Dan's Papers - August 8, 2008

There is nothing quite like the smell of lavender. Whether it's in its live form, billowing in a field, or distilled into an essential oil, lavender emanates a soothing, fresh scent that simultaneously awakens the senses and calms the nerves. For this reason, lavender is widely used in products from lotions to eye pillows, and from candles to teas. But regardless of how you employ the use of this therapeutic herb, you can find it here on Long Island.

Lavender by the Bay is a lavender farm in East Marion that's been harvesting lavender for more than 15 years. Across their 17 acres of farmland, they have cultivated more than 20,000 plants. These lovely purple fields are currently in full bloom, and customers are welcome to come by and pick their own lavender. For $7 a bunch, you can choose from 18 different kinds of fresh lavender. Fresh lavender honey, made in the farm's beehives, is available as well. In August, a whole new round will be ready to be picked. The farm, which looks like it belongs in the south of France, is open to the public between Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out the web site at lavenderbythebay.com.

Lavender is beautiful. When picked and left to dry, it makes a lovely addition to any room. But the therapeutic benefits of this herb are great as well. Picture this: it's the end of a long day, and you're looking for a way to kick back and relax. You're curled up on the couch, a blanket around your shoulders, and you're looking for something to massage you from the inside out. Heat up that kettle, because one of the sweetest nighttime traditions includes a cup of lavender tea. This herb, a member of the mint family, is known for its calming effects, which help to relieve stress, fatigue, insomnia, and headaches. Drinking a cup before bed is said to promote a more restful sleep, as it is proven to slow down the central nervous system, calm motor activities, and counteract the stimulant effect of caffeine.

If you've ever studied a romance language, you might recognize the Latin word Lavare - to wash. Now that you think about it, it bears a striking resemblance to the word lavender, doesn't it? Way back in ancient Rome, Romans used to scent their baths with lavender because of its heady, soothing fragrance. It was so integral to the process of bathing that the word actually emerged from the herb.

There are plenty of bath products and essential oils that include lavender, and adding just a few drops will help you to truly luxuriate next time you get in the tub. And hopefully the aforementioned calming effects will stave off any urges for imperialism, because that's the last thing this world needs: herb induced invasions.

One of my favorite lines of lavender products is UB Healthy, a line of essential oils harvested organically. The essential oil itself is too potent to be applied directly your the skin, but it is distilled with either a neutral oil, such as jojoba, or it is left in its powerful form to be added sparingly to the bath tub. The distilled lavender oil that I have on my bedside table acts as a wonderful massage oil, relaxing in the evenings and invigorating in the morning hours. UB Healthy products are available at Mandala Boutique in Amagansett Square (631-267-6144). Lavender is recommended as a remedy for mild depression, fatigue, stress, nervous tension, and anxiety.

Neck pillows offer another way to administer delicious doses of lavender. The healthy aroma rises from the heated pillow, which surrounds your neck. The muscles in your neck will feel the benefits of the easing tension, and as you inhale the scent, your mind will reap the benefits of the aromatherapy.

Lavender has been utilized for centuries as one of nature's most therapeutic elixirs. And finally, it seems that society is getting back to its roots - its purple roots. With a farm down the road with a full line of therapeutic bath products, and essential oils available at every health food store, there is no shortage of this tranquil elixir.