Lavender is an evergreen, woody shrub that is pale green in color with narrow, linear leaves with blue or light purple flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean, but it is now cultivated all over the world. Lavender oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers (buds) and leaves of true lavender. Lavender oil is one of the oldest oils known. It is believed to be cultivated by the Arabs and traded with the Greeks as early as 600 B.C. It has powerful skin-preserving qualities and is a wonderful aid in the process to regenerate cells. The calming floral with slightly woody aroma is associated with wellness and relaxation.