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Lavender fields -

Stunning fields of lavender flourish all over the world, from South Africa to Japan.

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Provence, France - However, the most beautiful lavender fields can be found in the Provence region of France.

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Provence, France -

During the summer when the flowers are in bloom, the violet plains stretch for miles and miles, attracting visitors from all over the world.

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Ancient Rome -

Lavender was brought to France by the Ancient Romans 2,000 years ago.

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Cleansing -

The word for lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash."

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Cleansing -

Ancient Romans, Greeks, and Persians used lavender as part of their bathing customs.

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Ancient Egypt -

The belief that lavender cleansed the body and the mind came from Ancient Egyptian burial methods. Lavender oil was used in the mummification process.

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Love -

Lavender also became associated with love in this era. Cleopatra is said to have used lavender to seduce Mark Anthony and Julius Caesar.

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Evil -

It was believed that lavender warded off evil spirits. Throughout history, it was observed that those who used lavender didn't catch cholera or the plague.

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Antiseptic properties - We now know this was thanks to lavender's natural antimicrobial properties.

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Healing -

Lavender and lavender oil have been used as treatments for all kinds of mental and physical ailments since ancient times.

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Healing -

The Greek physician Dioscorides wrote that lavender could help with indigestion and headaches as well as clean wounds.

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Sleep -

King Charles VI of France insisted on having lavender in his pillows so he could get a good night's sleep.

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Calm -

This practice has continued, as lavender has been proven to have relaxing qualities. Smell receptors send messages to the brain that can affect mood and reduce anxiety.

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Calm -

Lavender is one of the few natural alternative medicines that the scientific community agree can treat anxiety.

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Dementia and cancer -

Thanks to its calming properties, lavender is said to help those going through cancer treatments or suffering from dementia.

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Dementia and cancer -

Inhaled lavender was proven to improve sleep for those with cancer or in intensive care.

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Skin conditions -

Lavender has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and wound-healing properties. This makes it particularly helpful for skin conditions.

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Skin conditions -

The oil has also been shown to help skin irritation from sunburn, eczema, diaper rash, and even acne.

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Pain relief - Some studies suggest that lavender can even be used to treat mild pain. It is effective in reducing the severity of menstrual cramps.

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Hair loss -

Essential oils have been shown to generate hair growth in some cases. A study was conducted on patients with alopecia and many saw positive effects.

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Using lavender -

There are many ways to use lavender. It can easily be incorporated into your routine so you can benefit from its calming effects regularly.

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Tincture -

A tincture can be created by soaking 5 grams (0.2 ounces) of dried lavender in 25 milliliters (one ounce) of 40% alcohol.

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Tinctures -

For a medicinal dose, take three teaspoons per day.

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Bath -

Add some lavender oil to your bath to help you wind down after a long day or to soothe bodily aches.

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Tea -

Try drinking a tea of dried lavender to relax and improve your mood.

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Pillow - Sprinkle a few drops of oil on your pillow for a good night's sleep.

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Cocktails -

If you're feeling creative, you can even make a lavender syrup to add to cocktails or Champagne!

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See also -

Lavender is one of the most beneficial natural remedies out there, but there are many more. Check out this list of the best home remedies for common ailments.

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