Everything’s Coming Up Lavender
Spring is peeking around the corner, and so are lavender-scented MARVALOSA cleaners. New, ready-to-use MARVALOSA Multi-Surface & Glass Cleaner is perfectly fragranced to infuse some spring in your step and facility.
More than just a pretty blossom, the lavender plant and fragrance are amazingly versatile in their applications. Lavender has been used for centuries by people to clean, help them relax and unwind, and to simply provide a uniquely refreshing and enjoyable sensory experience.
New benefits of lavender are being discovered all the time. In honor of our newest MARVALOSA item, we thought we’d share a few interesting facts about this unique purple plant.
[Please Note: The following facts are related to the lavender plant/fragrance and not to MARVALOSA cleaners per se. Cleaning chemicals should never be ingested.]
Good Genes. Lavender is an herb that is a member of the mint family. Like mint, it can be used to flavor all kinds of foods, including teas, cookies, honey, lamb and even chocolate.
What’s in a Name? There is some disagreement as to the origin of the word lavender. The majority of scholars believe it came from the Latin lavare (to wash), which makes sense as it was used to scent linens and bath water. However, others suspect it may actually be derived from the Latin word livere, which means “bluish.” 1
Worth Its Weight in Gold. Some sources claim that during Roman times, lavender flowers were sold for 100 denarii per pound, equal to almost a month’s wages for the average laborer. It is believed lavender was used to perfume almost everything, including hair, body, clothing, beds, baths and even military flags. Roman women hung lavender next to their beds to “incite the passions.”2
Work It. Some studies have attributed the scent of lavender with greater ability to concentrate. One study found it reduced the incidence of computer errors by almost 25%.3
Purple Haze. Having trouble sleeping? There is scientific evidence to suggest that lavender scent may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood. Lavender has been used to treat headaches, nervous disorders, insomnia and exhaustion.4
Heaven Scent. Ancient Christian legend says that Adam and Eve took lavender with them when they left the Garden of Eden, since it was believed to ward off evil. However, the legend states that lavender did not develop its heady aroma until much later, when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was washing his swaddling clothes and hung them to dry on a lavender bush.5
Bug Off! Pesky critters like mosquitoes, mice and flies hate the smell of lavender, so some strategically placed plants can help keep annoying pests at bay. A sachet of dried lavender placed in closets and drawers will help deter moths.6
Swoon-worthy. Lavender was very popular in the Victorian era. Women carried around small “swooning pillows” to help revive them from faints caused by too-tight corsets.7
Lavender love has lasted through the ages, with no sign of diminishing. Today, Nyco’s MARVALOSA line of professional cleaning and odor control products incorporates the distinctive scent of lavender with powerful cleaning properties for a wide variety of facility maintenance needs. MARVALOSA Multi-Purpose Cleaner and e.mix MARVALOSA 14 are Safer Choice certified to meet U.S. EPA Safer Product Standards.
1 http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=lavender
2 http://kitchenproject.com/history/Herbs/Lavender/
3 http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-lavender.htm
4 http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender
5 http://www.centralcoastlavender.com/history-of-lavender/
6 http://www.getridoffliesguide.com/herbs-to-get-rid-of-flies-naturally/
7 http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-lavender.htm