## 1 Introduction  
The systematic cultivation and exploitation of the health benefits and beneficial applications of historical flowering plants/herbs is of great value for the modern world as new challenges arise day-by-day. The most important challenge, however, is the maintenance of the welfare and healthcare of humans in lieu of the use of synthetic drugs that may cause adverse effects. Indeed, since ancient times, there has been all over the world a systematic use of herbs for the treatment of several health disorders. For example, in Greece, such herbs as oregano, marjoram, dill, fennel, mint, rosmary, mountain tea, sage, chamomile, thyme, parsley and basil have been used not only to flavour the cuisine or traditional dishes but also for medicinal purposes. Another important flowering plant that has a long history is Lavandula or, more commonly, lavender. Approximately 47 species of the Lavandula genus are known, belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae. These flowering plants have a long history and have been found in numerous regions of the world, including Europe, the Mediterranean zone, Africa, Asia and India [1]. The temperate climates favor the cultivation of _Lavandula_ spp. as ornamental plants or culinary herbs, and also at a commercial level for the extraction of essential oils [2]. Lavandula is grown in well-drained soils and in light places with good air circulation. It cannot grow in the shade [3; 4]. The suitable soil pH may vary from acid to neutral and basic, whereas lavender can favorably grow in very alkaline soils. The optimum pH for the growth of Lavandula is between 6 and 8 [5]. In most cases, lavender is harvested by hand, depending on the usage [5]. In the Greek and Mediterranean zones, the species that grow originally are _Lavandula stoechas_[6]. Furthermore, the species of _Lavandula stoechas_, _Lavandula pedunculata_ and _Lavandula dentata_ were reported in Roman times [7]. The most commonly cultivated plant is the English lavender _Lavandula angustifolia_ (formerly named _L. officinalis_). Some other commonly grown ornamental species are _Lavandula stoechas_, _Lavandula dentata_ and _Lavandula multifida_ (Egyptian lavender). The lavender flower has been reported to have plenty of uses in practices of herbalism. The German scientific committee enhanced its use in alternative medicine, including its use for restlessness or insomnia, Roehmheld's syndrome, intestinal discomfort and cardiovascular diseases, among others [8]. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland, U.S., stated that lavender is considered \"likely\" safe in food amounts and \"possibly\" safe in medicinal amounts. However, the NIH did not recommend the use of lavender in pregnant or breast-feeding women because of a lack of knowledge of its effects. Lavender oil should not be used in young boys due to the possible hormonal effects leading to gynecomasia [9; 10]. In addition, the NIH stated that lavender may cause skin irritation and could be poisonous if consumed orally [11]. In 2005, a review on lavender essential oil reported that lavender is traditionally regarded as a'safe' oil, whereas skin problems (contact dermatitis) may occur at only a very low frequency [12]. In a study dealing with the relationship between various fragrances and photosensitivity carried out in 2007, it was reported that, even though lavender is known to favour cutaneous photo-toxic reactions, it did not induce photohaemolysis [13]. Saidona is a beautiful village in the Messiniaki Mani. Organic olive oil, table olives, sage, mountain tea, _Lavandula stoechas_, and other flowering plants flourish in considerable amounts in Saidona. There is a long historical tradition of the local citizens using _Lavandula stoechas_, commonly referred as \"ladastacho\", for the treatment of hair loss by preparing a gently boiled aqueous solution of its flowers.