Lavandula (which is most commonly known as lavender) is a genus which consists of 47 known species of flowering plants which fall under the mint family called Lamiaceae. Lavender is native to the Old World and is found from Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India. Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also commercially known for the extraction of essential oils. The most widely cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia, is often referred to as lavender, and there is a color named for the shade of the flowers of this species, however, beyond the pretty color, lavender has some very interesting properties and uses that are important to the human body.
One of the numerous problems with lavender is that it can grow and spread pretty quickly, and this is why it is often considered as a weed in certain parts of the world. As a culinary element, Lavender is also effective because it is used in a lot of salad dressings, honey, sauces, beverages, teas, and so on. As a flavoring for food, it can be used as a flavoring spice for a number of cultural dishes all over the world. Lavender essential oils are also very popular in stores and in high demand. If you have come in direct contact with lavender, you know that the scent and flavor (and don’t forget the beautiful color) of lavender are wonderful, but the bonus comes from its wide range of health benefits, which we will explore in greater detail below. Here are a few health benefits of lavender as well as its benefits.
Helps to Cut Anxiety and Stress
There are a variety of methods of utilizing lavender to ease stress and anxiety. The natural organic composites in its leaves and flowers can be ground between the fingers and then smeared on the temples. This topical treatment can soothe the body and mind by relieving anxious thoughts as well as balancing the mood. Apart from this topical application, you can also brew lavender tea and achieve much of the same effect. The antioxidant components in it can directly influence the endocrine system to lower the levels of stress hormones that are produced in the body.
Helps to Treat Sleep Issues
If you are someone who regularly struggles with insomnia, apnea or restless sleep patterns, it can negatively impact your life and affect the work that you do. By brewing a few lavender flowers in hot water, you can steep a wonderful tea which has been used to effect sleep and relaxation for thousands of years by natives. This influence on sleep is also closely linked to the flower’s impact on the nervous system, and can also help to clear your mind of negative thoughts and emotions. It is a herb that is also commonly used in meditation techniques and its essential oils are used in aromatherapy.
Anti-inflammatory Qualities
In today’s day and age, everyone is always on the move and as a result, everyone is looking for a reliable way to relax the body and mind, and lavender does a good job with that because it helps to take care of both the body as well as the mind. If you add these flowers to your bath water and take a nice long, warm soak, the anti-inflammatory components that are contained in lavender can definitely help you in reducing the inflammation in the body. The antioxidant features of lavender are also quite potent and it is one of the most trusted applications of its flowers.
Skin Care
One of the most prominent uses of lavender is the great treatment that it gives to the skin. Usually, an easy, mobile and stress-free way to always take care of your skin, and make sure that it is always properly moisturized, is to properly fill a spray bottle with lavender flowers. Whenever your skin is feeling dry or irritated, all you need to do is simply spray some of the infused water in the area and enjoy the quick relief that it provides. This treatment can also work for chronic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Antiseptic Ability
Although many people turn to lavender for relaxation and aroma-therapeutic applications, and although this is it is very effective for that purpose, its effect on treating wound infections, in general, is pretty impressive, to say the least. Many people apply crushed leaves on wounds and injuries for quick healing of the wounds as well as to prevent the development of infections on them in the future.
Hair Care
If you suffer from hair loss or any other condition that affects the quality of your hair, including dandruff then it will be worth your while to actively seek a shampoo that is lavender-based. However, some of the organic cosmetic products can be quite expensive, while others which claim to be derived from it may still contain harsh chemicals, so you have to do your research to pick out the right product that works well for you. If you are still skeptical about some of the products that you see in the stores and want to try to make your own product by yourself, you can steep lavender flowers like a tea and then apply the mixture to your hair. This will function well as an effective shampoo and will also significantly boost the health of your follicle beds and hair.
Protects Heart Health
The human heart is perhaps one of the most important organs that can be found in the body. It is so necessary for life that without it pumping, we couldn’t possibly sustain our lives. Many people today tend to be mindful of how diet and exercise affect our heart’s health. In addition to all of this, aromatherapy also offers complimentary support with its essential oils. Throughout history, aromas have been used to emotionally and physically care for our hearts. Like I mentioned earlier, the relaxing qualities of lavender, which come from its organic compounds and antioxidants, also help the heart by reducing high blood pressure as well as easing the tension that mounts up on blood vessels over time. The effect of lavender on the body can do a lot to deter atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, thereby decreasing the risk of stroke and heart attack. Many doctors have listed lavender as an essential herb that can serve as a natural remedy for protecting heart health.
Prevents Digestive Issues
The digestive system and all of its components are extremely important for the body and its day to day functions. When we eat, our food needs to be properly digested for us to be able to act normally and the polyphenols that are found in lavender can have a range of effects on the body. It can prevent and curtail the active development of harmful bacteria and accumulation of gas in the gut. Lavender is important because it does a lot of work to ease stomach discomfort, significantly reduce bloating, as well as completely cut and cut off cramping. Chewing on its leaves or drinking its tea can be effective too.
