Lavender – From Roman Baths to Spa Gift Baskets

Throughout history, lavender has had many uses, from Roman baths and aromatherapy to medicinal uses.  Today, little has changed with the many uses of this sweet smelling fragrance.  The scent of lavender has long been considered the scent of relaxation and used as a stress reliever. 

Going back to Biblical times when Lavender is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the holy herbs in Solomon's Temple used to prepare the holy essence in the temple.  Known as spikenard, it is also mentioned in the New Testament as a costly ointment used to anoint Jesus feet.  

During ancient Roman times, lavender was used in Roman baths to scent the water and restore the skin. The Greeks burned the oils of lavender to release a relaxing fume.  Lavender was recognized by the Romans as a healing remedy as well as it antiseptic qualities.  Roman soldiers carried lavender with them to battle and were used to clean and dress the wounds of soldiers.  The Roman ladies also used lavender oils to perfume themselves, their baths, beds and the walls of their homes.

In the Dark Ages lavender was placed among the linens, sewn into sweet bags, used as an air freshener, and mixed with beeswax to make furniture polish.  Lavender is one of the oldest perfumes used in England.  Queen Elizabeth loved lavender so much that she encouraged the development of lavender farms. The wife of King Charles I used lavender to perfume soaps, in water for bathing, and as a potpourri, and King Charles VI of France had lavender sewn into his seat cushion.   

During Victorian times, lavender became known all over the world, however production nearly died out because of the pressures of increased land values.   Queen Victoria enjoyed the use of lavender and appointed Miss Sarah Sprules as "Purvey of Lavender Essence to the Queen."  Lavender became overused and lost popularity in the 20th century mostly because it was associated with "old ladies."

The Latin root word for lavender (lavare) means "to wash" may be the reason it has been added to many bath products such as soap, shampoo, and bubble bath products.  Today lavender is once again the scent of choice with many similar uses of ancient time being used today.  Scientific evidence suggests that the scent of lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation and lift moods.  Because of this information, many people are including this scent in custom gift baskets.

Once again the production of lavender scented soap, shampoo, bubble bath, and sea salt are typically found in spa gift baskets and make a unique bridal shower gift idea and are gaining in popularity as a stress reliever. In these modern times with our hectic lifestyles, lavender is still being used the same way it was during ancient Roman times.  Some things just never change, do they?