If you think that the only use for lavender is to provide a heavenly scent—then think again. Lavender is the most common of all the essential oils and widely used in herbalism and aromatherapy. But it’s also valued for its health-promoting properties, as well.

This flowering member of the mint family is native to areas including the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Africa, south-west Asia, Arabia and western Iran. Historically, the essential oil of lavender—derived from the Latin word lavare which means “to wash”—has been used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as in fragrances for bath products. Its value as a bath additive originated in Persia, Greece and Rome, and during World War I it was used to disinfect the walls and floors of hospitals. However in ancient Egypt, lavender was prized as part of the mummifying process.

Lavender can also help fight chronic arthritis and muscle pain… promote wound healing… and lower blood pressure. In its concentrated oil form, lavender is great for acne, abscesses, athlete’s foot, bruises and dandruff, as well as dermatitis, earache, insect bites and sunburn.

And when used with other essential oils, lavender can be applied topically to your throat, chest, back or the bottom of your feet to help soothe abdominal cramps, asthma, bronchitis, flu, premenstrual syndrome, sciatica and depression.

Who would have thought that something that smells so sweet could also be so good for you?