All Things Lavender

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Sweet Lavender: A Gift Fit For Royalty

The fresh, clean aroma of lavender has enthralled humankind for thousands of years. The word lavender is derived from the Latin word "lavare" which means "to wash" or "to bathe", signifying this herbs delicate cleansing properties. Lavender has often been referred to as the "Queen of Herbs". Rightfully so considering that many royal dignitaries have developed a fondness for lavender's soothing properties throughout time...
 
French king Louis XIV bathed in lavender water, and Queen Elizabeth I of England commanded that lavender conserve be served at the royal table. She also decreed that fresh lavender flowers be made available every day of the year...a task sure to make a gardener weary, especially in England's climate.
It has been recorded that King Charles VI of France demanded lavender filled cushions wherever he went so that the lovely fragrance could lift his depression. (The king needed a little "cushy" for his "tushy"...Sorry, couldn't resist!)
Perhaps the greatest lavender lover of all times was Queen Victoria, who appointed someone solely to supply her with lavender products and oil. Queen Victoria also used lavender as a disinfectant.

If for nothing else, the sweet aroma of lavender will help transport you to the land of serenity... And hey, if lavender is good enough for the Royal Family, then it's good enough for me!

 Lavender in bloom at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, England

1 comment:

Cera said...

Thanks for your great article on using lavender for bathing. Beautiful picture too!