Sharing the health benefits of plants 

Not so long ago I was asked, rather sarcastically, « So, how does aromatherapy work then? Healing by smell ?! ». In a way, this is a logical conclusion given the name «  aroma therapy ». Indeed, some scents, including Lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia), have been proven to reduce stress levels by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters, such as endorphins, with relaxing and sedative properties [1, 2] . These, in turn, immediately impact physiological functions in the bo

What links Loddon Pink, Munstead, Nana Alba, Hidcote and Twickle Purple ? No, they’re not areas on the shipping forecast or horses at the Grand National, they’re are all species of lavender. More than 35 different species of lavender exist [1] . In the UK, the most common species appear to be « English lavender » ( Lavandula angustifolia), also known as « true » and « common » lavender, which is a perennial, meaning that it will live for more than two years, and « French lave