Lavender

Lavender is an herb with an ancient past. The word itself is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning “to wash,” due to the fact that the Romans used it in their public baths. The lavender family includes about 30 species and countless varieties. It belongs, in turn, to the Labiate family, all of which are aromatics and include mint, sage, and thyme. Lavender came to England and France from Rome; in both countries, it became a common garden plant during the Middle Ages. At different times throughout history, lavender was used by monks as a medicine, sold in the streets as a plague remedy, used as a charm against evil, and considered both an aphrodisiac and an aid to chastity. Today its antiseptic properties and calming qualities are scientifically accepted. The Provence region of France produces the largest amount of lavender.