Lavender, lavandula angustifolia Mill. is a shrub common to Mediterranean regions which enchants with its colour and its easily recognisable fragrance. Lavender is a medicinal plant, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its name comes from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash, which evokes the use of this fragrant plant and its purple flowers in ointments since ancient times.
Several appellations characterise lavender: "real", "officinal", "fine", or even "the blue gold of the region" when the greatest perfumers of Provence coveted it for its subtle fragrance.
Its floral and delicate scent is used both to perfume linen and interiors and for health care. The exceptional properties of lavender are based on its powerful active ingredients [1]. It indeed contains flavonoids, coumarin and herniarin, camphor, esters, monoterpene alcohols, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.
Officinal lavender, on the other hand, has a calming effect that is very appreciated to fight insomnia, irritability, headaches and depression. Linalool and terpineol, phytochemicals of the plant, play a role in the central nervous system, and help reduce anxiety and facilitate sleep. Lavender is often associated with other sedative plants for its relaxation benefits . Its bioactive principles also reduce digestive disorders.
First aid family remedy, in the form of a mild essential oil, lavender relieves sunburn and soothes inflammation caused by insect bites. Its organoleptic properties mean that it also acts as an antiseptic, antimicrobial agent or as an antibacterial treatment [2]. Its application also promotes healing of the epidermis and accelerates the healing of wounds and burns thanks to its antioxidant properties.
A wide variety of herbal teas and infusions are also marketed due to the craze for the calming properties of lavender. This Provencal-scented plant is the essential ingredient in your formulations with relaxation health claims. At Natural Origins, you will also find our lavender infusions with a floral aromatic profile designed to respond to the boom in natural alternatives that improve sleep and morale.
