Take inspiration from your garden this season. We’re exploring the benefits of Mother Nature’s favourite natural fragrances.

Lavender

Lavandula is a member of the mint family. French lavender is the most widely cultivated species, and it is often called the ‘butterfly plant’ due to the tips of the lavender.

Lavender was used in ancient cultures for medicinal purposes. Dioscorides, an ancient Greek physician, believed that eating lavender would relieve indigestion, sore throats, and headaches. Lavender also appears to have been used in the mummification process of ancient Egyptians. It was also found in bath houses in ancient Rome. In fact, the Latin verb for ‘to wash’ is lavare. 

Today, there is evidence some of our forebearers may have had the right idea about lavender and our nervous systems. Recent evidence may suggest that lavender can help you get a better night’s sleep. No wonder Charles VI used to sleep on a pillow stuffed with lavender!

Garden pick: We love the Les Lavandes de Nestor candle. Inspired by a recipe discovered in our founder, Joséphine Mouranchon’s, grimoire, this gorgeous mineral wax candle will transport you to the lavender fields of Provence with a warm glow.

Rosemary

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean and it is also member of the mint family. This evergreen perennial plant derives from the Latin ‘ros’ and ‘marinus’ that taken together are translated to ‘dew of the sea.’

While most of us tend to associate rosemary with cooking, ancient records indicate rosemary was used in many ceremonies. Rosemary was one of the few items placed on top of an Egyptian sarcophagus. Ancient Greek scholars wore wreaths made of rosemary around their heads to help with their memory and recall. Rosemary was also used to create Napoleon Bonaparte’s own eau de cologne.

Modern laboratory studies show that rosemary is rich in antioxidants. It is also a source for iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. Notably, rosemary contains carnosic acid, which may help to fight off the damage of free radicals in your brain.

Garden pick: You will fall in love with Belle de Provence olive and rosemary fragrance diffuser. This gorgeous herbal scent will bring you closer to nature, and encourage alertness and mindfulness.

Mint

Mentha is genus plant from the mint family that has a wide variety of species from spearmint to peppermint. It is a very commonly grown and it is an extremely popular aromatic herb for its taste.

The ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest surviving medical texts in the world, recommends mint for digestive and as a tool to soothe flatulence. Ancient Greeks and Romans used mint during funeral rites to scent the body. The mint plant was also popular in early modern Europe as juice from the herb was believed to be effective against poisons.

Nowadays, mint is a major player in our daily oral hygiene as it can help clear plaque deposit from our teeth. Mint is also favoured in aromatherapy for its strong and refreshing smell that can help rejuvenate your mind while bringing a comforting sense of familiarity.

Garden pick: Make the Maître Savonitto exfoliating peppermint and green tea soap a part of your daily routine. This artisanal soap manufactured in Atelier du Savon is enriched with argan oil and heather flowers for a gentle exfoliation to leave your skin feeling soft.

Verbena

Verbena, also called vervain or simpler’s joy, is a hardy herbaceous perennial plant. It has flowers that bloom and range from blue to purple or white in colour depending on the species. Lemon verbena has a bright, citrus smell.

Originally native to the Americas, lemon verbena was used by the Aztecs as a remedy for headaches, insomnia, and circulatory problems. Vervain was referred to as a ‘holy herb’ by the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the Middles Ages, verbena was a commonly prescribed cure for practically all ailments.

Verbena tea remains popular today as it is a great natural sleeping aid. The stems of verbena contain an herbal hormone that acts as an anti-inflammatory, which helps to calm the nerves and encourage sleep.

Garden pick: Enjoy a soothing hot bath and treat yourself to our Authentique verbena bath salts. Perfect for relieving aching muscles, these luxury salts will leave you feeling calm and refreshed.

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