Lavender Dipped Palo Santo Sticks (3)

Lavender is Lavandula angustifolia and related species, a Mediterranean mint-family shrub. Its scent comes chiefly from linalool and linalyl acetate, concentrated in the flower spikes.

• Cunningham records the old belief that simply gazing upon lavender when sorrowful causes sadness to depart and joy to settle on the observer.
• Folk tradition holds that lavender placed beneath the pillow, with a wish held in mind, will reveal in dreams whether the wish is to come true.
• Known as Nard in the ancient world, lavender was among the precious aromatics of Mediterranean temples and trade.