Lavender
About the Lavender
Used for 2,500 years - ancient Egyptians used it in mummification, Romans bathed in it (the word lavender comes from Latin lavare, to wash). It produces essential oil with demonstrated anxiolytic properties - clinical studies show it reduces anxiety comparable to lorazepam. One acre yields 12-15 pounds of essential oil. It can live for 15-20 years. Bees produce a distinctive honey from lavender nectar. It repels moths and mosquitoes. The Romans introduced it to Britain. France produces 80% of the worlds lavender. Over 450 varieties exist.
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