When we think of lavender, we think often think of its essential oil, used in detox baths, lotions, body butter, and natural perfumes. Although lavender’s scent is invigorating, lavender can do so much more than just appeal to our senses.
The use of lavender has been noted for more than two thousand years for its healing capabilities. Lavender has health benefits ranging from acne treatment or pain relief, making it a suitable natural remedy to stock up on at home.
Botanical Name and Family of Lavender
Lavender is known botanically as Lavandula angustifolia. It is an herb that belongs to the Lamiaceae or mint family and has over 30 different species. Lavender is known predominately as lavender but is called English lavender as well.
What Is Lavender?
Lavender is an aromatic herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. As mentioned earlier, over 30 species of the Lavendula genus have been identified, and Lavandula angustifolia is the common variety. The lavender flower has a mesmerizing color that comes in a variety of purple hues. Lavender can also grow in yellow and white.
The word lavender is derived from the Latin word ‘Lavare,’ which means to wash. The Egyptians and Greeks are the oldest civilizations to have records of using this plant for its perfume and healing capabilities.
Active Ingredients Found in Lavender
Lavender is a consumable herb. Its volatile essential oil is composed of components such as linalool, alpha-pinene, camphor, limonene, vitamins, calcium, iron, caryophyllene and lavendulyl acetate.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in infusion form to treat headaches, insect bite, and burns. It has also been used as a relaxant, tranquilizer, sedative, acne treatment, preventative hair loss treatment, and insect repellant.
Along with the previously mentioned benefits, lavender also proposes the following benefits:
- Relieves pain
- Aids respiratory diseases
- Prevents digestive issues
- Oxygenates the blood
- Protects heart health
- Promotes mental health
- Enhances a healthy urinary tract
Different Ways to Consume Lavender
Lavender leaves are used to prepare herbal teas. The essential oil is commercially available and may be used for external application (after suitable dilution) and can also be used in food.
Side Effects of Lavender
While generally safe for use, lavender has been known to cause headaches, constipation or an increase in appetite in some people when consumed orally. Some people may also develop a skin irritation after applying lavender oil to the skin. It’s best to speak to your doctor before using lavender or any other natural oils as a remedy.
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References
Hajhashemi V, Ghannadi A, Sharif B. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Nov;89(1):67-71. PubMed PMID: 14522434.
