History of
Lavender

Lavender – the name comes from Latin Lavare meaning “to wash” is not like other plants, the ancient Romans used the flowers to flavored the water they bathed, and in Egypt it was used for mummify of the pharonies and healing. During the renaissance, leather craftsmen began to use it to flavor their products. In the 17th century Lavender was also used during the Great Plague in London, Queen Elizabeth of England required fresh lavender flowers throughout her residence and conserve lavender at the Royal Table, due to the fact in the 16th centuries in France using lavender they escaped cholera. Further more in the 17th century a group of British population went to America to escape religious persecution. After arriving from England they were successful in developing herb farms. This is the start of spreading lavender in other continents.
Grown in the Mediterranean in the early twentieth century, purple lavender fields have become the emblem of Provence. Nowadays, the fragrance and the enchantingly strong, instantly recognizable is used in the emblematic perfumes “Eau Noire” by Christian Dior, “Jicky” by Guerlain, “A taste of Heaven” by Killan. The author of Parfume Neil Chapman says in his book the best lavender comes from Bulgaria, France, Australia and Norfolk in England.

Lavender is a perennial evergreen shrub, has a high cold and dry resistance and is not demanding for soil fertility. It is demanding for light and when this factor is present it develops well and synthesizes more essential oil. Lavender inflorescences are harvest during flowering in quiet, dry, sunny weather in the hot hours of the day, when the essential oil is at its most.
Lavender oil is a highly concentrated vegetable extract. It is extracted by the method of steam and water-steam distillation (extraction is carried out by contacting the raw material with water vapor) . The principles of distillation are known from ancient times and today they are still fundamental in the production of essential oils. The oils obtained are volatile, a few drops are sufficient for the purpose for which they are used. Depending on the raw material and technological equipment, floral waters are also produced.