When you hear “lavender,” you might immediately picture an ethereal shade of purple. But there's much more to this plant than its shade.
Find out more about the health benefits of lavender and the different uses and dangers associated with the herb.
What Exactly Is Lavender?
Lavender is a plant in the mint family that blooms and is easy to recognize by its fragrant floral scent. The plant is believed to be indigenous to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India, and its history goes back to more than 2,500 years ago.
In earlier times it was believed that lavender was an herb of holy use. In addition, it was utilized to refresh and add a pleasant fragrance to various personal items like clothing and even hair.
Common Questions & Answers
What is lavender, and where does it originate from?
Lavender is a blooming plant with a distinct pleasant smell. According to some, it is indigenous to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India.
What are the possible health benefits of lavender?
Lavender can help improve sleep, heal skin blemishes, help relieve pain, lower blood pressure, ease menopausal hot flashes, reduce the growth of fungus, and increase hair growth.
What effects does lavender have on the levels of stress?
Lavender is a powerful herb that can improve mood and stress levels, anxiety, and depression. It may help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome as well as provide psychological benefits in massage therapies using reflexology.
What are the different kinds of lavender?
Lavender is sold in the form of an essential oil in plant form, supplements or capsules, as well as a tea.
Are there any negative side negative effects or dangers related to lavender?
Lavender should not be taken in the form of an oil because it is toxic. (Lavender supplements can be taken orally.) Certain people might be prone to allergic reactions or sensitivities when lavender is applied topically. The repeated use of lavender can cause a rare disorder called prepubertal Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) in males.
What Are Possible Health Benefits of Lavender?
In the present lavender is not just a smelly plant. It turns out that the herb is also widely used to provide therapeutic and medicinal benefits. If you're facing some medical problems of your own and don't want to be a victim of the negative adverse side effects of numerous over-the-counter and prescription medications, Here's a look at the health benefits of lavender.
May Help Improve Sleep
Sleepiness is a persistent issue that can keep you tossing and turning through the night. Eliminating caffeine and getting more exercise can help you fall asleep. However, sometimes, these strategies and other solutions aren't effective, which is why you're a tired mess at the end of the day.
If you're willing to test everything to get a good night's sleep, a study of 60 people found essential oils of lavender to be a successful solution to improve the quality of sleep for ICU (ICU) patients who experienced trouble sleeping.
If you've tried other solutions to getting your sleep, put lavender oil on your mattress prior to getting ready to go to bed. Make sure you don't inhale it like any other essential oil, in fact, because the act could cause health hazards.
Could Help Treat Skin Blemishes
An array of essential oils can be beneficial for use on the skin, including lavender. If you have eczema, acne or other skin irritation using lavender oil on areas affected may aid in treating acne and inflammation according to a 2017 study, however more thorough studies are needed. Applying essential oils directly to the skin may cause irritation, so it's advised to dilute them by using water or a carrier oil.
The anti-oxidant properties in lavender can aid in wound healing.
Be sure to consult with your dermatologist prior to including lavender in your skin care regimen, so that you can be sure that it doesn't interfere with any medications which you're already taking.
May Offer a Natural Remedy for Pain
There are people who use non-prescription pain relief products when experiencing chronic or acute pain. Based on the degree of pain, it is possible to need a prescription from a physician.
Before using the conventional method to ease pain, try aromatherapy using lavender essential oil at 2 percent diluted in water. A 2014 study found lavender to be a successful remedy for post-operative pain. It may function as effective pain relief since the oil is a source of linalool and linalyl, Anti-inflammatory substances present in many essential oils.
A 2021 study revealed that lavender oil gathered in the early stages of the blooming period was a potent inhibitor of various inflammation-causing molecules.
Other studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy could be employed during labor to decrease the intensity of pain, but it is not used to reduce the duration of pain.
Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
A high blood pressure condition can put additional stress on the cardiovascular system, which increases the chance of developing health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. However, a study from 2017 found that when 40 participants breathed in diluted lavender essential oil following surgery to open the heart, they had a lower heart rate and blood pressure and heart rate, suggesting that the oil had an effect that was positive on vital indicators. However, the authors state that there is a need for more research regarding this potential, specifically, a randomized controlled trial, which is the best method of medical research, and with an increased sample size.
Could Relieve Asthma Symptoms
Due to the anti-inflammatory benefits that lavender oil has, it can aid in the treatment of asthma bronchial. A study conducted in 2014 on mice showed that the essential oil of lavender has a positive impact on respiratory health, reducing allergies as well as mucus hyperplasia. It is unclear if the same effect can be observed in humans remains undetermined.
Lessons Menopausal Hot Flashes
“Hot flashes” (or hot flashes) are a typical menopausal problem that affects women of all ages. They cause a sudden sensation of warmth across the body, which can cause the face to flush and induce sweating.
However, lavender aromatherapy for 20 minutes two times a day can help decrease menopausal flashing and improve the quality of life, as per an investigation from 2016.
Help Combat Fungus Growth
There are also a variety of studies that demonstrate the antifungal effects of lavender. Research suggests that lavender essential oil could help stop the growth of some types of fungus, like C. albicans. Based on past studies, it could also serve as a remedy to treat ringworm and athlete's foot, both of which are caused by fungi.
Potentially Promotes Hair Growth
Another study found that applying lavender essential oil to mice's backs five times a week for four weeks improved the number of hair follicles and the density of the dermal layer. This suggests that lavender could be utilized to boost hair growth, but further research is required. In the end, you're not an animal.
What Is Lavender's Effect on Stress Levels?
Everyday stress can affect your mental well-being. The more anxious you are the greater your risk of suffering from depression, headaches, and lower energy levels.
The great thing about lavender is that it can help to lift the black cloud that hangs over your head. It can also help improve your mental outlook a boost. There's a wealth of research suggesting that lavender can have positive effects on stress, mood anxiety, depression, and stress.
For instance, a controlled, randomized study showed that symptoms of premenstrual syndrome were less severe for women who inhaled lavender essential oils. They reported less anxiety and depression as well as increased levels of anxiousness. In addition, a 2017 randomized controlled study found that reflexology massage treatments using lavender essential oil could provide psychological benefits, reducing both depression and anxiety.
What Are Some of the Different Forms of Lavender?
Lavender comes in a variety of varieties. Examples include:
- Lavender Oil Nectar extracted from the flowering plant can be used to create a scented oil. Once the oil is diluted, it can be massaged into the skin, inserted into a diffuser, or sprayed onto a mattress or swab before inhaling for the benefits of aromatherapy.
- Lavender Plants This is a flower that is sweetly fragrant. It brings color to the garden and emits a sweet scent. (1)
- Lavender capsules or supplements can also be bought in the form of capsules. It is recommended to take it as directed for therapeutic benefits. However, ensure you work with your physician to make sure the supplement doesn't have a negative interaction with the medication you're currently taking. Be aware that supplements aren't controlled by the FDA. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Lavender Tea This kind of lavender provides the calming drink needed to alleviate anxiety and aids in sleep. You can buy lavender tea or make your own by infusing the fresh buds of lavender in boiling water for around 15-20 minutes.
What's the Best Way to Select and Store Lavender?
It's helpful to be familiar with the various botanical names for lavender prior to purchasing. This way, you can select the appropriate type of lavender based on how you intend to utilize the plant.
Lavandula Stoechas is utilized for respiratory and antimicrobial issues However, it must be administered under the supervision of a certified medical professional. For help with nervousness, insomnia, headaches, menstrual cramps, insomnia, or respiratory ailments, You can choose Lavandula stoechas.
However, Lavandula latifolia can help with respiratory problems, headaches, bug bites, inflammation, and joint or muscle pain. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women and children due to its high levels of camphor.
Luckily, you don't need to be concerned about these specifics when buying lavender. The label should tell you precisely how to use the product or supplement and the health benefits associated with that specific type of lavender.
When using lavender for therapeutic purposes, be sure to search for 100% pure, therapeutic-grade lavender.
When you purchase essential oils of lavender, correct storage is essential to ensure the shelf-life of the plant.
If you are using essential lavender oil be sure to seal the bottle at the end of each usage and keep the product stored in a dry, cool area. This is the same for capsules or lavender supplements. Do not use the product after it expires.
Tips for How to Plant and Care for Lavender
Lavender plants should be established early in spring. It is possible to delay planting until autumn or summer; however, the earlier you plant it, the better chance you have of ensuring the plants can withstand the winter ahead.
Ideally, you should leave approximately 2 to 3 feet of space between each plant and avoid growing it in locations that get a significant amount of moisture. It is a low-maintenance species, and you'll only need to water it every two or three days as the plants begin to grow. After that, you can gradually decrease the frequency by watering it every two to three weeks.
Start harvesting once about half the buds are open. Cut the stems in length for easy bundling and then set the lavender bundles in a dark, cool area to dry.
Other Uses for Lavender
Bugs can be a problem during the summer and hot times. You may be delighted to know that lavender is a natural bug repellent, warding off all kinds of bugs, including mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
You can also use lavender in various areas of the home to improve the smell of a dull space. This includes the laundry room, garage, and closets. You can also put a small amount of the essential oil diluted on your fingers and then place a small amount of the oil on your neck for a fresh fragrance.
There is a good chance that lavender is also a component in a variety of lotions, soaps, and body washes. These products keep your skin hydrated and give you a calm and relaxing sensation after bathing.
It's surprising to learn that dried culinary lavender is also able to be employed in recipes. Explore the herb for yourself, and prepare an ice-cold beet salad using honey-lavender dressing, or lemon-lavender Crinkle cookies.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Lavender That You Should Know?
Lavender hasn't yet been endorsed by the FDA Therefore, it's crucial to know about any potential negative health risks or adverse effects associated with using this herb.
For instance, you shouldn't drink lavender oil since it could be poisonous if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning could include vomiting, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea. If you would prefer to take lavender in a capsule, ensure you purchase lavender supplements and take them as recommended.
Be aware that certain individuals are sensitive to lavender and could be prone to stomach upset joint pain, joint discomfort, or headaches after using.
While lavender can be used on the skin, it can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. The signs of an allergic reaction are bumps, redness, or an intense burning sensation. Take it off if you experience symptoms of sensitivity or reaction.
There's also evidence that shows repeated lavender usage causes the rare condition called preubertal Gynecomastia. It is an enlargement of breast tissue in males before puberty.
The Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Lavender
Where should I plant lavender?
A: Lavender is planted in many different areas. However, some plants can't do well in moist climates. Lavender thrives best in the West. The ideal moment to start planting lavender is during the spring so that the plants will be strong in time for winter.
Q What is the symbolic significance of lavender?
A: The flowers of the lavender family are purple, and the color purple symbolizes elegance and royalty. Lavender flowers are also connected to peace, serenity, and purity.
Q: What else can lavender be employed to treat?
A: Lavender may be utilized for potential therapeutic and medicinal uses -insomnia, acne, anxiety, depression, hair loss, anxiety, depression and high blood pressure, and discomfort. It also functions as a natural scent and some recipes require the flowers and buds of lavender plants.
Q: What is it that lavender does?
A: Lavender can deter certain pests common to your home, such as flies, moths, and mosquitoes. It can also repel fleas and moths. Place a lavender flower arrangement on your front or back porch to ward off unwanted guests.
Is lavender harmful to humans?
The answer is that lavender oil isn't hazardous or harmful when used as aromatherapy. However, ingesting it can produce unpleasant symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Lavender capsules could be safe to swallow orally. Make sure you discuss the capsule with your doctor first.
A Final Word on Lavender Benefits and Whether to Use It
As you can see, the lavender plant is much more than an attractive color or plant. With its delicious aroma and the potential to ease the burden of many illnesses, you could benefit from adding this remedy to your daily routine, whether it is in capsules, oil, or tea form.