Lavender Herb Benefits
The lavender plant is a perennial, flowering shrub with delicate purple flowers clustered together on spikes. As mentioned above, its name stems from the Latin term ‘lavare’ which means ‘to wash’. In ancient Rome, people often wore garlands of lavender to ‘wash’ their bodies and clothes in order to smell good. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean area and has been grown there for many centuries.
The therapeutic properties of lavender plant: There are many health benefits of lavender and its essential oil, including relief from stress and anxiety (a natural sedative), help with skin infections, digestive disorders, depression, and insomnia. Also, it is considered an effective anti-oxidant.
The most common way to ingest the lavender plant is by its essential oil. This can be administered via aromatherapy which means exposing your body to the vapors of the concentrated oil diluted in water or carrier oil (such as sweet almond or coconut). It can also be taken orally, diluted in a glass of water. However, it is important to note that the oil must never come into direct contact with your skin because it may cause irritation and burning sensations.
As well as its therapeutic properties, the lavender essential oil has many other uses. Lavender plants are commonly used for landscaping and their lovely scent makes them a popular choice for aromatherapy diffusers which create an even mist of vapor containing the volatile compounds of lavender.
Lavender is considered by many to be a wonder herb. Did you know that it can also help with digestive problems? Many people use lavender in various ways to benefit from its natural oils and fragrances. This herb is great for your skin, hair, and mind – just be careful with the plant’s oil as it can cause an allergic reaction if applied directly on the skin and is also toxic when consumed orally.
Health benefits of lavender essential oil:
1. Relieves pain – Lavender oil has pain-relieving effects due to the presence of two components – linalool and L-Menthone. The former is monoterpene alcohol known for its anti-inflammatory properties which reduces swelling and soothes away pain. The latter is a terpene ketone present in high quantities in the essential oil of lavender and has been shown to have analgesic effects.
Lavender oil also contains a phenolic compound called Eugenol which gives it anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anesthetic properties.
2. Relieves anxiety – The lavender essential oil is widely used as a natural remedy for various types of anxiety disorders. It does this by reducing the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is known for causing anxiety when it’s in high quantities. This herb also calms the mind and body with its strong fragrance that helps lull you into a relaxed state.
3. Treats insomnia – Lavender oil can be taken orally to help promote sleep. There are several ways to use lavender oil for sleep, including adding a few drops of it into the bathwater before going to bed, inhaling its scent by putting a few drops of it on your pillow or pajamas, or drinking some chamomile tea with a dash of lavender essential oil.
4. Reduces depression – Lavender essential oil has shown antidepressant and uplifting effects in the users. However, its efficacy as an antidepressant remains inconclusive and several clinical studies need to be conducted before we can arrive at a solid conclusion.
5. Has antiseptic properties – You can use lavender oil to clean minor wounds by diluting them with water and applying it with a cotton ball. You can also add several drops of lavender oil to your bath water to help treat skin infections and irritations because the antiseptic properties of this herb will disinfect the affected area.
6. Improves blood circulation – Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its numerous therapeutic benefits, one of which is improving the flow of blood because it contains high concentrations of a compound called linalyl acetate, which gives it its anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Helps relieve headaches – Lavender oil has been used as a treatment for headaches since ancient Roman times due to its analgesic and antispasmodic effects. When applied under your nostrils, lavender oil helps relieve headache pain because its strong fragrance reduces the activity of the nervous system.
8. Acts as an aphrodisiac – Lavender oil can also help boost your libido. Its pleasant aroma is said to have a calming effect on the nerves and soothe away stress which makes you feel relaxed and even more in the mood for love.
lavender herb benefits for skin:
The benefits of lavender oil are extensive, making it a go-to ingredient in the cosmetic industry. From cleaning products to candles, lavender is widely used due to its soothing effects on the mind and body. Lavender essential oil consists of several beneficial components that are good for your skin too! This herb is especially useful when you have sensitive skin, or when you want to add a little bit of shine.
lavender herb health benefits:
Lavender has been used for thousands of years as a rejuvenator and relaxer, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetics even today. Lavender essential oil is known to have the following benefits:
Skin-friendly antiseptic. Lavender oil contains high levels of linalyl acetate, which acts as an anti-inflammatory on the skin. This anti-inflammatory property helps speed up the healing process on wounds and cuts on the body. Lavender oil also contains antibacterial properties that keep pimples, acne, and other skin conditions at bay.
Relieves rashes. Lavender oil is very soothing on the skin, especially when it has been affected by an allergic reaction or a rash. Applied topically onto rashes, lavender promotes quick healing while preventing scarring. This herb also contains antibacterial properties that can further prevent or treat skin conditions such as acne.
Promotes hair growth. Lavender oil is very effective in preventing hair loss and has been used to stimulate hair growth since ancient times. Linalyl acetate, a natural compound found in lavender, also helps maintain the health of your scalp by controlling sebum secretion and preventing dandruff. Lavender oil is also effective in getting rid of lice and other parasites that may live in your hair.
Helps heal burn wounds. Lavender oil has high levels of cineole, which helps accelerate the healing process for burns on the body. This herb can be used topically to promote the formation of new skin cells and prevent scarring. Lavender oil can also be ingested to help relieve burn pain and reduce the risk of infection.
Relieves bug bites. Lavender oil contains high levels of linalyl acetate, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that can reduce pain and itching from insect bites such as those bees and wasps. Furthermore, it has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and scarring.
lavender herb tea benefits:
Lavender is one of the most popular herbs used for teas. This herb has a very subtle and sweet taste that makes it perfect as an everyday drink, especially during seasons when colds and coughs run rampant. The following are lavender’s benefits on your health:
Cures insomnia and stress. Lavender tea contains high levels of linalool, which has sedative properties that can help relieve stress and promote better sleep. The relaxing effect of this herb is also effective in calming the nerves and slowing down rapid breathing, making it perfect even for those who have asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Neutralizes acids in your stomach. Lavender tea contains high levels of magnesium, which can help prevent heartburn and acid reflux. Furthermore, the soothing properties of lavender are effective in calming the nerves that trigger these conditions.
Cures nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Lavender tea contains high levels of magnesium, which can help relieve you of all sorts of stomach problems including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Lavender is very effective in calming the nerves that trigger these conditions, making it perfect even for those who are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.
Relieves headache pain. Lavender tea contains high levels of magnesium, which can help reduce muscle tension associated with migraine headaches. This herb has also been known to relieve other types of pains in the head including sinus, ear, and toothaches.
lavender herb plant benefits:
Lavender is one of the most beautiful herbs you can grow in your garden. Not only does it emit a calming scent that helps relax the mind, but it also has health benefits for both humans and animals. Here are lavender’s benefits on your health:
Treats coughs. Lavender tea contains high levels of cineole, which is effective in getting rid of excess phlegm and mucus in your respiratory tract. This herb also contains antibacterial properties that can further help treat lung conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
Relieves stress. Lavender has high levels of linalool, which is known to have relaxing properties that promote better sleep and reduce stress levels. Furthermore, this herb can be used as aromatherapy to relieve anxiety and ease tension.
how to use lavender herb:
Lavender is a very versatile herb that can be used in various ways. In addition to being one of the most popular ingredients in aromatherapy, this herb also has many other uses for your health and beauty:
Treats acne. Lavenders have been known to have antibacterial properties that can help prevent the development of pimples. Furthermore, this herb can be used as a natural astringent to tighten pores and prevent the formation of new acne.
Treats dermatitis. Lavender has been known to have skin-soothing properties that can help relieve skin irritation from rashes and allergies such as dermatitis. The same antibacterial properties in lavender are also effective in preventing the growth of fungi and other microorganisms that can further aggravate skin conditions.
Treats cuts, wounds, and burns. Lavenders have high levels of cineole which has antibacterial properties that can help prevent the development of infections in cuts, bruises, open sores, and burns. Furthermore, lavender can also help relieve the pain and promote faster healing.
Soothes insect bites. Lavender can be used as a natural mosquito repellant, thanks to its antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for transmitting diseases. Moreover, lavenders have aromatherapy effects that can quickly calm down people who are bitten by insects or stung by jellyfish and sea urchins.
can smoking lavender kill you?
Lavender is an herb that has been used for centuries both for culinary and health purposes. This herb has many benefits on your overall health, but can smoking lavender kill you?
Smoking lavender results in respiratory distress:
Many people smoke tobacco to help them relax, but there are some who use other herbs like lavender out of curiosity and as an alternative. However, what those people don’t know is that smoking both tobacco and lavender can be very dangerous for health since these herbs contain many harmful chemicals that may cause respiratory problems.
In fact, a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information discovered that smoking lavender resulted in airway obstruction and respiratory distress among the participants. The researchers involved in the study also conducted another investigation with mice and found out that lavender smoke has higher levels of carbon monoxide and cyanide compared to tobacco.
These chemicals can lead to emphysema, which is a condition characterized by the breakdown of alveoli – an essential part of the lungs responsible for gas exchange.
Smoking lavender is not recommended, even though it can lead to mild relaxation and sedation. However, the effects of smoking lavender are not as pleasant as many people think since there were also cases that smoking this herb resulted in vomiting, nausea, and dizziness.