Herbs - Lavender (Lavendula Officinalis / angustifolia ).

What Is It?

Lavender, or common/true lavender is an evergreen woody shrub, with beautiful purple-blue flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated world-wide, for its use as a garden herb and for its distinctive fragrant aromatherapy oil. The flowers are used in herbal medicine and to make essential oil. Several variations exist: French lavender (L. stooechas), Spike lavender (L. latifolia), Lavandin (L. x intermedia).

Action

It contains a volatile oil which comprises of over 100 different constituents, including around 40% linalyl acetate, linalool, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpinol, cineol and limonene, among many others. The flowers also contain coumarins, flavanoids and other triterpenes. It is best known as a very calming and relaxing plant. It is also antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, carminative (wind relieving), emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation) and an insecticide (especially spike lavender).

Uses

Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Burns (topically)
  • Chilblains
  • Colic
  • Depression
  • Headaches - nervous
  • Heartburn (as a tea)
  • High blood pressure
  • Indigestion (as a tea)
  • Infections
  • Insomnia
  • Migraine (inhaled or applied to the temples)
  • Neuralgia (topically)
  • Perineal pain after childbirth (oil added to the bath)
  • Physical and mental exhaustion
  • Poor circulation
  • Rheumatism and muscular aches and pains (topically)
  • Toothache

Other information

Lavender flowers can be infused to make tea for internal use and can be drunk up to three times per day. Sometimes lavender tincture and capsules can be obtained for internal usage.

In aromatherapy lavender has numerous uses, the essential oil can be used for inhaling, massage and adding to the bath. It is also a very effective insect repellent and can be used as an alternative to tea tree or citronella.

Cautions

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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.