You gotta love lavender

It is said that lavender was used in hospitals during World War I to disinfect floors and walls.

Whether that is true or just another bit of urban legend, it is testimony to the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the wonderful little plant. (And other hospital smells not withstanding, it surely smelled a lot better than whatever industrial strength stuff is used today!)

We love lavender, for so many reasons. For one thing, it makes a killer jelly. It's beautiful in the garden, and entire books have been written on its medicinal uses ... According to traditional wisdom, lavender infusions can soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender repel insects. Rubbing lavender oil slowly on the temples can soothe a headache. Lavender on your pillow can help with sleep and relaxation.

Recently, lavender got a bad rap when a few scentists claimed that lavender and tea tree oil used together caused prepubescent breast growth in boys. However, that has basically been debunked as it was found that the studies included only three (yes, three!) young boys, and that no scientific connection even existed between the condition and normal use (more info here).

Neat facts about lavender:

• In ancient Greece, lavender was known as "nard."
• Nard is mentioned in the Bible (Song of Solomon 4:14).
• Dried lavender flowers have become recently popular for wedding confetti.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.
• The lavender plant actually belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae.

We love the way lavender essential oil smells in our Lavender Bliss shampoo bar. We add just a wee a hint of clove essential oil, for an amazing blend that's calming, wonderful, and well ... blissful!