LAVENDER
LAVENDER
Lavender, also known as French Lavender is an aromatic plant with great cosmetic and medicinal value. It is widely used in aromatherapy for relaxation of mind and body. Lavender essential oil is mainly used in the preparation of cosmetics such as hair shampoos, bath salt, fragrant formulations, food products, medicinal products and insect repellents.
Lavender is useful in managing stress and anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties. It reduces menstrual pain or discomfort due to its relaxant and anti-spasmodic properties. Consuming Lavender tea or using Lavender essential oil for aromatherapy is beneficial for managing menstrual symptoms.
Lavender oil has various benefits for skin and hair. Applying Lavender oil along with coconut oil on the skin prevents wrinkles and signs of aging.
As per Ayurveda, Applying Lavender oil on the scalp once a day controls hair fall by balancing Vata and removing excessive dryness from the scalp.
It is advisable to avoid the excessive consumption of Lavender tea as it might cause certain side effects like nausea and vomiting[2-5][9][14][21][48].
Lavender is useful in managing stress and anxiety due to its anxiolytic properties. It reduces menstrual pain or discomfort due to its relaxant and anti-spasmodic properties. Consuming Lavender tea or using Lavender essential oil for aromatherapy is beneficial for managing menstrual symptoms.
Lavender oil has various benefits for skin and hair. Applying Lavender oil along with coconut oil on the skin prevents wrinkles and signs of aging.
As per Ayurveda, Applying Lavender oil on the scalp once a day controls hair fall by balancing Vata and removing excessive dryness from the scalp.
It is advisable to avoid the excessive consumption of Lavender tea as it might cause certain side effects like nausea and vomiting[2-5][9][14][21][48].
What are the synonyms of LAVENDER?
Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula officinarum, Arabian or French Lavender, Tuntuna, Lavendra- no-phul, Ustukhudusa, Ulfajan, Heal-all[1].
What is the source of LAVENDER?
Plant Based
Benefits of LAVENDER
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Lavender in Nausea. However, it might act as an antiemetic (agent that is effective against nausea) in combination with other herbs like ginger and fennel[7].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Lavender in toothache. However, it had been used to manage pain in teeth[8].
Modern Science View
Lavender tea might help manage menstrual pain due to its muscle relaxant and antispasmodic properties. It relieves the spasms of involuntary muscles and reduces menstrual pain. It also contains certain constituent (linalool) which has analgesic property. This property helps to reduce pain and discomfort during menstruation. Inhaling Lavender essential oil or massaging lower back with Lavender oil also helps manage menstrual pain and cramps[2-5].
Ayurvedic View
Lavender is one of the best home remedies to reduce pain during menstruation or dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Lavender has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. Drinking Lavender tea helps control aggravated Vata and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during menstruation.
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
1. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
2. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
3. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
4. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
5. You can enjoy lavender tea during bedtime or whenever you need.
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
1. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
2. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
3. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
4. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
5. You can enjoy lavender tea during bedtime or whenever you need.
Modern Science View
Lavender tea might help manage loss of appetite. This is due to its appetite stimulant property. It stimulates hunger and increases food consumption[6].
Modern Science View
Lavender might be helpful in vomiting due to its antiemetic property. It helps ease the symptoms of nausea or vomiting when used in combination with other herbs like ginger and fennel[7].
How effective is LAVENDER?
Likely effective
Menstrual pain
Insufficient evidence
Loss of appetite, Nausea, Toothache, Vomiting
Precautions when using LAVENDER
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Lavender might slow down the central nervous system when taken along with anesthesia and other medications during surgery. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Lavender 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Lavender during Breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Lavender or consult a physician before using Lavender during Breastfeeding[9].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Lavender might interact with certain sedatives like Barbiturates and cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Lavender along with such drugs[9][10].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Lavender in Pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Lavender or consult a physician before using Lavender during Pregnancy[9].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Nausea
2. vomiting
3. Constipation
4. Headache
5. Increased appetite[9][10].
2. vomiting
3. Constipation
4. Headache
5. Increased appetite[9][10].
How to use LAVENDER
Lavender Tea
You can make lavender tea at home by following these easy steps
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
1. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
2. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
3. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
4. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
5. You can enjoy lavender tea once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of menstrual pain.
You can make lavender tea at home by following these easy steps
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
1. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
2. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
3. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
4. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
5. You can enjoy lavender tea once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of menstrual pain.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Lavender can be used in many ways, few of the following tips can be used to manage various diseases such as Nausea, Loss of appetite, vomiting, Depression, Stress and Dementia
1. For Oral Consumption
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
a. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
b. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
c. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
d. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
e. You can enjoy lavender tea during bedtime or whenever you need.
2. For External Use
Tips for Lavender aromatherapy at home
a. Put Lavender oil in a diffuser.
b. Place the diffuser it in your bedroom to get calming benefits.
c. You can also do massage with Lavender oil by adding some rosemary oil to get quick relief.
1. For Oral Consumption
Tips for making Lavender tea at home.
a. Boil 200-250ml water in a teapot.
b. Add a few lavender flowers to it.
c. Let the flowers steep in the water for about 5 minutes. You can steep them longer (as per your requirement).
d. Remove the flowers from the tea by filtering or straining the liquid into a cup.
e. You can enjoy lavender tea during bedtime or whenever you need.
2. For External Use
Tips for Lavender aromatherapy at home
a. Put Lavender oil in a diffuser.
b. Place the diffuser it in your bedroom to get calming benefits.
c. You can also do massage with Lavender oil by adding some rosemary oil to get quick relief.
Modern Science View
Though Lavender is not a traditional houseplant, it is possible to keep it indoors with proper care. It should get sufficient sunlight, fresh air and water at regular intervals.
Modern Science View
Yes, Lavender capsules are available in the market under various brands. They can be purchased online or from any medical store.
Modern Science View
The other varieties of Lavender are:
Lavandula dentata (French Lavender)- It is a perennial, aromatic shrub that is mostly grown in tubs or pots. It is known for its ornamental value rather than the medicinal or cosmetic benefits. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (English Lavender)- It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mediterranean region. It has various medicinal properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidepressant and sedative properties.
Lavandula multifida (Egyptian Lavender)- Commonly known as fern leaf lavender, it is a perennial, aromatic shrub native to the northwestern Mediterranean plus the Canary Islands. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties[50-54].
Lavandula dentata (French Lavender)- It is a perennial, aromatic shrub that is mostly grown in tubs or pots. It is known for its ornamental value rather than the medicinal or cosmetic benefits. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (English Lavender)- It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Mediterranean region. It has various medicinal properties due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidepressant and sedative properties.
Lavandula multifida (Egyptian Lavender)- Commonly known as fern leaf lavender, it is a perennial, aromatic shrub native to the northwestern Mediterranean plus the Canary Islands. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties[50-54].
Modern Science View
Yes, the fragrance of Lavender repels fleas, moths, mosquitoes and many other insects. The oil extracted from the flowers acts as an effective mosquito repellent. Moreover, the plant itself can ward off the insects.
Modern Science View
Water Lavender plants only when the soil is almost dry. It would be best to prune every year immediately after bloom. In the first year of the plant, trim foliage 1 to 2 inches. While in the second year, all 2- to 4-foot lavenders should be cut back and trimmed about 1/3rd to the size to keep the plant from getting overly woody.
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Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.