We’d like to take a minute to tell you what we love about lavender, and why we source our lavender essential oil from Bulgaria.
From pain to perfume, lavender has been prized for centuries. The Romans were some of the first to use this purple flower for a variety of purposes, including as a pain reliever and for its healing properties. Lavender is still used for these purposes today, as well as for its pleasant scent. In fact, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. This versatile flower has a long and rich history, and we are proud to be a part of it.
People usually associate lavender with two specific traits: its fragrance and its color. But you may not know that the lavender flower and the oil derived from it have long histories in herbal medicine.
The word lavender comes from the Latin root “lavare,” which literally means “to wash.” The earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt. There, lavender oil played a role in the mummification process.
During later times, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including ancient Persia, Greece, and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
As an indispensable part of any natural first-aid kit, lavender is high in antibacterial properties and is one of the only essential oils that is safe to use undiluted on the skin. When diffused, it creates a sense of calm, eases anxiety, and inspires confidence. It is safe to use on children and pets and lends a rich, heady, floral aroma that is prized in perfumery.
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to reduce symptoms and provide support for multiple conditions. Modern science has confirmed many of its health benefits, while others are still under investigation.
Lavender may help with some of the following:
- insomnia
- anxiety
- hair loss
- headaches
- chemotherapy side effects
- acne
- burns
- eczema and dry skin
- wound healing
- mood issues
However, there are many types of lavender essential oil, each with its own aromatics, medicinal, and emotional health benefits. The differences between lavender oils are based on the variety, species, and origins of the plant itself as well as how it is grown and processed.
HOW IS BULGARIAN LAVENDER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LAVENDERS?
Bulgarian lavender essential oil differs from other lavender oils in ways that are immediately noticeable – one of the first things you will discover is that its aroma is at once more pronounced and assertive. For this reason, Bulgarian lavender is preferred for use in perfumery – much more so than its English counterpart, which is higher in camphor and more medicinal in aroma.
The therapeutic properties of Bulgarian lavender are amplified due to its high linalool and linalyl acetate content. These terpenes are widely known to reduce stress, fight inflammation, relieve depression, and realign the immune system, making it the number one choice for calming blends and for diffusing during meditation and massage.
Linalool, in particular, is proven to reduce anxiety and combat seizures. It has the ability to reduce pain and lends a mild sedative effect, which why it is particularly helpful to diffuse in the bedroom if you have trouble falling asleep.
BULGARIA PROVIDES THE PERFECT TERROIR FOR HIGH-QUALITY LAVENDER
Bulgaria’s unique climate and soil types are particularly beneficial to growing quality lavender for essential oil. In fact, Bulgaria is known to be the source of the world’s finest lavender, yielding an essential oil that is as rich in beneficial medicinal properties as it is in aroma. The Black Sea provides a moderating climactic effect, and the Balkan Mountains provide much-needed protection from Siberian winter winds.
BULGARIA PRODUCES MORE QUALITY LAVENDER THAN ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
As of 2018, Bulgaria is the world’s number one producer of lavender for high-quality essential oils, having overtaken France in both cultivation and essential oil output. Recent advances include domestic plant propagation (as opposed to growing from seed), allowing Bulgarian lavender farmers to better control quality and make improvements where necessary. Improvement programs have successfully raised the flower yield as well as the quality and consistency of the product, emphasizing linalool and linalyl acetate content in particular.
Interested in trying out some lavender products for yourself? Try our Lavender Muscle Rubs, or Lavender Bath Soaks
Disclaimer: The information provided is general and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor, especially if being used during pregnancy, before using this product.
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