Lavender, (genus Lavandula), genus of about 30 species of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. Lavender species are common in herb gardens for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers.
薰衣草(Lavandula属)，薄荷科(Lamiaceae)中约30种植物的属，原产于地中海沿岸国家。薰衣草因其芬芳的叶子和迷人的花朵在草本花园中很常见。
The plants are widely cultivated for their essential oils, which are used to scent a variety of products. The dried flowers, for example, have long been used in sachets to scent chests and closets, and the ancient Romans used lavender in their baths.
这种植物因其精油而被广泛种植，精油可用于各种产品的香味。例如，这种干花长期以来一直被用在香囊里，给柜子和壁橱增添香味，古罗马人在洗澡时使用薰衣草。
Lavender is sometimes also used to flavour beverages and sweets and has a number of applications in herbal medicine. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), French lavender (L. stoechas), and woolly lavender (L. lanata) are among the most widely cultivated species.
薰衣草有时也用于调味饮料和糖果，并在草药中有许多应用。英国薰衣草(Lavandula angustifolia)，法国薰衣草(L. stoechas)和羊毛薰衣草(L. lanata)是最广泛种植的物种。
Lavender oil contains up to 40% linalyl acetate and 30% linalol. Linalol is a terpene alcohol that is non-toxic to humans, yet naturally antimicrobial. Linalyl acetate, its acetic ester, has a pleasant, sweet, fruity, aroma which along with its antimicrobial properties makes lavender unique.
薰衣草油含有高达40%的醋酸芳樟醇和30%的芳樟醇。芳樟醇是一种萜烯醇，对人体无毒，但具有天然抗菌作用。它的乙酸芳樟酯具有令人愉快的、甜美的、果味的香气，加上它的抗菌特性，使薰衣草独一无二。
