Farm Journal  ·  August 12, 2025

Raising Awareness on National Code Lavender Day, August 12th

At Farmstead 1868, we believe in the power of calm, and in the people who spend their days caring for others.

Today is National Code Lavender Day, and we want to take a moment to honor and thank the healthcare workers who show up day after day to help keep others healthy.

What is “Code Lavender”?

In hospitals, “Code Lavender” is a real term used to signal that a caregiver, a doctor, nurse, or member of the support team, is in need of emotional or mental support. It’s a way of saying:

“Someone on our care team needs care, too.”

The concept originated in 2004 at the Cleveland Clinic, where a staff wellness program was created to help healthcare workers cope with the emotional demands of their profession. When a Code Lavender was called, a rapid-response team would arrive, not with medical supplies, but with resources for emotional care: quiet spaces, counseling, aromatherapy, and comfort items.

Since then, hospitals across the country have adopted versions of the program. The goal is the same everywhere, to make sure the people who care for others aren’t overlooked when they themselves are in need.

Why Lavender?

Lavender has long been associated with calm, healing, and emotional balance. It’s one of the most researched botanicals for stress relief, with studies showing it can reduce anxiety, lower heart rate, and improve sleep quality.

Here at Farmstead 1868, we grow lavender because it helps people slow down, breathe deeper, and find a little more peace. For us, lavender is more than a flower, it’s a tool for self-care, and a reminder that taking a pause isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

How You Can Show Support:

On this National Code Lavender Day, we encourage you to think about the healthcare workers in your life:

• Send them a kind message.
• Drop off a small, thoughtful gift.
• Invite them to share a moment of calm.

These small gestures can mean the world to someone who spends their days caring for others.

To All the Healthcare Heroes:

We see you. We appreciate you. And we’re thinking of you today, and every day. From our little lavender farm in Cazenovia, NY to hospital halls across the country, we’re sending you gratitude, love, and calm.