薰衣草田，赫特福德郡 ，英格兰，英国 Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England (© George W Johnson/Getty Images)

薰衣草田，赫特福德郡 ，英格兰，英国 Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England (© George W Johnson/Getty Images)

一片紫色的海洋 A sea of purple

薰衣草田，赫特福德郡 ，英格兰

当你漫步在英格兰赫特福德郡的自然风景中时，会看到美丽的薰衣草田，正如今天的图片所展示的那样。作为薄荷科的一员，薰衣草起源于地中海、印度和中东地区。这种紫色的植物在不同的文明中生长蔓延，埃及人曾用它制作木乃伊，在图坦卡蒙的墓穴中便有薰衣草的遗迹，罗马人也将其视若珍宝，因其具有治疗和清洁的特性。

薰衣草在春季种植，7月达到盛花期。它不仅外观迷人，闻起来也很棒，其香味据说能帮助人们放松。用薰衣草制作的芳香油常被用在保健养生中，例如在芳香疗法中，它被用来缓解压力，除此之外，它还是香水行业中的重要成分。这种植物也会被用在厨房中，给菜肴和饮料增添香味。所以，下次当你感到压力大时，不妨滴几滴薰衣草精油让自己平静下来。

Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England

This lavender landscape stretching over fields in the English county of Hertfordshire is the quintessential summer scene. A member of the mint family, lavender has been popular through various civilizations. It was used by the Egyptians for mummification; traces of lavender were discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was also treasured by the Romans for its healing and cleansing properties.

Lavender is planted during the spring season, reaching its peak bloom in July. It doesn't just look good, it smells great too, and the scent is said to help people relax. The fragrant oil is a staple in wellness practices, including aromatherapy, where it's used for stress relief, and is a valued ingredient in the perfume industry. This plant is also used in the kitchen, adding a floral touch to dishes and drinks. So, next time you feel stressed let a few drops of lavender essential oil calm you down.