Let's The Summer Begins!

Pitsuda
Jun 16
6 min read

Updated: Jun 29

June is the beginning of summer season and what experiences I have to share with you might help inspired you to live sustainability at home. Let's keep going and keep growing sustainable living with our so many ideas to share and information we have experiences within our own household. You can follow along or you can past through if this subject is not your interested.

This season, I started refreshing our store with lavender theme to begins our summer after spring flowers blooming. Lavender usually blooming and be ready to harvest in late July but this year lavender seem to bloom a bit early everywhere. With the condition of unusual weather, I would say and our body is adjusting to fit with our mother earth nature. But our family have been getting ready to follow along with nature order and connect our soul with earth magnetic is always free. Prep and cleansing our health never take place only for a couple days or weeks instead it's talking about months, our family tide it as our first priority and commitment from how we living our everyday which we have been training quite some time for about almost 10 years now. Surely, we are still learning more on our own green living journey.

History of Lavender

Lavender, a member of the mint family, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for mummification and as a perfume. The Romans valued lavender for its fragrance and used it in baths, which is where the name "lavender" is derived from the Latin word "lavare," meaning "to wash."

Throughout the Middle Ages, lavender was used for its antiseptic properties and was commonly added to sachets and pillows to ward off insects and promote sleep. It became a staple in herbal medicine during the Renaissance, where it was prescribed for various ailments. Today, lavender is cultivated worldwide and is popular for its aromatic and therapeutic properties.

Types of Lavender

Lavender is a popular herb known for its fragrant flowers and numerous uses. Here are some common types of lavender:

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Known for its sweet fragrance and culinary uses.
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) - Features serrated leaves and a strong scent, often used in crafts.
Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) - Recognizable by its unique flower spikes and is often used in landscaping.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) - A hybrid of English and French lavender, known for its high oil content.
Royal Velvet Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Royal Velvet') - A popular variety with deep purple flowers.
Munstead Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead') - A compact variety, ideal for smaller gardens.

Each type of lavender has its unique characteristics and uses, making them suitable for various gardening and culinary purposes.

Benefits of Using Lavender

Relaxation and Stress Relief: Lavender is renowned for its calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Sleep Aid: Many people use lavender essential oil in aromatherapy to enhance sleep quality and combat insomnia.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Lavender has anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for soothing skin irritations and minor burns.
Antioxidant Effects: The plant contains antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
Improved Mood: The scent of lavender has been shown to elevate mood and reduce feelings of depression.
Pain Relief: Lavender oil may help alleviate headaches and migraines when applied topically or inhaled.
Skin Health: Lavender oil can be used to treat acne, eczema, and other skin conditions due to its antibacterial properties.

Overall, lavender is a versatile herb with a long history of use in various cultures for its therapeutic benefits.

How to Use Lavender

Lavender is a versatile herb known for its calming properties and delightful fragrance. Here are several ways to use lavender:

1. Aromatherapy

Lavender essential oil can be used in diffusers to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your diffuser and enjoy the soothing scent.

2. Herbal Tea

Lavender can be brewed into a calming herbal tea. Simply steep dried lavender buds in hot water for about 5-10 minutes. You can add honey or lemon for extra flavor.

3. Culinary Uses

Lavender can be used in cooking to add a unique flavor to dishes. It works well in baked goods, salads, and even savory dishes. Use it sparingly, as its flavor can be quite strong.

4. Bath Soaks

Add dried lavender buds or lavender essential oil to your bath for a relaxing soak. This can help soothe sore muscles and promote a sense of calm.

5. Sachets and Potpourri

Create sachets filled with dried lavender to place in drawers or closets for a pleasant scent. Alternatively, you can mix it with other dried flowers to make potpourri.

6. Skin Care

Lavender oil can be added to lotions or used in DIY skincare recipes for its soothing properties. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin.

7. Sleep Aid

Place dried lavender sachets under your pillow or use lavender oil on your pillowcase to promote better sleep and relaxation.

8. Insect Repellent

Lavender can help repel insects. Use lavender essential oil in a spray bottle with water to create a natural insect repellent.

With its many uses, lavender can enhance your home, health, and culinary experiences.

The Science of How Lavender Helps You Relax

Lavender, a popular herb known for its soothing fragrance, has been utilized for centuries in various cultures for its calming properties. Modern research has begun to uncover the scientific basis behind lavender's ability to promote relaxation.

1. Aromatherapy and Lavender

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. Lavender essential oil is one of the most commonly used oils in aromatherapy due to its calming effects. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

2. Impact on the Nervous System

Lavender has been found to influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. Research indicates that lavender can help lower heart rate and blood pressure, leading to a state of relaxation.

3. Sleep Quality Improvement

Several studies have demonstrated that lavender can improve sleep quality. Its sedative properties can help individuals fall asleep faster and enhance overall sleep duration. This is particularly beneficial for those suffering from insomnia or sleep disturbances.

4. Chemical Compounds in Lavender

The primary active compounds in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, have been shown to have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. These compounds interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and reducing feelings of anxiety.

5. Practical Applications

Lavender can be used in various forms to harness its relaxing effects, including:

Essential Oils: Used in diffusers, baths, or massage oils.
Herbal Tea: Drinking lavender tea can provide calming effects.
Lavender Sachets: Placing sachets in pillows or drawers can impart a soothing scent.

Lavender is more than just a pleasant fragrance; it has scientifically proven benefits that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. Whether through aromatherapy, herbal tea, or other applications, incorporating lavender into your routine may enhance your overall well-being. Purple color of lavender remind of our own chakra of our highest power house for crown chakra and of course, lavender essential oil aromatherapy can help you open crown chakra and since lavender essential oil is concentrate, you might need to limit how much and how you use it. Remember to stay balance of using this essential oil. Too much could become toxin instead of benefits your health. I would do some more deeper research how you want to use essential oil. Not only lavender scent, I am talking about any other essentials oil.

Let's talk about the symbol of rainbow in June and what is really mean. June is a transition from spring season to beginning of summer. After all the flowers blooming during springs and June is time to stay balancing before the heat of summer. The symbol of 7 colors are remind you to intake 7 colors food during this season and still align with seasonal food at your local food available in each location.

7 Colors of Food in June in Virginia

In June, Virginia offers a vibrant array of seasonal produce and dishes that showcase a spectrum of colors. Here’s a sample of seven colorful foods you can find:

Red: Strawberries - Juicy and sweet, perfect for desserts or salads.
Orange: Carrots - Crunchy and nutritious, great for snacking or roasting.
Yellow: Corn - Fresh corn on the cob is a summer staple, delicious grilled or boiled.
Green: Cucumbers - Refreshing and hydrating, ideal for salads or pickling.
Blue: Blueberries - Packed with antioxidants, perfect for smoothies or desserts.
Purple: Eggplants - Versatile and flavorful, great for grilling or baking.
White: Cauliflower - A versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes, from salads to soups.