Following on from last week’s post, we’re continuing our lavender deep dive. Read on to find out more about why we love this herb so much, and how it's evolved through time to become a trusted remedy and a staple in modern aromatherapy.
Medicinal uses of Lavender
We’ve known about the medicinal uses of lavender ever since the Romans introduced it to Britain. They were great believers in its power to heal a range of ailments, from headaches to digestive issues. They swore by it to ward off infections too -not to mention they loved the fragrance! They used it to scent baths - much like we still do today.
By the Middle Ages, lavender bushes were a common site in many British gardens, and we were using it to treat wounds, burns, insect bites and stings. Back then, it was thought that a sprig of lavender worn about your person could perform nothing short of a miracle. Believers insisted it could not only fight off the plague but prevent evil spirits from entering our realm whilst we slept!
And this belief in the protective power of lavender carried on into the Victorian era too, where many used it to cleanse the air of sickrooms and to keep dark forces at bay.
Is lavender used in contemporary medicine too?
So, do we still use lavender medicinally today? Well, yes actually - and we have more scientific research to back up the claims too. When used in aromatherapy, lavender essential oil is known to reduce anxiety and stress, and its calming effects have been shown to improve sleep too. This study carried out in 2022 found that lavender essential oil could indeed have many medical benefits, and could be of particular benefit in dentistry.
Lavender is also widely used to treat minor burns, cuts and skin irritations, plus in massage therapy it’s known to promote relaxation and rescue muscle tension too. And if that wasn’t enough, we’re also using lavender in vapour therapy to treat respiratory issues such as colds and coughs.
Lavender in aromatherapy
As British society transitioned into the Early Modern period, the use of lavender started to expand beyond medicinal use. The Romans already knew how great lavender's aroma truly was - and so it was inevitable that it was to become a popular choice for perfumes and scented oils. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it was used to mask unpleasant odours and as a form of very early aromatherapy.
The English upper class favoured the scent too, using lavender water as perfume and sprinkling it on linen and clothes to keep them smelling sweet and fresh. During the Victorian era, lavender became a symbol of cleanliness and purity, with sachets and potpourri being used to scent drawers and cupboards, and lavender oil to polish furniture and floors.
At this time too lavender bath salts were popular, as more came to realise the soothing and calming properties. It was at this time that lavender developed a reputation as a remedy for headaches and insomnia, which is still upheld today.
Lavender in contemporary aromatherapy
Lavender is still a really popular and versatile essential oil, used not only widely in cleaning products, soaps and perfumes but in aromatherapy too. It’s our go-to for relaxation and stress relief. It’s the scent of our spa days. It’s the aroma we look for in candles, bubble bath, lotions and other natural remedies for soothing the body and mind. In fact, it’s the versatility of lavender essential oil that makes our Organic Pure Lavender Soap bar so popular today. These days, we’re even using it to flavour tea, syrups, desserts and drinks. You could say our love affair with lavender truly knows no bounds!
The bottom line on Lavender’s enduring legacy in Britain
We don’t foresee us falling out of love with lavender any time soon! Its lasting legacy is truly a testament to not only its versatility but its enduring appeal too. From early uses as a medicinal herb in Roman Britain to its role in aromatherapy today, lavender remains a beloved and trusted remedy for many.
And for us here at Little Soap, there’s no question that our Organic Pure Lavender Soap Bar is a firm favourite. Way more than just a soap bar, don’t you think?!