Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is well known for its sweet, penetrating aroma. Many soaps, perfumes, detergents and cleaning agents have lavender added to them, and the association of lavender with cleanliness goes back some time. The Romans used lavender oils for bathing and scenting the air. Indeed, the Latin root lavare means “to wash.” 

Today lavender is probably best known for its use in aromatherapy. Its essential oil is extracted from the plant’s tiny purplish flowers. 

Lavender has been used therapeutically for pain, infection, relaxation, and sedation for many centuries. Lavender is believed to have strong anti-anxiety effects, and there is some promising research to back this up. The active constituents of lavender are its volatile oils and hundreds of other compounds, including perillyl alcohol, camphor, limonene, tannins, and flavonoids. 

Besides its relaxing effects, lavender possesses antibacterial properties, too. Studies have shown it acts against certain strains of strong bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, both of which can be spread in hospitals.