Tag Archives: Muscle tention

The Oil that Changed Us and the Rest of the Story

The rest of the story, , , , , , , , , , ,

It was a time when medicine was crude and knowledge of plants held the key to survival. For centuries, a certain herb grew wild across the Mediterranean, its soft, green leaves soaking in the sun, its pale purple blossoms opening to the morning light. The people who harvested it found something remarkable—when crushed and steeped in water, its leaves released a fragrance unlike any other.

But its true power wasn’t in its scent. Healers of old discovered that this plant had a peculiar effect on the mind—it soothed frayed nerves, lifted the weight of sorrow, and even seemed to sharpen vision. The ancient Greeks and Romans recorded its medicinal properties, and during the Middle Ages, it was cultivated in monastery gardens for use in herbal remedies. Physicians of the time prescribed it for ailments ranging from digestive issues to eye conditions, leading to its reputation as a powerful healing herb.

By the 16th century, this humble plant had made its way into the apothecaries of Europe. A renowned German physician and botanist, Leonhart Fuchs, documented its uses in one of the first comprehensive herbal medicine books of the Renaissance. Fuchs noted that the plant’s oil could calm the body and mind, ease muscle tension, and was beneficial for women’s health. Herbalists across Europe took note, and it became a staple in medicinal gardens.

Then, during the 18th century, a shift occurred. This plant’s oil became more than a remedy—it became an inspiration. A French perfumer named Jean-Louis Fargeon, best known for crafting fragrances for Queen Marie Antoinette, experimented with plant extracts to create complex and elegant scents. While historical records do not confirm that he specifically used this plant, perfumers of his era prized its ability to enhance floral notes and provide a soft, musky warmth. Over time, it became a valuable ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics, bridging the worlds of medicine and luxury.

In more recent times, scientists began to study what herbalists had long known. Research confirmed that this plant contained compounds capable of easing tension, promoting relaxation, and supporting skin health. It wasn’t just an old wives’ tale—this plant was, in fact, a treasure trove of natural benefits. Aromatherapists found that diffusing its oil before bed encouraged restful sleep, and mixing it with carrier oils created a soothing massage experience.

One person in particular helped bring this herb back into modern healing practices. A woman named Margaret Maury, a French biochemist and aromatherapist in the 20th century, studied the effects of plant oils on the body and mind. She played a key role in integrating essential oils into therapeutic massage and holistic medicine, emphasizing their ability to support emotional well-being. Her work helped revive interest in this remarkable plant, making it widely available to those seeking natural wellness solutions.

Today, this herb is found in wellness products, beauty treatments, and even hospital settings, where it is used to help calm patients. Its essential oil is cherished for its ability to soothe the skin, promote relaxation, and strengthen hair. A few drops in a warm bath with Roman chamomile create a stress-relieving soak. A diffuser can fill a room with its calming aroma before sleep, and when blended with fractionated coconut oil, it transforms into a rejuvenating massage treatment.

The tall, delicate plant with its soft, purple blossoms holds the secret to one of nature’s most soothing and restorative oils, Clary sage. From ancient healers to modern science, its power has remained undeniable for this remarkable herb, offering comfort, balance, and healing to those who seek it. And now you know the rest of the story.

Lavender-Did You Know?

Did You Know, Essential Oil Information, , , , , , , , ,

LavenderDid you know Lavender essential oil is the oil of communication? Lavender helps with verbal expression. It calms the uncertain thoughts that are felt when a person exposes their true feelings. Lavender aids in releasing the tension pressure that comes from the fear of self expression. Lavender encourages emotional honesty by encouraging people to speak their most private thoughts, and desires.

The use of lavender has been recorded for more than 2,500 years. Egyptians, Phoenicians and the people of Arabia used lavender as a perfume, and also for mummification, by wrapping the dead in lavender-dipped shrouds. In ancient Greece, lavender was used as a cure for everything from insomnia, and aching backs to insanity.

By Roman times, lavender had already become a prized commodity. Lavender flowers were sold to ancient Romans for 100 denarii per pound, equivalent to a full month’s wage for a farm laborer, and were used to scent the water in Roman baths. In fact, the baths served as the root of the plant’s current name. “Lavender” is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, “to wash.” Romans also used lavender as a perfume, insect repellent and flavoring.

The use of lavender was highly revered during the Great Plague of London in the 17th century, when individuals fastened bunches of lavender to each wrist to protect themselves from the Black Death. Thieves who made a living stealing from the graves, and the homes of Plague victims concocted a wash known as “Four Thieves Vinegar,” which contained lavender, to cleanse, and protect themselves after a night’s work. Today, we know the disease was transmitted by fleas, so the use of lavender, which is known to repel these insects, could very well have saved lives, and prevented further spread of the plague.

The Shakers, a strict sect of English Quakers, are credited with commercializing lavender and introducing a variety of lavender-based products to the United States and Canada. The Shakers raised their own herbs, produced medicines, and sold them to neighbors and customers outside their religious sect.

Lavender is frequently used to soothe skin irritations and help skin recover quickly. Applying Lavender to the back of the neck, and temples helps reduce muscle tension. Inhaling Lavender promotes relaxation and a restful night’s sleep, making it an ideal oil to diffuse at bedtime and when stress levels are high. Due to Lavender’s versatility and soothing properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.