The Story Behind Our Lavender

Today, we’re talking about lavender and where we source ours to make the Lavender Fog concentrate. You already know how amazing lavender smells, but did you know this unique herb also carries tons of health benefits and tastes amazing? 

If you’re new to the lavender game, that’s OK! Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of lavender and how an herb shaped the flavor of one of our most popular drinks. 

The health benefits of lavender

So, what is lavender? For starters, lavender is a plant that’s in the mint family. Its versatility and adaptability allow it to grow globally in places like India, the Mediterranean, and Oregon, but it’s said to have originated in ancient Egypt for medicinal use—cool stuff, right? 

Like Chai, lavender has plenty of health benefits that make it worth adding to your day. For starters, did you know lavender helps with anxiety? Or that it helps with insomnia? Other health benefits to lavender include: 

• Reducing hair loss
• Alleviating headaches
• Acne
• Skin irritation 
• Calmness
• And so much more…

Where we get our lavender

As a local business that loves supporting other Oregon businesses, where we get our lavender is important. Currently, we source ours from Norwood Lavender Farm, a family-run farm in Tualatin that’s not far from Tanglewood HQ.

Their herbaceous farm is full of family vibes and good times. Their lavender also delivers the ideal flavor and aromas for our teas. What's more, Norwood’s proximity makes it a more sustainable option because it doesn’t require freight or cross-country transportation. Win-win-win. 

How we get those herbaceous aromas

Each batch of Lavender Fog starts with our house scented Earl Gray Tea, which is composed of Organic Assam, whole Oregon Lavender Buds, vanilla essence, and pressed Calabrian bergamot rind. Each layer creates a top, middle, and bottom note similar to a fine perfume. 

As you take your first sip, you’ll notice a fruity oil coming from the bergamot rind, before it leads to hay-like lavender buds in the middle, and finishes with a mixture of vanilla essence and malty Assam profiles. 

A cup should always feel like an act of self-care—because it is! And remember, when brewing anything, we take extra care to steep the tea as long as needed to preserve the aromatics and avoid bitterness.