by C Sawyer
Lavender and skincare have a long and intertwined history, dating back to the earliest written records and even further to prehistory based on archaeological evidence.
Ancient Uses:
- Egyptians: Hieroglyphs document lavender’s use in cosmetics and as an anti-aging agent. It was also an essential herb in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
- Greeks: Medical writings from the 1st century AD mention lavender’s medicinal properties.
- Romans: Lavender was used for indigestion, headaches, and as an antiseptic for sore throats, wounds, and burns.
Victorian Era:
- Ladies of status used lavender oil as a perfume. Even Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed lavender for both fragrance and medicinal tea.
Early America:
- People would freshen wet bedding and clothing by laying them over lavender bushes to absorb the lovely scent.
Modern Uses:
- Scientific research confirms lavender’s benefits for a variety of conditions, including:
- Skin conditions
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Irritability
- Headaches and migraines
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Digestive issues
- Colds
- Breath freshening
Lavender’s Enduring Appeal:
Lavender’s benefits are well-documented and continue to make it a popular choice for skincare and alternative medicine today. At Belvedere Lavender, we combine the power of lavender with other natural ingredients to create the best possible all-natural skincare products. Learn more about our natural ingredients and their benefits here.
You can find our Blogs Here and our amazing lavender skincare products Here.
Lavender Stories: Deep History
by C Sawyer
It’s that time of year again! Cozy nights by the fireplace, a good book, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. Unfortunately, winter also brings dry and flaky skin. Adjusting to Winter Skin Care is paramount.
The Canadian winter is harsh. With dropping temperatures, our skin naturally loses moisture (hello, chapped lips!). Cold air tightens pores and reduces circulation. Indoors, we crank up the heat, further drying and irritating our skin.
Luckily, Belvedere Lavender’s line of nourishing, all-natural products can help keep your skin happy and healthy throughout winter.
Belvedere Lavender Face & Eye Cream
This delicate cream, suitable for slightly dry to very dry skin, melts into your skin and under-eye area. It combines moisturizing and regenerative ingredients like rose hip oil, borage seed oil, jojoba oil, peach kernel oil, and aloe vera to soothe dry winter skin. Lavender essential oil reduces inflammation, while sweet orange essential oil boosts circulation, keeping your skin soft.
For supple skin, apply a small amount to your face after cleansing and toning. Use light upward strokes and pat under your eyes with your fingertips. At night, apply serum before the cream.
Belvedere Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
Winter can lead to painful cracking and bleeding of the skin. This lotion’s ingredients, like pumpkin seed oil and peach kernel oil, nourish and soothe sensitive and chapped skin. Kokum butter and bamboo extract prevent dryness and soften the skin, keeping your hands well-hydrated.
Skip the extra-long hot showers in winter; they strip away natural oils. Instead, massage the lotion gently into your body after a warm shower or bath to seal in moisture.
Belvedere Lavender Rosy Le Balm
Keep dry and chapped lips at bay with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm! Loaded with ingredients like rosehip seed oil, peach kernel oil, lavender essential oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, your lips will be ready to brave the winter.
Apply to lips as often as desired. How are you Adjusting to Winter Skin Care?
See our full line of all-natural lavender skincare products in our shop, read more social media or Blogs about lavender, or create a V.I.P. account to stay in the loop.
by C Sawyer
Feeling Down? Lavender May Help! Research suggests that lavender oil holds promise for treating anxiety and depression. Used for over 2,500 years for beauty and medicinal purposes, lavender is now undergoing clinical trials to explore its potential anti-depressive effects.
Studies show that lavender may have several properties beneficial for anxiety, mood swings, pain relief, and even convulsive disorders. These potential benefits come without the addictive issues associated with many traditional anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications.
What is Lavender Essential Oil and How Does It Work?
Lavender’s essential oil is present throughout the plant, offering defense against microbes and aiding its own functions. Even the aroma of lavender has measurable relaxing effects. This is because our sense of smell is linked to the limbic system, which regulates emotional responses. In simpler terms, smelling lavender can make you feel better.
While lavender plants don’t have high concentrations of essential oil (it takes 200 lbs. of flowers to produce 1 lb. of oil), it’s quite potent. Its calming properties have led scientists to explore its potential as a natural alternative to medications like Prozac and Valium, without the side effects like drowsiness or addiction.
Want to Learn More?
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, read our Blog or visit our online store for lavender-based skincare products.
by C Sawyer
Lavender is a versatile plant with numerous culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. Adding lavender to your garden brings beauty and fragrance from late spring to fall. Many species and hybrids exist, but some common varieties are easy to propagate. How does it grow and where?
Growing Conditions and Varieties:
- Climate Zones:
- English Lavender (Zones 5-8): (Lavandula angustifolia) This popular variety thrives in cooler climates and is known for its hardiness and sweet fragrance. Popular varieties include Hidcote, Munstead, and Buena Vista.
- Lavandin Hybrids (Zones 5-10): These late-blooming hybrids of English Lavender are known for their high essential oil content, large leaves, and fast growth.
- French Lavender (Zone 8): (Lavandula dentata) This fast-growing variety has beautiful purple-blue flowers and prefers warmer regions. Some varieties are grown as annuals. French lavender has a light fragrance with hints of rosemary.
- Spanish Lavender (Zones 7-10): (Lavandula stoechas) Spanish lavender tolerates humidity better than other varieties and has unique, cone-shaped flowers. It’s a good choice for focal points and containers.
- General Tips:
- English lavender prefers cooler climates (Zone 5 and above) but may need winter protection.
- Spanish and French lavender are better choices for hot, humid climates. Good spacing is essential.
- Container growing is an option for harsh winters. Provide at least 8 hours of sunlight and well-draining potting mix. Containers can be brought indoors during winter.
Seeds or Transplants?
You can grow lavender from seeds or by transplanting store-bought plants.
- Transplants: Choose healthy-looking plants and place them in a location with full sun for 8 hours a day. Water consistently until established. Prune annually in spring.
- Seeds: Growing from seed takes up to three years for usable plants. Seed indoors for consistent temperature and moisture. Plant seeds 1 inch apart, barely covered with potting mix. Keep the container moist and warm (65-70°F).
- Hardening Off: Once seedlings reach 2-3 inches, gradually increase light exposure to prepare them for outdoors. Once acclimated, transplant them to well-drained soil with full sun.
For More Information:
by C Sawyer
Hair Loss? Discover the Power of Lavender Oil
Hair thinning and loss are common concerns. A good hair care routine is essential, whether for prevention or treatment. Natural solutions, like essential oils, can be a valuable addition. Try Lavender for Soft and Luscious Hair!
Lavender Oil: Nature’s Hair Growth Booster
Derived from a natural source, lavender oil encourages hair follicles to produce thicker, faster-growing hair. This versatile oil has a long history in beauty and health, including softening hair and reducing split ends.
Studies on lavender oil for hair growth show promising results. Both animal and human trials have found increased hair growth rates and overall hair volume. These findings suggest lavender oil may be helpful for hair thinning and pattern baldness. While human research is ongoing, many lavender hair products are already available.
Beyond Growth: Lavender’s Scalp Benefits
Research also reveals lavender oil’s anti-microbial properties, helping fight bacteria and fungi on the scalp. Additionally, lavender has been used for centuries to treat skin inflammation. Studies confirm its effectiveness for scalp issues, including dryness and itchiness, by reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing.
In Summary:
- Lavender oil promotes thicker, faster hair growth.
- It softens hair and reduces split ends.
- Lavender’s anti-microbial properties benefit scalp health.
- The oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can help with dry and itchy scalp.
Unlock the potential of your hair with lavender! Lavender for Soft and Luscious Hair. Visit our Shop to find luxurious lavender body and skin care products. Follow our Blog for more insight into the power of lavender.
