Lavender is a plant with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Its versatility and calming properties have made it a beloved herb across different cultures and eras. We love the historical references and uses we’ve found for lavender. This herb has some serious history, and we’re so grateful to be continuing the legacy of high-quality lavender cultivation. Lavender, an English countryside classic, is not native to England. This beloved herb originated in the coastal hills of the Mediterranean and was probably spread throughout Europe by the Romans. From its calming scent to its cleansing medicinal properties, it makes sense why this herb has been an important part of many different eras. Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of lavender from its ancient origins to its modern-day applications.

Ancient Beginnings of Lavender

Lavender, or Lavandula Angustifolia, has its roots in:

Ancient Egypt: Used for embalming and mummification. Egyptians valued lavender for its fragrance and preservation qualities.
Ancient Greece and Rome: Greeks used lavender to treat ailments like indigestion and headaches, while Romans adored it in their baths for its relaxing scent. The name “lavender” even comes from the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash” .
The Bible: There are references to lavender in the Bible, where it is referred to as "spikenard" and was used in perfumes and healing balms.

Medieval Uses for Lavender

During the Middle Ages, lavender became a staple in monastic gardens across Europe, prized for its:

Medicinal Properties: Used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and wounds.
Household Uses: Lavender was hung in homes to ward off insects and was often used to freshen linens. It was also considered an herb of love and was used as an aphrodisiac.
Religious Rituals: Incorporated into holy water for its purifying qualities.

Lavender was also associated with cleanliness, leading to its widespread use in soaps and perfumes .

The Renaissance Revival

In the Renaissance, lavender's popularity soared in England and France:

Queen Elizabeth I: She loved lavender and insisted that her residences be filled with its fragrance. Lavender became a symbol of English royalty.
Lavender Fields in France: Provence, France, became known for its vast lavender fields, which are still famous today for producing high-quality lavender oil .
Colonial America: Brought over by European settlers, lavender was quickly adopted in American households for its versatility.

Lavender in Modern Times

Today, lavender is more popular than ever. Here’s how it’s used:

Aromatherapy: Lavender oil is widely used to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Skincare: Lavender is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a key ingredient in skincare products.
Culinary: Culinary lavender is used to flavor dishes, desserts, and drinks, adding a sweet, floral note to recipes.

It’s a potent herb that has stood the test of time. From Queen Elizabeth I to Cleopatra, this herb has been cleansing the skin and calming the nervous systems of people for thousands of years. Here at Mesa Verde Lavender, we are continuing the lavender legacy by bringing you the highest quality lavender products around.

Key Benefits of Lavender

All of us in the Mesa Verde Lavender Family are committed to providing the highest-quality lavender products possible. From sustainable growing practices, accurate timing for hand-harvesting, to careful crafting of medicinal organic products without any crud in them - we care. A LOT.

When I (Katie) decided to start this lavender journey, I had fallen in love with the many different ways that lavender can be used.

Lavender is cherished for a variety of reasons:

Calming Effects: Lavender oil is used to ease stress and anxiety, making it popular in aromatherapy.
Skincare: Lavender hydrosol helps with acne, sunburns, and other skin irritations.
Culinary Uses: Lavender adds a unique flavor to teas, baked goods, and savory dishes.

From an early age, I’ve been a dedicated artist. I started with music and moved to illustrating books. All forms of art that take dedication, practice, time, and commitment to excellence. I’ve definitely taken on a new form of artistry, one that includes science and math (definitely wish I would have paid more attention to chemistry and statistics in high school). Crafting incredible boutique lavender products takes some serious dedication and knowledge. I craft with a stunning copper distillery from Portugal and continue to learn more about herbal medicine to bring you the best organic lavender products that REALLY work.

The Process of Making Lavender Products

At Mesa Verde Lavender Farm, the process of creating lavender products is rooted in sustainability and quality:

Harvesting: Our lavender is hand-harvested at the ideal time to capture peak oil content to ensure the highest quality essential oils.
Distillation: The harvested lavender is distilled to produce both essential oil and lavender hydrosol.
Product Creation: The oils and hydrosols are then used to create a range of products, from skincare to culinary items.

Mesa Verde Lavender Farm offers a variety of products that are not only high-quality but also made with a deep respect for nature.

Lavender's Role in Modern Medicine

Scientific research has supported many of the traditional uses of lavender:

Mental Health: Lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Pain Relief: Lavender oil can alleviate headaches and migraines.
Skin Healing: Lavender’s antibacterial properties make it effective in treating minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations .

Visiting a Lavender Farm

For those interested in experiencing lavender firsthand, visiting a lavender farm can be a delightful experience. Here’s why:

Scenic Beauty: Lavender fields are not only beautiful but also offer a peaceful retreat from everyday life.
Learning Experience: Visitors can learn about the process of growing and harvesting lavender, as well as the creation of lavender products.
Shopping: Most lavender farms offer a variety of products for sale, including fresh lavender, essential oils, and skincare items.

In Colorado, Mesa Verde Lavender Farm stands out as a top destination for lavender enthusiasts. We offer guided tours of our farm, workshops on lavender cultivation, and a farm shop where you can purchase our special, organic products.

Future of Lavender

As we move forward, the demand for natural, sustainable products is increasing, and lavender fits perfectly into this trend. The future of lavender looks promising with:

Sustainable Farming: Efforts to grow lavender organically and sustainably are becoming more common.
New Research: Ongoing studies are exploring the neuroprotective and medicinal properties of lavender, potentially opening up new uses for this ancient herb.
Expanding Markets: The culinary and skincare markets for lavender are expanding as consumers seek out natural alternatives to synthetic products.

Lavender's history is a testament to its enduring appeal. From ancient times to modern-day wellness trends, lavender continues to be a symbol of peace, healing, and beauty. We can’t wait to share more incredible lavender products that are in the works.

Sustainable Farming on Ancestral Puebloan Lands

The Ancient Puebloan people, who lived in the Mesa Verde region for over a millennium, were deeply connected to the land, relying on its rich soil and diverse plant life for their survival. They cultivated crops like maize, beans, and squash on the fertile mesa tops, while also foraging for wild plants and hunting game in the surrounding areas. These practices not only sustained their communities but also created a profound relationship with the natural world that is still evident in the region's landscape today.

At Mesa Verde Lavender Farm, we honor this rich history by hand-farming our organic lavender on the same lands where the Puebloans once hunted, farmed, and foraged. While lavender is not native to this region, our commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that we respect and preserve the land’s natural heritage. The soil that once supported ancient agriculture now nurtures our lavender fields, allowing us to continue the legacy of mindful cultivation in this historically significant area.

Mesa Verde Lavender Farm

Lavender’s journey from ancient civilizations to the present day is nothing short of remarkable. Its versatility and benefits have made it a staple in various aspects of life, from medicine and skincare to culinary arts. Whether you’re looking to relax, heal, or simply enjoy its fragrance, lavender remains a cherished part of our world.

If you’re interested in exploring high-quality lavender products, consider visiting Mesa Verde Lavender Farm. Our commitment to organic farming and sustainable practices ensures that every product is crafted with care, offering you the best that lavender has to offer.

References:

Lavender History & Taxonomy - NC State University
Lavender Oil for Skin - Healthline
Lavender in the Kitchen - Healthline
Lavender's Medicinal Uses - Google Books

A deeper look at the history of Lavender