Have you been mesmerized by a field of lavender and what does lavender smell like? We’ve put together a primer that describes the distinctive qualities of lavender’s scent and its uses below.
A popular scent in cosmetics and home goods as well as a popular flavor in sweet foods, lavender is a Mediterranean herb. It has a very distinct smell. Lavender is a scent that you can identify right away once you’ve smelled it.
Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about lavander.
Table of Contents
What is Lavender?
There are numerous varieties of lavender, each with a slightly different aroma. Two of the most common species are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula intermedia). The oils from English and high-camphor lavender are frequently combined because English lavender has one of the best fragrances but doesn’t produce as much oil as the latter.
With purple flowers and leaves that resemble flat, evergreen needles, lavender has a similar appearance to sage and rosemary. Purple hues ranging from deep to light can be found in lavender flowers. A column of tiny lavender flowers grows at the top of the flower stem. Others stay closer to the stem while some flowers fluff out.
Read More: When Does Lavender Bloom?
Where Does Lavender Come From?
Prior to traveling the world, lavender began in the Mediterranean. Any sunny location with stony, well-drained soil is ideal for lavender growth. Worldwide, lavender is produced extensively in hospitable microclimates. With 80,000 kilos of lavender grown there annually, France continues to be the source of most of the world’s lavender.
Lavender is in the Lamiaceae or mint family, but that doesn’t mean that it smells like mint. There are about 7000 species in this family, which includes famous culinary herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano.
Also Read: Is Lavender Perennial Or Annual?
What Does Lavender Smell Like?
Lavender has a delicate, sweet smell that is floral, herbal, and evergreen woodsy at the same time. Additionally, it has subtle, powdery, or smokey notes. Compared to rosemary’s balsamic resin scent, some lavenders have a more medicinal camphor scent.
Crushed lavender flowers are used to make lavender essential oils, which are used in things like candles and perfumes. Commercial producers are assisted in their ability to extract significant percentages of oil from the flowers by high-temperature steam distillation equipment.
What Are the Benefits of Lavender?
Lavender essential oils and scents are used in a variety of products, from cosmetics and sleep aids to candles like ours, due to its calming properties. Additionally, they are frequently employed in wellness-related settings like opulent day spas and yoga studios. But why does lavender have such a calming effect on us?
The main factor behind lavender’s exceptional ability to lessen anxiety? The alcohol substance that gives lavender its distinct scent is called linalool, and it can be summed up in one word. According to a study published in the Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience journal, smelling linalool produced a strong anxiety-reducing effect, similar to taking a Valium.
Lavender has been investigated for its capacity to lessen anxiety before. Particularly for treating neurological disorders and having profound effects on reducing anxiety, lavender oil has long been popular. The direct analysis of linalool, however, demonstrates how the tranquilizing effects of lavender are due to the scent alone.
Related Post: Smoking Lavender Pros And Cons
Conclusion on What Do Lavender Smell Like
Overall, it has a floral scent, but one that is light and fresh, without being too pungent or overwhelming. Additionally, it may have a sweetness to it as well as herbal and balsamic undertones and notes.
In general, lavender has a softer scent that many people enjoy. It can also have a faint pine scent or be camphorous.
Related Reading: How Long Does Lavender Take to Grow?
FAQs
Is Lavender a Nice Smell?
Generally speaking, lavender is a milder scent that many find pleasant.
What Scent is Similar to Lavender?
Hyacinth. The hyacinth is a fragrant flower that is widely available as cut flowers and is similar to lavender but slightly sweeter if you love the scent of lavender but prefer something a little less herbal and a little more floral.
