HISTORY OF LAVENDER
The historic use of lavender dates back over 2,500 years. The ancient Egyptians used it for perfume and mummification. Romans were known to use lavender for bathing, cooking, relaxation and as an insect repellent. Around 600 BC lavender spread across Europe from Greece to France, Spain, Italy and England. By the 1600’s lavender was being grown in Europe commercially. Many noted Royals indulged in lavender use. Queen Elizabeth I of England drank lavender tea and favoured lavender preserves at the royal table. Louis XIV of France had lavender scented baths. However, it was Queen Victoria who brought lavender into fashion as a perfume for English ladies. The English Quakers brought lavender to North America and began to grow and sell it commercially. Today growing lavender in England has diminished, but it is still reputed to have the sweetest smelling lavender oils. Although the Provence region of France is still famous for it lavender, lavender is also grown in Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan and North America.