Queen Elizabeth 1st's Herbal Migraine Treatment

Lavender might be something that seems common, but for millennia it has had huge cultural importance.

It's believed that it comes from the Latin 'Lavare', which means 'To Wash' and has been revered across many different civilisations.

The Ancient Greeks believed it was a holy herb and used it to create an essence known as 'Spikenard', whilst the Ancient Egyptians used it in the process of mummification. It's actually said that traces of it were found inside Tutankhamun's tomb.

It's thought to have been brought to the UK by the Ancient Romans, who used it in their baths, their cleaning rituals and for medicinal purposes, treating headaches, lethargy and many other disorders.

It was popularised in England upon the news that Queen Elizabeth 1st used in her tea and in a lavender jelly that was served daily for her to help treat migraines and for its delicious taste.

Most interestingly, it was thought for a long time that Croydon, South London was home to some of the best lavender in the world. In the early 20th Century, much of Surrey (just south of Croydon) had fields of lavender that spanned for miles.

However, nowadays it's considered that the finest quality lavender comes from Provence, France. This was upon the discovery that lavender scent is drastically different when grown at altitude. 

Try Garrigue by Maître Parfumeur et Gantier, for a classic, fresh Lavender from Provence or Bois Tabac Virginia by Le Jardin Retrouvé for a darker take on this stunning herb.

Josh
Fiole Co-Founder