Everything You Need to Know About Lavender

Lavender, with its calming scent and beautiful purple blooms, has been a stalwart of the health and beauty industry for as long as there has been an industry for it to be a part of. This versatile herb boasts a rich history, diverse uses, and many well-documented potential health benefits.

"The Lavender soap has a delightful lavender scent. I find the lavender fragrance is very relaxing. As with all the Goat Milk Stuff products I’ve bought, they leave my skin soft and no more dry skin." - Debra L.

What is the history of Lavender?

The use of lavender dates back over 2,500 years, with its origins traced to the Mediterranean and North African region.

The Egyptians revered lavender for its fragrant properties, using it to create perfumes and scents that would take the odorous smells away from mummification with traces of it even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

The Romans were drawn to lavender for its antiseptic qualities as well as its culinary potential. They also used it for washing clothes and other general washing needs.

Since these ancient times, the use of lavender has only increased. Today, it is estimated that nearly 500 tons of lavender essential oil are being manufactured each year.

What are the potential health benefits of lavender?

Lavender has earned recognition for its array of possible health benefits, and there has been a substantial amount of research carried out in how we may benefit from the natural properties of lavender. Some of the main benefits are:

Relaxation & Stress Reduction: Lavender’s calming aroma is known to promote relaxation and alleviate stress symptoms. Using lavender essential oil in baths or diffusers may help ease anxiety and promote better sleep.
Wound Healing: Lavender oil is known to have great antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which may aid both in healing wounds and reducing the swelling and tenderness around them.
Pain Relief: Topical application of lavender oil is believed to offer pain relief. While the natural properties of lavender are no match for more conventional painkillers, research has indicated that it may aid in the alleviation of mild headaches and muscle tension.

"I love the relaxing & soothing scent of the lavender with the refreshing scent of peppermint. The Lavender Peppermint soap is wonderful for my skin & this is my new favorite!" - Teresa H.

Why does Lavender smell so good?

The delightful scent of lavender is attributed to a complex mix of natural essential oils that exist in its flowers and leaves. The most prominent of these oils is linalool, which is a compound known for its floral and calming aroma. Other essential oils such as terpenes and esters are key to the recognizable fragrance too.

What are the 8 main uses of Lavender?

Lavender’s versatility has been stretched more and more as research has increased and consumerism has expanded. It is used across a multitude of industries and products, and in a host of different formats. Eight of the main uses of lavender are:

Essential Oils: Used in aromatherapy for relaxation products and to help with stress relief and sleep promotion; Lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils. It is important to understand the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils as they’re very different.

"I use it (Lavender Goat Milk Bath) as a foot bath and it is soothing and relaxing." - Nancy B.

Dried Flowers: Sachets filled with dried lavender add fragrance to cupboards and wardrobes, while also repelling moths among other insects.
Culinary Applications: The subtle floral notes of lavender are sometimes added into baked goods, and infused into jams and even some savory dishes.
Soaps & Cosmetics: Lavender oil is incorporated into soaps, lotions and bath products for its fragrance and skin soothing properties.

"The Lavender Lotion stick smells wonderful! I use it before bed because it is relaxing and calming." - David M.

Cleaning Agent: The natural antiseptic properties of lavender make it a gentle and fragrant cleaning agent for household surfaces.
Insect Repellent: The scent of lavender is a natural yet pleasant alternative to harsh chemical repellents.
Potpourri: Dried lavender flowers add a beautiful touch and a calming scent to potpourri bowls.
Gardening: It sounds obvious, but lavender is used in its most natural and original format as a plant. The lavender plant is a great attraction to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which makes the plant a wonderful addition to gardens across the world.

Is Lavender good for the skin?

Lavender oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may be beneficial for certain skin conditions. It can help soothe mild skin irritations such as sunburn or insect bites. However, it is essential to dilute lavender oil properly before applying it to the skin or it could irritate your skin and cause oil imbalances.

"Loving the Lavender Goat Milk Soap. Rich, creamy lather, amazing scent, and my 13 yr old granddaughter loves it too. It has cleared up her breakouts, an added bonus!!" - Kellie C.

Does Lavender work in Goat Milk Soap?

With goat milk known for its moisturizing and nourishing qualities, the incorporation of lavender is a match made in heaven. Regardless of whether it is dried lavender or lavender oil, it works perfectly with soap. What's more, lavender works great with other goat milk products too. We’ve included it in not just our bar soaps but also our lotions, deodorants and milk baths.