History of Lavender

Historical anecdotes tell us that the lavender fieldworkers and perfumers of the Middle Ages survived the Black Death and other plagues because lavender protected them from the lethal bacteria. Many modern studies have proven that the oils of many lavender species exhibit antimicrobial action. For example, laboratory studies have shown that lavender oil can eradicate certain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. More than one strain of pathogenic Staphylococcus, including the common pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, are readily destroyed by lavender, say researchers at Cornell University. And according to the French researcher Dr. P. Belaiche, lavender is effective against a type of pathogenic Streptococcus often involved in coughs and colds.

In a 1973 study by the German researchers Wagner and Sprinkmeier, a blend of the essential oils of lavender, clove, cinnamon and melissa (commonly known as lemon balm) was found to be as effective in treating bacterial bronchial conditions as were commercial antibiotics. Bronchial conditions can also be viral, and studies have determined that lavender oil can effectively disintegrate certain viruses, including flu viruses. In addition, this natural antimicrobial has been shown to be an effective fungicide, helpful in eliminating thrush, an overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans).

Lavender can be especially helpful in the medicine chest during the cold and flu season. According to James Duke, Ph.D., the retired U.S.D.A. botanist who studied herbs for many years, medicinal plants "offer our best hope for confronting drug-resistant bacteria."

Essential Oils, a quick definition: Aromatic plants such as lavender, mint and thyme have glands that exude volatile oils, or essential oils, which have medicinal properties. Both the plants and their oils can be described as aromatic, the expression referring not to their fragrance but to an old term for the chemical structure upon which many of the constituents in the oils are based.

Learn more about the powerful properties of Lavender by reading the complete guide to the Healing Power Of Lavender and by reading our online testimonials.

Note: The above document is stored in .pdf format and can be viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Please download a free copy from Adobe's website as applicable.

You can order the single oil Lavender from Young Living Essential Oils.