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| Lavender resurgence as people turn to natural remedies
telegraph.co.uk - Published: 12:46PM BST 07 Jul 2009
Deep purple fields of lavender are enjoying resurgence across Britain as farmers start growing the plant because of the popularity of natural remedies.
Lavender is seeing a revival with more people using its essential oil to treat a wide range of conditions from migraines and skin complaints.
The highly-scented flower once carpeted fields across the UK, but cheaper lavender imports from France ended the boom nearly 100 years ago.
Now the plant is seeing a revival with more people using its essential oil to treat a wide range of conditions from migraines and skin complaints to stress, depression, tension and exhaustion. "If the conditions are right lavender can really thrive in this country," said Helen Bostock, horticultural advisor at RHS Wisely in Surrey.
"Farmers are more ready to diversify these days and lavender is a good investment for them as it is hardy and not prone to many pests and diseases.
"There is a turn in the market as people want to go back to more natural and organically-based products so that is helping to fuel the lavender market.
"All the products produced by lavender are very popular at the moment and the fragrance seems to be on the up."
Lavender was first introduced to Britain by the Romans and during medieval times it was grown in the monasteries for culinary and medicinal use. During Tudor times its popularity increased and England was covered in acres of lavender fields. The Victorians used the plant as perfume scent and for flavouring honeys, jams and custard.
By World War I lavender had become the most common antiseptic and it was also used to disinfect hospital walls, but it slowly went out of fashion with scientific advancements. Soon cheaper lavender was being imported from Province and Britain's fertile lavender fields were gradually flattened to make way for new buildings.
Brothers Nick and Tim Hunter left their office jobs earlier this year and returned to help their parents with the 12 acres of lavender at Cadwell Farm in Hitchin, Herts.
In the 16th century Hitchin was one of only two major lavender growing areas in the country and by the 19th century a massive 100 acres were grown in the town. The family decided to revive the once-thriving lavender industry, planting their first crop in 2000.
The fine aromatic smell is found in all parts of the shrub, but the essential oil is only produced from the flowers and flower-stalks. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used to heal insect bites and treat acne.
"Lavender is well known for being a good all-round essential oil and is very versatile," said Carole Preen, coordinator of the Aromatherapy Council, the lead body for the profession in the UK.
"Nowadays people are looking at more healthy lifestyles and don't want to take medication but are instead trying more complimentary therapies and essential oils”.
"Lavender fields are very beautiful and it’s fantastic to drive along and see fields of purple at this time of year. The more fields around the better."
Lavender is an herb and can also be used for cooking, lending a floral, slightly sweet taste to dishes.
In ancient times it was used for mummification and perfume by the Egyptians.
During the Great Plague in London in the 17th century people wore lavender on their wrists to protect themselves against the deadly disease. |
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