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Information about the herb Lavender
Lavandula officinalis, also known as Lavendel is part of the Labiataeplant family. Lavender is a shrubby plant indigenous to the mountainous regions of the countries bordering
the western half of the Mediterranean. Now cultivated all over the world.
There are several species of Lavender with similar medicinal properties. Other species include:
- English Lavender (Lavendula vera) yields the highest percentage of esters for making Lavender Oil but is extremely expensive
- Spike Lavender (Lavendula spica) has a high yield of oil but of a poorer quality
Spanish Lavender is not a true Lavender and is almost free of esters and is closest to Spike Lavender.
This English garden herb is highly regarded for its classic fragrance in soap, and potpourris, but lavender is also an important medicinal herb.
Originally, the oil from the flower was used to protect cloths and stored linens from moths. It was, and is, used as a scent in air fresheners.
Botanical Name: Lavandula officinalis
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common name: Lavendel, Stachaedoes
History: Lavender has been around for thousands of years, dating back to at least the ancient Greeks.
The Romans were responsible for the spread of Lavender throughout Europe and used Lavender:
- in baths
- to fumigate a room in preparation for childbirth
- to expel afterbirth
- to promote menstruation
Lavender was used during the world wars as a powerful antiseptic
Traditional: Lavender flowers were used in:
- healing incenses and sachets (the flowers are burned to induce sleep)
- purification baths and rituals
- the home to maintain peaceful harmony within
Lavender water
- sprinkled on the head was supposed to help in keeping your chastity
Lavender essential oil is said to:
- heighten sexual desire
Carrying Lavender:
- brought strength and courage
- was supposed to enable the carrier to see ghosts
Plant Constituents of Lavender
Contains: Lavender contains a volatile oil, the main constituents of which are:
- borneol
- cineol (mainly in English Lavender, only a trace in French)
- geraniol
- linalool
- limonene
- linalyl acetate
- linalyl butrate
- pinene
- tannin
Action:
- antihydrotic [an agent which reduces or suppresses perspiration]
- antidepressant
- anti-rheumatic [an agent to relieve rheumatism]
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or checks spasms or cramps]
- aromatic [a substance having an agreeable odor and stimulating qualities]
- carminative [an agent for expelling gas from the intestines]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the secretion and expulsion of urine]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the activity of physiological processes]
- stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
- tonic [an agent that strengthens or invigorates organs or the entire organism]
- vermifuge [an agent to expel parasites, worms]
Medicinal Parts Used: The whole herb
Lavender is used in:
Bacterial and Viral Conditions
- retroviruses, such as herpes
- streptococcal and staphylococcus infections
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- fainting
- gentle, soothing tonic for the nervous system
- invigorates a tired brain
- mental depression
- migraine headache
- nervous anxiety
- nervous tension
- stress
- tension headaches
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- colic
- flatulence (gas/wind)
- gentle, soothing tonic for the digestive system
- nausea
- putrefactive bacteria in the intestines
- stomach problems
- vomiting
Female Conditions
- expulsion of afterbirth
- induces menstruation
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- coughs
- debility and exhaustion
- dizziness
Externally Lavender Water is used for:
- acne
- reducing puffiness
- normalizing the sebaceous glands
- repelling insects
and as a douche in:
- leucorrhea
Externally the oil can be used for:
- burns
- corneal ulcers
- cuts
- disinfecting wounds
- headache relief
- toothache
Applied as a compress Lavender oil provides relief from:
- intestinal gas
- neuralgic pains
- rheumatism
- sore joints
- sprains
and
- stimulates paralyzed limbs
A few drops of the oil in a footbath:
- relieves fatigue
Other Uses:
- cosmetics
- embalming of corpses
- dried flowers in potpourri
- insect repellant
- perfumes
- soaps
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 15-30mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Lavender without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Lavender available in the following forms
- Lavender Extract
- Dried Lavender
- Lavender & Anthyllis Leave In Conditioner
- Lavender & Geranium Body Moisturiser
- Lavender Bath Foam
- Lavender Body Bar (With Red Clay)
- Lavender Body Wash
- Lavender Castile Soap Foam
- Lavender Castile Soap Pump
- Lavender Epsom Salt (With Red Clay)
- Lavender Hand, Nail & Cuticle Cream
- Lavender Massage Oil
- Lavender Relaxing Bath Milk
- Lavender with Flowers Soap
- Lavender, Lime & Mandarin Scrub
- Lavender Conditioner
- Lavender Shampoo - Alchemy, Melrose
- Lavender Essential Oil
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
