The refreshing and inebriating scent of lavender has always enchanted millions of people around the world. It is fascinating how this miraculous plant has also become an important component in the perfumery industry.
Even in ancient time, laundry and the body were scented with lavender essences. In fact, it was usual for men to bathe in lavender-scented water in hot baths. This is the origin of the name for lavender (from the Latin lavandus ‘belonging to the washing’, from the Latin lavare which means ‘to wash’).
But what is the secret that makes the lavender scent so popular?
The answer consists of the two most important ingredients. Linalyl acetate and linalool.
Probably the most important ingredient is linalyl acetate. This ingredient is responsible for the special, distinctive scent of lavender. However, lavender not only smells wonderful, but its essential oils are also believed to have a calming effect. Lavender oil, for example, seems to help promote sleep and has a balancing effect. Scientists attribute this effect to the ingredient linalool, which is also found in other essential oils of plants such as thyme or lemon balm. When the active ingredient comes into contact with our sense of smell, it stimulates the olfactory sensors in the nose and triggers calming processes in the brain.
One thing that is certain: this blue flower, with its penetrating scent, has played an important role in almost every context of life.
