By Barbara K. Stump, MA
Have you ever visited a lavender field? Maybe near your home town? Or, maybe you have been fortunate to visit Provence, France? Wow, lucky you if you have had that experience! Well, last week, I visited a lavender field on Old Mission Peninsula, located in Traverse City, Michigan. What a treat for the senses! Not only was it a beautiful sight to take in—with ranges of deep purple and green hues, but the scent was a fresh floral delight! This is something I have wanted to see for a while and I’m so glad I did!
Honestly, I have never been one to be hooked on the notion of aromatherapy, but after my visit to the lavender field I am somewhat smitten with this purple sweet scent. In the December 8th, 2020 issue of Psychology Today, Traci Stein, Phd., MPH, states that, “ Although aromatherapy is no panacea, it is one of the simplest, easiest, and most enjoyable self-care tools in the integrative therapies arsenal.”
Did you know?
- Lavender is known for its calming effect, and can help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Lavender can help promote better sleep because of its relaxing scent.
- Lavender may also help with other health related ailments including skincare and migranes.
- Lavender aromatherapy products and oils are relatively inexpensive.
Generally speaking, aromatherapy is basically safe for people as long as you do not digest the oils, or other products not meant for consumption. If you are uncertain what is safe for you, consulting with a physician is always important. Also, if you have pets, it might be a good idea to check with your veterinarian and keep these scents out of your furry friends’ reach.
Regarding the expense of aromatherapy, summer seems to be an excellent time to stock up on some good deals. Where you may ask? Well, who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market? If you haven’t been to one of those this summer, then do yourself a favor and seek one out! A few days ago, I went to our local farmer’s market, and there were a couple of booths that had some lovely lavender finds for me to purchase. On that particular outing this is what I purchased: 3 lavender starter plants – for $5 each; a bouquet of dried lavender – for $5; and the priciest item was the lavender aromatherapy oil-for $20. It is so concentrated you really do not need more than a drop at a time. It truly is very fragrant, and has a long-lasting scent.
Looking over my lavender purchases in this photo, I am most excited about the lavender plants. In addition to its lovely purple blossoms, this is a perennial plant—meaning it regrows every year. I love the floral scent of lavender to begin with, and seeing these beautiful plants bloom, year after year, will bring me great joy. I’m even contemplating buying a few more lavender starter plants at the next farmer’s market…lol!
If you are an experienced gardener, or would like to dabble in this hobby, lavender is a pretty hearty plant to add to your garden. Dr. Yufang Lin, MD, an integrative medicine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, shared in an article from November 2024, just “breathing in the fragrance of a lavender blossom provides some benefits.” You could also bring in some buds from your garden and find crafty uses for them as well. Here are a few examples of things you could make with lavender:
- Lavender Bath Bombs or Soap
- Sachets for Closets or Drawers
- Potpourri Bags
- Dried Bouquets
- Baking Cookies or other Desserts
- Tea or Lattes
- Cocktails or Mocktails
All of these ideas sound fun to me, and possibly could be turned into gifts. Last Christmas, I received a few homemade bath bombs from a friend. This was such a thoughtful gesture, and knowing she crafted these with her family made it even more special. Possibly you have had lavender tea, cookies, or infused lavender lattes. At a restaurant near the lavender field I visited, I had the pleasure to try another delightful option. It was a lemon lavender mocktail. Mmmm! The cocktail was so refreshing, delicious, and of course it also smelled as good as it looked!
If you get a chance to visit a lavender field, or farmer’s market, maybe you also can pick up some lavender goodies of your own to test out aromatherapy and maybe do some crafting. Dr. Lin says the act of using aromatherapy and even making something is “in itself is a form of self-care. It gets you into the ‘me-time’ mindset.” Who knows, you might like it? At least give it a try. For a sense of sweet serenity, perhaps lavender truly reigns. You be the judge!