Lavender
Botanical Name
Lavandula spp.
Common Name
Lavender
Family
Lamiaceae
Parts Used
Flowers
Native To
Mediterranean region, southern Europe, and parts of northern Africa, northeast India, and southeast Asia
Harvesting Guidelines
Always harvest on a completely dry day and dry the plant as soon as possible after harvesting to decrease the likelihood of molding. When drying, do not expose to heat to help the plant retain its essential oils and lovely scent.
Lavender, a fragrant herb with purple flowers, has a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. The Romans used lavender to scent their baths, hence the name derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning “to wash”. Lavender has also been used for its cleansing properties and was believed to ward off the plague. Its strong scent is known to repel insects such as flies, mosquitos, and moths, and its antibacterial properties make it effective against various types of bacteria including staph and pneumonia. Additionally, lavender oil has been found to be effective in killing lice and parasites.(1)
Lavender is known for its ability to relax the body and mind, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from headaches. Mixing lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the temples can provide quick relief. In fact, a clinical trial found that inhaling lavender essential oil may be a safe and effective treatment for migraine headaches . So next time you feel a headache coming on, try reaching for some lavender oil for natural relief.(2)
Lavender is known for its calming properties and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. It works as a carminative and antispasmodic, which means it can help relax spasms in the digestive tract caused by tension and anxiety, and also relieve gas. In addition, lavender is believed to be a tonic for the liver, particularly for conditions involving tension and heat, due to its relaxing and cooling nature.
Adult Dose (3)
Tea: 1 teaspoon of dried lavender buds in 8 ounces of water steeped for 20-30 minutes. Drink 4 ounces 3x/day.
Tincture: 1.5-2 mL 3x/day of a 1:5 tincture.
Safety
While lavender is known for its calming and soothing properties, it's important to note that some people may have sensitivity reactions to the essential oil. In a small study conducted in 2007, it was suggested that the use of body care products containing tea tree oil and lavender may have contributed to breast development in three prepubertal boys. However, further research is needed to fully understand any potential effects of lavender on the body.
Actions
Antibacterial,Antidepressant,Antispasmodic,Anxiolytic,Carminative,Circulatory Stimulant.Nervine
Energy
References:
(1)Berger, Judith L. (1998). Herbal rituals. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press.
(2)Sasannejad, P., Saeedi, M., Shoeibi, A., et al. (2012). Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial. European Journal of Neurology. 67(5):288-291.
(3)Winston, D, & Kuhn, Merrily. (2007). Herbal therapy and supplements. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Wiliams & Wilkins.
Scientific Research:
Aromatherapy and reducing preprocedural anxiety: A controlled prospective study.
Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations.
Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion.
Clinical trial of aromatherapy on postpartum mother's perineal healing.
A controlled trial of aromatherapy for agitation in nursing home patients with dementia.
Effect of aromatherapy massage on dysmenorrhea in Turkish students.
Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Effect of lavender aroma on salivary endocrinological stress markers.
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