antidepressant. Internal: 1–3 drops on sugar cube (risk nausea). Tea is safer. Aromatherapy for stress. Topical: headache relief (temple drop), bath soak, muscle/arthritis massage, cuts, stings, rashes, cold sores, canker sores, blisters.

Other Uses

Perfume, candles, soaps. Dried buds in potpourri, moth repellent, sachets, wedding confetti. Bees love nectar—gourmet honey results.

Commercial Growing

Major farms in England, France (perfume industry, export). France also uses in cuisine. Lavendin hybrid favored: taller, larger flowers, machine-harvestable. Oil only in flowers—larger blooms = more oil.

Home Garden

Common lavender (L. angustifolia, formerly L. officinalis) is top garden choice. Heavily scented, highest-quality oil. Medium height, slow spread. Grow from seed, transplants, or rooted cuttings.