For centuries, Lavender bags were placed in linen drawers to keep moths and insects at bay. Also revered for its antiseptic quality by the Romans who used it to bathe and cleanse their wounds. Lavender water was popular in the Elizabethan and Stuart age, and was the favorite perfume of Queen Maria Henrietta, wife to King Charles 1st. Its wonderful skin healing properties were discovered quite accidentally, by the French chemist Gattefosse when after an explosion in his laboratory left him badly burned, he thrust his hand into the nearest liquid and later found it to be pure lavender oil. Not only did it heal very quickly, it left no scarring and there was very little pain.
Lavender brings a soothing and calming effect, especially for over-active emotions or irritability.
It is an emmenagogue, so best avoided during pregnancy.