Lavender: Beauty & Brains
Apr 02, 2025 04:39AM ● By Jerome Bilaos
By Adrienne Crombie
Beyond her reputation for a gorgeous abundance of purple blooms that announce the high season in June, lavender is also known, less glamorously, as a workhorse and an herbal Jack of All Trades. That’s because the chemical compounds found in lavender have a remedial effect on body and mind and can be used for various remedies as well as household applications.
Linalool, for example, is a fragrant compound that gives lavender her floral scent and is a major component of lavender essential oil. Linalool has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress and may be used as an alternative to some anxiety medications. Linalool also has analgesic properties and may help relieve pain by blocking certain ion channels in sensory neurons. Some research suggests that linalool-rich lavender may also be beneficial for the immune system.
Fun fact: Linalool actually disrupts mosquitoes’ sense of smell. When you plant lavender in borders, walkways or near outdoor seating areas not only will you enjoy her beauty, she will be a very effective insect repellent. Be sure to invite her to your next picnic!
Linalyl acetate is another key compound found in lavender and is known for its floral scent and sedative effects. Additionally, there are compounds in lavender attributed with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that have potential benefits for respiratory health.
Lavender is understandably a staple in any herbalist’s apothecary. You don’t need to be a certified herbalist to enjoy lavender’s benefits, though. You can gift yourself a spa aromatherapy session at home. Just add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or a cotton ball and inhale. You can spray diluted lavender oil on bedding, pillows or in the air to promote relaxation and sleep. Just add a few drops to your next hot bath for a relaxing and moisturizing soak. When applying directly to the skin be sure to always dilute lavender essential oil in a carrier oil, such as almond or grapeseed oil. The topical blend can then be used as relief for sore muscles and joints, and it can also be used to soothe insect bites, burns and sunburns. Lavender has been used since Roman times as a cleanser. Its antimicrobial properties and floral scent work wonders in homemade cleaning solutions and in sachets to keep clothes fresh and moth-free.
Be sure to avail yourself of all the superpowers of lavender this summer. If you are growing it at home, it is best to harvest the beautiful flowers before they turn brown to get the best quality and highest oil capacity. The flowers, when dried, will maintain their scent and their health-giving properties well into the winter.
Adrienne Crombie and Don Dalen are owners of Mad Lavender Farm at 452 CR 579 in Milford. For more information contact 908-310-5973, [email protected] and visit MadLavenderFarm.com. See ad, page 31.
