Lavender (Lavandula) is a plant of the mint family that grows mainly in the Mediterranean region. In Europe, true lavender, or narrow-leaved lavender (L. angustifolia), is cultivated specifically for the production of essential oil.
This plant, so familiar to us, carries an ancient history and has been known to people for more than 2,500 years.
The name lavender comes from the Latin “lavare”, meaning “to wash”. People have found many different uses for lavender – for example, in Ancient Egypt it was used in the mummification process, and in Ancient Rome it was used to scent baths, bed linen, clothes and hair, but lavender’s practicality doesn’t end there. Lavender oil was widely used in kitchens, as well as in treating ailments related to skin care or respiratory problems. It is said that lavender was also used in the fight against the plague in the 17th century and brought luck to those who kept a bunch of lavender at home. In Spain and Portugal, lavender was considered so powerful that it protected people from evil spirits. As you can see, the stories about lavender found in historical records border slightly on a desperate wish to attribute magical powers to it, but that doesn’t mean the lavender plant and its oils don’t carry the healing power of nature. Today, too, lavender is highly valued and its properties are supported by many, many studies.
Lavender is very widely used in cosmetics and aromatherapy, as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries and elsewhere.
In cosmetics, this plant is used for several of its benefits:
– A unique and delicate scent. Lavender essential oil has stress- and anxiety-reducing properties. As scientific studies have shown*, it can reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. Lavender oil has a relaxing and calming effect, letting you enjoy your beauty rituals without rushing;
– Antibacterial and antifungal action, which helps with skin problems, for example in treating acne and eczema. Lavender oil also regulates the skin’s sebum production;**
– Cell-regenerating action which, thanks to the active ingredient linalool in the oil, promotes the healing of micro-cracks and wounds in the skin. That is why lavender oil is often used for small cuts, insect bites and sunburn.***
Longing for the carefree laziness of summer, SILMACHY has created something NEW – Lavender soap with organic, certified lavender oil. The creamy coconut and olive oil soap creates a gentle lather and has a pleasant, calming lavender scent. The purple colour comes from the root powder of dyer’s alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria L.), a plant found in the Mediterranean region.
Find the new Lavender soap here.
SILMACHY Lavender soap for hands and body with organic certified lavender essential oil from France.