Lavender Facts
Lavender Facts
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| Interesting Lavender Facts: |
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| Lavender grows in the form of small shrub that can reach 3 feet in height. |
| Lavender develops simple, pinnate or multiple pinnate leaves, depending on the species. Leaves can be grey or green colored. They are often covered with fine hairs. |
| Lavender produces blue, violet or lilac flowers. They are arranged circularly (grow in whorls) on top of the floral stalks. Each plant produces 1 to 8 bunches of flowers. |
| Fruit of lavender is 4-nutlets. They have smooth texture and ovoid or oblong shape. |
| Lavender propagates via root or stem division. |
| Name "lavender" originates from Latin verb "lavare", which means "to wash". Lavender was important part of bathing rituals in the ancient Rome because of its disinfect and antiseptic properties. |
| Essential oils extracted from the flowers of lavender are massively used in the industry of perfumes and cosmetics. Lavender scent produces calming effect, while essential oils soothe skin. Thanks to these effects, lavender is often used in the production of lotions, soaps, shampoos and skin care products. |
| Essential oils of lavender are often used in aromatherapy because they produce relaxing effect in most people. Unlike humans, pests such as mice, flies, mosquitoes and moths cannot stand smell of lavender. Many people keep bunches of lavender in their homes to repel unwanted animals. |
| Lavender has antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and anti-depressant properties. It is used in treatment of headache, insect bites, burns, acne, muscle and joint ache and insomnia in the folk medicine. |
| Lavender is used in human diet as an ingredient of various sweet (cakes, chocolates...) and salty meals (it is often combined with cheese). It can be also consumed in the form or tea or honey (made of nectar from lavender flowers). |
| Lavender can be used as natural "insecticide". When planted near the roses, lavender keeps aphids on a safe distance. |
| Ancient Egyptians were using lavender during the process of mummification. |
| Europeans were wearing bracelets made of lavender to protect themselves against plague and other dangerous diseases in the 13th century. |
| Lavender was used in art during the period of Renaissance. Painters (including famous Rubens) were using lavender to improve quality of colors on the paintings. |
| Lavender can grow as annual (life span: one year) or short-lived perennial (life span: over two years) plant, depending on the species. |
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