our first featured oil  ’lavender’ was simple,
lavender is one of the most used and valued plants
in the world. what better plant to launch
the preview issue of aromatherapy thymes,
than lavender. everyone agreed and so it was…

introducing lavender
Sequim lavender festival - celebrating lavender

The lavender plant is rich in lore and splendor. Its use dates back to ancient times; the early Egyptians, for instance, believed fragrances were emanations from deities and wrapped their mummies in lavender-dipped shrouds. The Greeks used lavender to combat insomnia and aching backs; and in Rome they poured lavender oil into their public baths to scent the water and restore their skin. Rome they poured lavender oil into their public baths to scent the water and restore their skin. The Romans were actually the ones who bestowed the pale purple plant with its name: Lavandula officinalis (Lavare meaning to wash). Lavender oil was also mentioned in the Bible - it was what Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet. And by the 17th century, the plant was so popular that it had gained a reputation for warding off the plague; all one had to do was affix a small bouquet to their wrists. A member of the Lamiaceae family, which also includes sage, thyme, savory and oregano, lavender has many medicinal benefits. It has been known to soothe headaches, heal insect bites, treat burns, calm the spirit and comfort the stomach. Considering its array of therapeutic properties, this evergreen shrub can easily be classified ‘The Swiss Army Knife of Herbs.’

Typically, when one mentions lavender production, one thinks of the South of France. And while the French are indeed the world leaders, in North America, Sequim, Washington is the lavender capital. The Sequim-Dungeness Valley, which is located on Washington Olympic Peninsula, is cradled in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Park, making it an ideal microclimate for growing lavender. The weather is actually quite similar to the Provence region of France where this healing herb is native. As a result, several farms in Sequim have nurtured thousands of lavender plants in dozens of varieties from sweet whites to crisp purples; each with a particular function: Grosso with its long stems and large blossoms is used to make dried bundles; Provence is ideal for sachet mixes since it loses its blossoms upon drying; English lavender is best for cooking and oil distillation and Spanish lavender is used for landscaping because of its butterfly-like whorl of petals and long bloom season.

the lavender issue is now a collector’s item and the most ordered issue, to read the full article, get your copy now!
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