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
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:
Autonomic nervous function and localization of cerebral activity during lavender aromatic immersion.
Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.
It's a very beautiful flower, lavender has always been personally associated with something so noble, secular and perhaps somehow cosy, for some reason it's a special flower for me. In general, I've had a very good life with flowers, and thanks to them, namely the pictures of flowers, I became the editor-in-chief of our magazine, I manage all the photos that come to our agency, so you could say that they gave me the present and will definitely give me the future. The lavender one is special because I gave it to my future wife on our first date, and even though so many years have passed, she still loves lavender and I always know if I can cheer her…