Lavender Through The Ages: A Punny Lesson On History’s Favorite Herb

Lavender, with its delicate purple blooms and soothing aroma, has a history as rich and fragrant as its own scent. But did you know that lavender has been making guest appearances in historical texts for centuries? Now imagine you’re here smelling the lavender at Mesa Verde Lavender and let's take a silly journey through the ages to uncover the lavender references that had folks scratching their heads or inhaling deeply in admiration.

1. "The Lavender Love of Ancient Egyptians"

  • Picture this: Ancient Egyptians lounging around the pyramids, relaxing in the shade, and taking leisurely baths infused with lavender. Lavender made cameo appearances in Egyptian texts like the Ebers Papyrus, where it was used for mummification and as an ingredient in various potions. Maybe they mummified their senses with the scent of lavender too!

2. "Grecian Giggles and Roman Roars"

  • Lavender was all the rage in ancient Greece and Rome. The Greeks called it "nardus”. Lavender was used in their luxurious baths and perfumes. The Romans, meanwhile, slathered themselves with lavender oils and even mentioned it in their literature. Pliny the Elder, the Roman author and philosopher, waxed poetic about lavender's fragrant allure.

3. "Medieval Marvels: Lavender to the Rescue!"

  • Fast forward to the Middle Ages, where lavender was like the superhero of herbs. People believed that it could ward off the dreaded Black Plague. They would stuff their pockets with lavender or wear it around their necks. Lavender masks, anyone? Not quite the same as a superhero cape, but hey, they did what they could.

4. "Lavender's Lively Revival in the Renaissance"

  • Lavender had a bit of a revival during the Renaissance. It was a Renaissance "revival" because, well, everything was. Leonardo da Vinci wasn't just painting masterpieces; he was probably secretly crafting lavender-scented potions too. Lavender was in vogue, and even Shakespeare couldn't resist mentioning it in his plays.

5. "Avicenna and the Sensational Scent of Lavender"

  • Moving on to Islamic medicine, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), the Persian polymath, wasn't just about serious medical stuff. He also gave a nod to lavender in his famous work, "The Canon of Medicine." Lavender wasn't just for sniffles; it was a sensation in its own right.

There you have it, folks! Lavender's history is like a fragrant soap opera, with cameo appearances in some of the most intriguing historical texts. From ancient Egypt's mummification rituals to Shakespeare's poetic verses, lavender has always been in the spotlight, adding its unique aroma to the pages of history.

So, the next time you're using your Mesa Verde Lavender Hydrosol or enjoying your Mesa Verde Lavender Honey, remember that you're not just enjoying a delightful fragrance; you're partaking in a tradition that goes back centuries. Lavender has been making history, one aromatic bloom at a time, and it's still the life of the (fragrant) party today!

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A deeper look at the history of Lavender

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A Garden Elixir: Eight Lavender Health Benefits