Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most loved herbs in the world—and for good reason. Its clean, floral aroma is instantly recognizable, and its traditional use for calming the mind and comforting the body has made it a staple in herbalism for centuries.
Whether used in a sachet, steeped as tea, or infused into oil, lavender brings a gentle sense of balance and ease.
Lavender has been traditionally used to:
Create a calming environment during times of stress
Support rest and relaxation at the end of the day
Freshen the air and repel unwanted pests
Comfort the skin after sun exposure or occasional irritation
Add a floral, aromatic touch to teas, baths, and body care
From ancient apothecaries to modern herbal routines, lavender continues to be a beloved botanical for both emotional and physical support.
Lavender has a long history in European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern herbal traditions. The Romans used it to scent baths and bedsheets. Medieval herbalists valued it for “lifting the spirits,” and Victorian households relied on it for everything from freshening linens to settling frayed nerves.
In traditional folk medicine, lavender was included in herbal blends to comfort the body and ease occasional tension. It was often combined with other calming herbs like chamomile or lemon balm, and also featured in aromatic oils and balms for use on the temples or chest.
Lavender’s scent became a symbol of cleanliness, rest, and protection—and many of these associations are still with us today.
Lavender is a woody perennial shrub with soft gray-green leaves and purple-blue flowers. It prefers dry, sunny conditions and grows especially well in the Mediterranean climate. There are many lavender species, but Lavandula angustifolia is the most commonly used for herbal support.
The flowers are harvested when in bloom and either used fresh or dried for teas, sachets, oils, or infused honey. Lavender essential oil is distilled from the flowers and used in everything from massage oil to laundry soap.
Lavender can be enjoyed in many forms:
As a tea (by itself or blended with other herbs)
In baths and steams for a relaxing soak
As an infused oil in body care
In sachets for drawers or pillows
In natural cleaning sprays and room fresheners
Its versatility makes it one of the easiest herbs to incorporate into everyday life.
Lavender is generally well tolerated. A small number of people may be sensitive to it, especially in concentrated essential oil form. Always dilute properly and patch test if you’re unsure. Internal use should be done under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, especially during pregnancy or when using essential oils.