Skin Benefit
Calms inflammation, aids healing, lightly antimicrobial; evens tone and reduces redness.
Spiritual Benefit
Used in European bath sachets and skin tinctures for centuries to soothe sensitive skin and minor irritation.
The record
In use for 2,500+ years
Origin
The rocky hills of the Mediterranean.
Harvested
The flower spikes are cut at peak bloom in high summer.
Cultural impact
The name comes from the Latin lavare, to wash. Rome scented its baths with it, and every linen chest and sickroom in Europe eventually followed.
Traditional use
Steeped into bathwater, oils, and washing waters wherever calm and cleanliness were wanted together.
