Lavenders are the ultimate mystery of nature… They are mystical and magical…Visit the “Lavender Inn ” guest house and discover the beauty and charm of lavenders…
What is Lavender?
Lavender is a perennial plant used for food, flavouring, medicine, and fragrances. Lavenders exude a heavenly fragrance. The homeland of lavender is the Mediterranean countries. At present, lavenders grow in many countries around the world. In some places, such as Australia these beautiful violet flowers grow in the wild. In Lithuania, lavenders began to grow in Kaunas Botanical Garden in 1924.
What is it about lavender that makes people fall in love? Firstly, lavenders are amazing flowers. A lavender plant produces blue, violet or lilac flowers and blooms between June and August. The blossoms are arranged in a circle on top of floral stalks. The blossoms attract bees and are a good source of honey. Secondly, lavenders have a pleasant, heavenly smell. Their lovely aroma is particularly popular amongst women. Lavenders have been added to baths, soaps, perfumes or aromatic oils for years.
Lithuanians quickly grew to love these plants and, currently, lavenders are a significant addition to Lithuania’s gardens and parks. Our guest house is no exception. Enchanted by the beauty of lavender, we planted a huge garden full of these lovely plants. We invite you to “Lavender Inn” oasis to experience the incredible beauty of lavender flowers.
History of Lavender
The History of Lavender reaches back to the early days of civilization. There are many legends surrounding the history of lavender, including one that claims that lavender was brought from the Garden of Eden by Adam and Eve. Some believe that the perfume that was used to anoint Jesus as mentioned in the Bible was lavender oil. It is also stated that ancient Egyptians used lavender oil in the mummification process.
The history of lavender cultivation stretches back to the Middle Ages in Europe, but probably originated earlier than this in Mediterranean countries. The plants were probably cultivated in Paris and England where lavenders became extremely popular during late 1400’s to early 1600’s.
What Is the Meaning of Lavender?
The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash”, due to its aroma which has a particularly clean odour. A lavender most commonly symbolizes love, devotion and purity. It is a commonly used colour for weddings, and, when given as a gift, lavender represents an opportunity and promises a new adventure. The colour purple has long been associated with royalty, and lavender evokes splendour and regal majesty. It represents refinement, grace, and elegance. Lavender holds a sacred place in nature, and with its violet flowers it is often considered one of the most delicate and precious flowers.
Species of Lavenders
How are lavenders categorized? Primarily, lavenders vary somewhat in appearance, aromatic quality and in terms of their application. For example, English lavender, Lavender Angustifolia, also known as true lavender, is commercially available in perfumes, cosmetics and the aromatic oil industry. The species Lavender Officinalis is the official species used in medicinal preparations, though all lavenders have medicinal properties to varying degrees. Provence lavender is another lavender that is cultivated commercially, primarily in Provence, France. It is prized for its fragrance-rich flowers which grow on long stems. Provence lavender can be used for culinary purposes or for making lavender wands and wreaths.
Our guesthouse is home to the unique “Lavandula Angustifolia”. These fragrant flowers will mesmerize you with their unique aroma and will motivate you to rest, relax, and experience the calm of the body and soul.
Interesting Facts about Lavender
- Lavender grows in the form of a small shrub that can reach 1,5 m in height;
- Lavender played important part in bathing rituals in ancient Rome because of its antiseptic properties;/li>
- Europeans wore bracelets made of lavender to protect themselves against the plague and other dangerous diseases in the 13th century;
- Lavender was used in art during the Renaissance period. Painters (including Rubens) used lavender to improve the quality of colour in paintings;
- Lavender is used in the human diet as an ingredient of various sweet products (e.g. cakes, chocolates…) and salty meals. It is often combined with cheese.
Surprising Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is best known and loved for its fragrance. This aromatic plant has been used since ancient times in perfumery and cosmetics. The Romans and Egyptians, for example, would use lavender as a perfume and for bathing and cooking. Nowadays, the applications of lavenders are countless. Thanks to its perfect scent, lavender is often used in the production of skin care products. Our spa centre uses a variety of lavender products, such as lavender essential oils, lotions, soaps, shampoos and other skin care products.
Why Are Lavender Skin Care Products Beneficial?
Reduces anxiety and emotional stress
Lavender’s essential oil helps to treatmigraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotionalstress. The refreshing and calming aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while also increasing mental activity.
Sleep
Lavender essential oil, shampoos and lotions have a relaxing impact which can induce sleep. Lavender is frequently recommended as an alternative treatment for insomnia.
Restores skin complexion
Lavender oil is incredible for the skin. It is among the gentlest of essential oils, but also one of the most powerful. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne and wrinkles. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburn because it improves the formation of scar tissue. The oil also soothes occasional skin irritations, reduces redness on skin and eases muscle tension.
Immunity
Lavender tea, which is available in our guest house, provides resistance to a variety of diseases. Lavender essential oil has antibacterial and antiviral qualities that make your body stronger.
Combat hair loss.
Lavender essential oil is one of the best natural treatments for hair loss. Along with rosemary oil, and a few other oils, it is one of the select few which have been identified to promote hair growth.
Complimentary oils
In our guest house, lavender essential oil, as well as other products are used in combination with other essential oils. It is well known that lavender oil blends well with other oils, such as citrus, chamomile, orange, cardamom or geranium essential oils.
Other Popular Uses of Lavender Essential Oils
- Lavender essential oil is a marvellous oil which has a plethora of uses for personal and home use.You can easily obtain potpourris, incense sticks, or candles containing lavender oil;
- Add a few drops of lavender to curtains, pillows and bedding, the heavenly scent will relax you all day;
- When you work or study, add several drops of lavender essential oil to your skin and it will help you concentrate and stay focused;
- If you want to improve your mood, diffuse pure lavender oil in the air or inhale.
Cooking with Lavender
Known for the sweet fragrance produced by its purple flowers, lavender can be used for culinary purposes. All types of lavender are edible, but some are better for cooking than others. Probably the most common variety of lavender used in cooking is Provence. It provides a light sweet flavour without overpowering food.
- Desserts. Lavenders are used in preparing desserts. Lavender-infused sugar is also used for baking cakes, cookies or home-made ice-cream.
- Meat. Lavender provides a unique flair to meat seasoning and marinades. If you are grilling your meat, try sprinkling some dried lavender on the hot coals. It will add a specific savoury note as well as pleasant scent.
- Beverages. Lavender tea and lemonades will impress you. Lavender punch is a great hit at parties. In the Lavender Inn, you can taste lavender tea. It is an effective first aid against headaches, fatigue or insomnia. Enjoy the magical power of nature. Try dropping a few fresh lavender florets into a glass of wine and enjoy the enriched taste.