Ingredient Spotlight: Lavender

Welcome to Smallflower’s Ingredients Spotlight series! Here, we walk you through the benefits and characteristics of popular ingredients you’re probably seeing pop up in the products you shop for and use. Today our focus is on Lavender.

Fast Facts

When you think of Lavender, do you picture beautiful purple fields in the south of France? Or does its peaceful, earthy scent wafting on a warm breeze come to mind? Lavender is a hardy bloom that flourishes in the late spring and summer, resistant to both droughts and pesky critters like deer and rabbits. The most common species of lavender is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English Lavender. Despite the name, this species is native to the Mediterranean and came by the moniker because it grows the best in the temperate English climate. The plant has been known and cultivated in Europe since Roman times. It’s mostly grown commercially for the essential oils used in fragrance, but also has culinary and medicinal applications. There’s some debate as to where the name “lavender” came from. Some believe that it takes inspiration from the Latin “lavare” meaning to wash, since the plant has traditionally been used to fragrance laundry products. Others think that it comes from the Latin word “livere” meaning “bluish,” a nod to the bright hue of the flowers.

Benefits of Lavender

Anti-Fungal

Some preliminary evidence has suggested that lavender may be beneficial in fighting fungal infection. One study using the essential oil of Portuguese Lavandula viridis showed that it could prevent the growth and even kill some pathogenic fungi.

Aromatherapy

Whether used in a bath, massage, or dropped in a diffuser, essential oil of lavender is one of the most popular used in aromatherapy. It's said to assist with calming and soothing a worrying or stressed mind. It is also commonly used to treat sore or tired muscles.

Anti-Anxiety

Some studies have drawn a link between lavender extracts and soothing symptoms of anxiety disorders and related conditions. Some participants even found that the results were comparable to well-known anti-anxiety medication.

Smallflower Picks

Lavender Feather-Light Hydration Body Oil

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] Lavender oils joins certified organic olive, jojoba, and sweet almond oils to nourish your skin, leaving it soft, soothed, and smelling sweet. by ODE | $35 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

Centuries Lavender Eau de Toilette

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] For hundreds of years, Caswell-Massey has been importing lavender distillations and has developed a nose for the perfect floral scent. This eau de toilette perfectly captures the essence of the plant, taking you right back to the garden. by Caswell-Massey | $75 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

Lavender Facial Tonic HydroSoul

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] evanhealy painstakingly creates their HydroSouls in special copper alembic distillation devices, using only the freshest plant ingredients. The result? A refreshing spray packed with the botanical powers of lavender. by evanhealy | $26.50 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

Lavender Home Candle

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] If you'd like to fill your home with the soothing scent of lavender, look no farther than this fine-burning candle. It's hand-poured with the finest of lavender oils, guaranteeing a long-lasting and authentic scent. by Archipelago Botanicals | $33 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]

Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Wash

[GDC_row] [GDC_column size="half"] If you're looking to calm down during your nighttime shower, this body wash from biodynamic brand Dr. Hauschka contains lavender and sandalwood essential oils for pure peace of mind. by Dr. Hauschka Skin Care | $19 | Shop Now → [/GDC_column] [GDC_column size="half"] [/GDC_column] [/GDC_row]