Imagine walking through a verdant herb garden, where spikes of lavender sway in the breeze, releasing wisps of sweet, balsamic floral fragrance.

In a word, heaven.

The herb, featured by name in our Lavender collection, as well as in Olive Leaf, shines bright in aromatherapy. For centuries, lavender has been prized for its documented calming properties, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits and natural healing powers. A soothing and potent disinfectant, it was used to cleanse hospitals and patients during World War I.

But lavender’s story goes much farther back. First used in perfumery and mummification rituals by the ancient Egyptians, lavender later scented the baths of Greeks and Romans; indeed, its name is derived from the Latin word “lavo,” meaning “to wash.”

“Lavender” is derived from the Latin word “lavo,” meaning “to wash.”

Distilled by steaming the flower's bud, the essential oil of lavender is remarkably gentle, allowing its balancing, relaxing and healing benefits to find their way into a broad range of personal care and cleansing items. In bath and body care products, lavender oil helps control the production of sebum while stimulating circulation in the skin. In fragrance, lavender clears the mind, quells the senses while increasing mental acuity. Many people breathe its pure, clear aroma to prepare their minds for a good night of sleep.

Bugs stand alone for their dislike of lavender. Bunches of lavender are said to repel insects, and a lavender infusion helps heal bug bites and burns. That said, bees find lavender as intoxicating as humans do. They drift among the fragrant buds, helping themselves to the herb's abundant nectar. A taste of lavender honey is a rare treat.

You can experience the calming, clarifying fragrance of lavender for yourself in Thymes Lavender, and Olive Leaf.