Lavender has wafted its way around the world and through
the pages of recorded history. Like an amulet, the herb was
dangled to chase away demons, moths, and disease, and its
oil was prescribed for headaches, hysteria, and gas. When
Europe was ravaged by plagues, lavender was stuffed into the
beaks of bird-shaped masks to ward off the Black Death—a
disease that people thought was transmitted by scent.
Hidden within many myths are buds of truth, and so it
is with lavender. The clean, powerful scent of the herb did
indeed protect some from plagues as it fragranced the air,
but not because it banished the evil smell of disease. Science
has shown that those diseases were often carried by fleas
on rats, and the scent of lavender repelled both rodents and
biting insects. Thanks to modern science we also know that
lavender essential oil does indeed contain some disinfecting,
soothing, relaxing, and pain-relieving properties.
Lavender continues to scent our modern world, appearing
in culinary seasonings, household cleaners, and aromatherapy.
But with one significant change. Lavender’s resurgence is
now fueled by science instead of superstition, and by delight
instead of desperation.
Read on, and you’ll discover numerous practical ways you
can harness the calming and healing properties of lavender in
your garden, home, kitchen, body, mind, and life. This timeless
herb has truly earned its place in today’s society as a potent
and delectable ingredient for wellness.
Copyright © 2021 by Bonnie Louise Gillis. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
