Medical uses of lavender

Lavender Information | Mount Sinai

Common lavender; English lavender; French lavender; Garden lavender; Lavandula angustifolia; Lavandula latifolia; Lavandula officinalis

Many people appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis) for its fragrance. Lavendar is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes. The name lavender comes from the Latin root lavare, which means "to wash." Lavender may have earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb has also been used as a remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and fatigue. Research has confirmed that lavender produces slight calming, soothing, and sedative effects when its scent is inhaled.

Plant Description

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats. Today, it flourishes throughout southern Europe, Australia, and the United States. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters (about 24 inches). Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with upright, rod like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.

The oil in lavender's small, blue violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 to 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.

Parts Used

Essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant and used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

A number of studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. However, most of these studies have been small. Lavender is also being studied for antibacterial and antiviral properties. Lavender oil is often used in other forms of integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.

Insomnia or Agitation

In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help restless people fall sleep. Scientific evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety. In one study, people who received massage with lavender felt less anxious and more positive than those who received massage alone. Several small studies suggest that lavender aromatherapy may help reduce agitation in people with dementia. Lavender flowers have also been approved in Germany as a tea for insomnia, restlessness, and nervous stomach irritations.

Alopecia areata

In one study of 86 people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out, often in patches), those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair regrowth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. However, there is no way to tell whether it was one or the combination of oils that was effective. On the other hand, preliminary studies also show that lavendar may be effective in treating women with hirsuitism (excessive hair growth).

Other uses

Aromatherapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain. One study evaluating treatments for children with eczema founded it was therapeutic touch from the mother that improved symptoms; in other words, massage with and without essential oils (including lavender) both reduced the dry, scaly skin lesions.

Another study found that lavender oil may improve pain control after surgery. Fifty people undergoing breast biopsy surgery received either oxygen supplemented with lavender oil or oxygen alone. People in the lavender group reported better pain control than people in the control group.

Available Forms

Commercial preparations are made from dried flowers and essential oils of the lavender plant. These preparations are available in the following forms:

Aromatherapy oil
Bath gels
Extracts

Infusions
Lotions
Soaps
Teas
Tinctures
Whole, dried flowers

How to Take It

Pediatric

Oral use in children is not recommended.
May be used topically in diluted concentrations to treat skin infections and injuries, such as minor cuts and scrapes. For proper dilutions speak with a knowledgeable health care provider. There are some aromatherapy formulas for children as well. Speak with a knowledgeable provider for dosing. Never use lavender on an open wound. Seek immediate medical attention.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that lavender and tea oils in some shampoos, soaps, and lotions may cause gynecomastia, breast development in boys. If you have any concerns, ask your doctor about using lavender for a child.

Adult

The following are recommended adult doses for lavender:

Internal use: Speak with a knowledgeable provider to find the right dose for you.
Inhalation: 2 to 4 drops in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water. Inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia. If you have asthma, talk to your doctor before using essential oil inhalations to see if they are right for you. There are some people who find essential oil used in inhalation form irritating to lungs and/or eyes.
Topical external application: For ease of application, add 1 to 2 drops per tbsp. of base oil (such as almond or olive oil). Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally. Only use the oil externally or by inhalation. Also, avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes, such as the lips and nostril.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Some people may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been reported in some people after inhaling or absorbing lavender through the skin. Lavender applied to skin may cause irritation in some people. Oral use of Lavender may cause constipation, headache, and increased appetite. Lavender oil is toxic if taken orally.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender.

Possible Interactions

CNS Depressants: There are no known scientific reports of interactions between lavender and conventional medications. However, because lavender promotes relaxation, it may make the effects of central nervous (CNS) depressants stronger. These drugs include narcotics such as morphine or oxycodone (OxyContin) for pain, and sedative and anti-anxiety agents such as lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax). Ask your doctor before using lavender with these and other sedatives.

Supporting Research

Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kifk-Smith M. Evaluation of massage with essential oils in childhood atopic eczema. Phyother Res. 2000;14(6):452-456.

Auerbach P. Auerbach: Wilderness Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2007.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; 2000:226-229.

Ernst E. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach. Edinburgh: Mosby; 2001:130-132.

Fibler M, Quante A. A case series on the use of lavendula oil capsules in patients suffering from major depressive disorder and symptoms of psychomotor agitation, insomnia and anxiety. Complement Ther Med. 2014;22(1):63-9.

Graham PH, Browne L, Cox H, Graham J. Inhalation aromatherapy during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21(12):2372-6.

Gyllenhaal C, Merrit SL, Peterson SD, Block KI, Gochenour T. Efficacy and safety of herbal stimulants and sedatives in sleep disorders. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2000;4(2):1-24.

Han SH, Hur MH, Buckle J, Choi J, Lee MS. Effect of aromatherapy on symptoms of dysmenorrhea in college students: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(6):535-41.

Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch, CA. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;5(365):479-485.

Howard S, Hughes BM. Expectancies, not aroma, explain impact of lavender aromatherapy on psychophysiological indices of relaxation in young healthy women. Br J Health Psychol. 2008 Nov;13(Pt 4):603-17.

Kim JT, Wajda M, Cuff G, et al., Evaluation of aromatherapy in treating postoperative pain: pilot study. Pain Pract. 2006;6(4):273-7.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide. Hudson, OH: LexiComp; 2000:468-469.

Lee IS, Lee GJ. [Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students] Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2006;36(1):136-43.

Lin PW, Chan W, Ng BF, Lam LC. Efficacy of aromatherapy (Lavandula angustifolia) as an intervention for agitated behaviors in Chinese older persons with dementia: a cross-over randomized trial. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2007;22:405-10.

Lytle J, Mwatha C, Davis KK. Effect of lavender aromatherapy on vital signs and perceived quality of sleep in the intermediate care unit: a pilot study. Am J Crit Care. 2014;23(1):24-9.

Moon T, Wilkinson JM, Cavanagh HM. Antiparasitic activity of two Lavandula essential oils against Giardia duodenalis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Hexamita inflata. Parasitol Res. 2006;99(6):722-8.

Motomura N, Sakurai A, Yotsuya Y. Reduction of mental stress with lavender odorant.Percept Mot Skills. 2001;93(3):713-718.

Pemberton E, Turpin PG. The effect of essential oils on work-related stress in intensive care unit nurses. Holist Nurs Pract. 2008 Mar-Apr;22(2):97-102.

Rho KH, Han SH, Kim KS, Lee MS. Effects of aromatherapy massage on anxiety and self-esteem in Korean elderly women: a pilot study. Int J Neurosci. 2006;116(12):1447-55.

Shimizu K, Gyokusen M, Kitamura S, Kawabe T, Kozaki T, Ishibashi K, et al. Essential oil of lavender inhibited the decreased attention during a long-term task in humans. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2008 Jul;72(7):1944-7.

Soden K, Vincent K, Craske S, Lucas C, Ashley S. A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting. Palliat Med. 2004;18(2):87-92.

Soltani R, Soheilipour S, Hajhashemi V, Asghari G, Bagheri M, Molavi M. Evaluation of the effect of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on post-tonsillectomy pain in pediatric patients: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2013;77(9):1579-81.

Tirabassi G, Giovannini L, Paggi F, et al. Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013;36(1):50-4.

Williams TI. Evaluating effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep in children with autism: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2006;3(3):373-7.

Yip YB, Tse SH. An experimental study on the effectiveness of acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for sub-acute, non-specific neck pain in Hong Kong. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2006;12(1):18-26.

Lavender: Health benefits and uses

Share on PinterestLavender can be distilled into an essential oil, and has a range of medical applications.

The herb is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos to help purify the skin. It can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) from drugstores, and some versions are used to add flavor to baked goods and foods.

There are also many medicinal properties associated with lavender.

Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites.

Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.

Some studies suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling.

In addition to helping with digestive problems, lavender is used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It can also be used to prevent hair loss.

Fungal infections

A study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil could be effective in combating antifungal-resistant infections.

The researchers found that the oil was lethal to a range of strains that can cause disease in the skin.

In the study, the essential oils distilled from the Lavandula genus of the lavender plant seemed to work by destroying the membranes of fungal cells.

The study showed that Lavandula oil is potent and demonstrates antifungal activity on a wide spectrum.

Wound healing

A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine compared the effects of several treatments for wound healing.

The researchers compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), saline solution, povidone-iodine, and lavender oil. These were applied to laboratory rats.

The study authors noted that wounds closed faster in the TENS and lavender oil groups than the control groups. These findings suggest that lavender has an acceleratory effect on wound healing.

Hair loss

Lavender is possibly effective for treating alopecia areata. This is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body.

Research from 1998 shows that lavender can promote hair growth by up to 44 percent after 7 months of treatment.

In a more recent study, researchers found that applying lavender oil to the backs of mice helped to promote hair growth over the course of 4 weeks.

Anxiety disorder and related conditions

Share on PinterestLavender scents have been shown to reduce anxiety before a dental appointment.

A review article in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice evaluates how effective Silexan might be for patients with different anxiety disorders. Silexan is a lavender-oil preparation available in 80-milligram (mg) gelatine capsules.

The team found that Silexan had an anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing, effect on patients with generalized or subsyndromal anxiety within 2 weeks.

Researchers have also found that lavender scent may help anxious dental patients.

The investigators measured the dental anxiety levels of 340 adult patients during their wait at the dentist’s waiting room for their appointment.

Half the patients were exposed to lavender scent, while the other half were not.

The team found that those exposed to lavender scent reported lower levels of anxiety compared to the other patients. The calming effect of lavender was present regardless of the type of scheduled dental appointment.

Kritsidima, who conducted the study, concluded:

“Our findings suggest that lavender could certainly be used as an effective ‘on-the-spot’ anxiety reduction in dentists’ waiting rooms.”
Dr. M. Kritsidima, study author

Lavender does not seem to impact anxiety about future dental visits. However, it has been shown to provide a sense of calm while attending a treatment.

Post-tonsillectomy pain in children

Lavender oil has been shown to reduce the amount of painkilling medicine required after a tonsillectomy.

A team of researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, carried out a study to determine whether aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia essential oil might reduce symptoms of pain in children after the removal of the tonsils.

The study included 48 children aged 6 to 12 years. They were randomly separated into two groups of 24 participants. One group took painkillers alongside lavender, and the other took only painkillers.

The frequency of each child’s acetaminophen use and nocturnal awakening due to pain was monitored for 3 days after surgery. Pain intensity was also measured. Acetaminophen is also known as Tylenol or paracetamol, and the group using lavender oil was shown to use acetaminophens less frequently.

However, there was no significant difference in how often they woke up at night or their perceptions of pain intensity.

Due to the small sample size, more research is required to fully confirm lavender oil as an effective painkiller.

Premenstrual emotional symptoms

Researchers have also studied whether lavender might help to alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms.

Many women of reproductive age experience a range of symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Even though PMS is common, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective. As a result, many women turn to alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy.

This crossover study involved 17 women, aged on average 20.6 years, with mild-to-moderate premenstrual symptoms. The participants spent one menstrual cycle with no lavender aromatherapy treatment, and another undergoing lavender aromatherapy.

The study concluded that lavender aromatherapy could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms.

What does lavender not treat?

There is insufficient evidence to rate lavender’s effectiveness for treating:

depression
colic in infants
constipation
nausea and vomiting
migraines
otitis, or ear infection
high blood pressure
menstrual pain
eczema
cancer-related pain
dementia
lice

One study found that lavender fragrance could have a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in female college students. However, the authors highlighted that “repeated studies are needed to confirm effective proportions of lavender oil and carrier oil for insomnia and depression.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved lavender for medicinal use. It is sold as a supplement only and should not replace any prescribed course of treatment.

If you choose to use this essential oil, the FDA does not monitor these products. There may be concerns about purity, safety, or quality. Only purchase essential oils from reputable companies.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) warn people to be cautious when combining lavender with the following:

drugs that induce sleepiness, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and Ambien
drugs to reduce blood pressure, such as captopril, enalapril, and losartan

If you are already taking the above, seek medical advice before adding lavender to your drug regimen.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) revealed that repeated use of lavender oil on the skin might trigger prepubertal gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in boys before puberty.

The safety of taking lavender during pregnancy or while breast-feeding has also not been confirmed.

Discuss any use of essential oils, herbs, or supplements with your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

As lavender is thought to slow down the central nervous system, doctors advise patients to stop using lavender at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Lavender - useful properties and calorie content, use and preparation, benefits and harms

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LAVANDA (LAVANDULA)

History and distribution of

LAVADAs. often found in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and India. Lavender got its name from the Latin word "lava" - "to wash." The history of this plant dates back to ancient Rome, where it was used as an aromatic addition to baths. This plant is the recognized queen of aromatherapy. In Greece and Rome, dried lavender herb was set on fire in bunches indoors to give the air a delicate and fresh scent.

Product photo lavenderSource: Hi-chef.ru

Application

Lavender has many useful properties - it is fragrant, healing, decorative. A decoction of lavender sprigs with flowers helps very well with colds, acts as an antiseptic, sedative and antispasmodic. After a hard day, it is good to take a soothing and stress-relieving lavender decoction bath. Essential oil is made from lavender, which is very popular and is used in perfumery, cosmetics, soap industry and medicine.

In folk medicine, lavender oil is used to treat burns and bruises. Dried lavender inflorescences are used in the storage of clothes as a means against moths, for flavoring linen, living quarters.

Lavender is also used in cooking. This seasoning is especially popular in Italy, Spain, in the south of France. Lavender is used as an addition to salads, sauces. It is also added to various soups - mushroom, vegetable and fish, to the second dishes of vegetables, to fried and stewed lamb.

Powder prepared from lavender is widely used in the US as a pepper. Lavender is also used as a flavoring agent for Chinese green tea and various drinks. In a number of countries, it is part of herbal teas.

In old cookbooks, lavender leaves are recommended to shift apples when urinating. Having a strong spicy taste, lavender goes well with thyme, mint, lemon balm, savory, sage. The rate of laying dried spices per serving is 0.1–0.15 g.

Composition and properties

This plant is widely used both in cooking and in medicine. The essential oil contained in all parts of this plant is obtained by hydrodistillation. So, to get 100 g of lavender essential oil, you need 1 kg of raw materials. The main component of this oil is the esters of L-linalool alcohol and acids (acetic, butyric, valeric and caproic). In addition, caryophyllene, geraniol, lavandiol, borneol, etc. were found in it. The flowers also contain tannins, bitterness and resins, ursolic acid, coumarin, herniarin.

Lavender flowers in the form of a decoction are used as an excellent diuretic, sedative. The oil prepared from lavender has antiseptic properties and stimulates the rapid healing of wounds. Also, with the help of lavender, the acidity of the stomach is normalized; it is used to increase appetite, lower blood pressure, bile outflow.

Contraindications

It is not recommended to use lavender oil while taking iodine-containing and iron-containing drugs.

Lavender - properties and uses in cooking, medicine and cosmetology

Useful properties of lavender

In all countries, the medicinal herb is loved and widely used for many diseases: migraine and severe headache, heart weakness, jaundice, joint pain and gout , treatment of rheumatism and many others. It is believed that the smell of lavender relieves pain during childbirth. In the East, it is customary to scatter lavender flowers in rooms where women work to relieve fatigue and stress. In Japan, they found that the essential oil of a plant reduces errors in programmers by 20%.

Broad spectrum antibiotic.
Antispasmodic for migraine and neurasthenia, gastric colic.
Used in the treatment of the cardiovascular system.
Used for nervous disorders.
Good antiseptic, treats sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, influenza.
Calming and tonic.
Strong pain reliever.
Thins bile.
Reduces fever at high temperatures, and warms during chills.
With stress and fatigue, relax and soothe.
Removes anxiety, headache and insomnia.
Quickly removes and heals bruises, abrasions and cuts.
Improves memory.
Perfectly copes with motion sickness when moving and flying.

Chemical composition

Today, scientists have experimentally confirmed the valuable healing properties of lavender in relation to 167 human diseases, and more recently, 23 new elements were discovered in the plant in Holland.

all parts of the plant contain a pleasantly smelling essential oil, the largest amount is concentrated in inflorescences - up to 3%. Lavender flowers contain caproic acid, coumarin, herniarin, tannins. Components: linalor, eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, geraniol, etc. [1].
ursolic acid stimulates muscle growth, prevents the spread of cancer cells, keeps the body in good shape, fights obesity, controls blood sugar;
valeric acid in the composition of flowers supports the heart, and caproic acid removes inflammation and stops bleeding;
herniarin, coumarin are fragrant substances, etc.

Medical recipes

Tea with lavender will relieve fatigue and any ailment. Recipe: dry flowers (teaspoon) brew 1/3 cup boiling water, insist 10 minutes, strain, drink before going to bed.
Headache relieve lavender oil or water: rub into the temples in a circular motion.
Cramps in the stomach will remove a decoction of grass leaves and flowers. Recipe: take 2 cups a day (consumption: a teaspoon of lavender per 1 cup of boiling water).
Calms the nervous system and saves from irritation bath with brewed plant flowers. Take a bath procedure for 20 minutes, then immediately go to bed.
200 grams of dry lavender, sewn into a linen bag and placed under the pillow, will bring sound sleep and wonderful dreams.
Glass vessels filled with plant flowers and placed in the house. The smell of summer normalizes the nervous system, restores strength, pacifies anger and relieves mood swings.
For dry eczema: ½ liter of olive oil and 25 grams of lavender flowers put in a water bath for 2 hours, leave for 8-10 hours, after which you can apply as an ointment. Shelf life - 6 weeks.
For bronchitis, add a few drops of lavender oil to a spoonful of honey. Dare to add to warm milk. Drink 1 time before bed.
Fungal diseases of the feet will be removed by warm baths with the addition of lavender oil: for one tablespoon of sea salt - only 5 drops of oil.
A decoction of lavender leaves will relieve nausea, vomiting and toothache.

Applications

Lavandula angustifolia is used in medicine in the form of medicines, ointments and tinctures. In its pure form, flowers and grass of the plant are used.

Cosmetic use

Antioxidant and tonic properties renew cells, skin structure, make it supple and fresh.
Antiseptic properties cleanse the skin, relieve inflammation and peeling, swelling.
Lavender essential oil is used for massage.
The results of using the plant showed that lavender is simply necessary for hair: damaged hair is restored, bald patches disappear. To do this, it is enough to regularly use lavender tinctures, add a few drops of lavender oil to your usual shampoo and decoctions of fine oatmeal.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender oil works instantly and effectively. A plant bush can evaporate 1 ml of aroma oil during the day [10]. Flowers are used for cooking.

Essential oil of lavender is:

an excellent analgesic, anti-cold, antitussive, wound-healing agent;
is a good antispasmodic;
is used in medicines for gangrene and festering wounds;
an indispensable remedy for burns;
is recommended for people prone to hysteria, depression, mood swings.

In 2012, interesting results were published on the training of basketball players inhaling lavender essential oil. The experiment showed that athletes have improved adaptation to training, increased accuracy and mobility [10].

Lavender essential oil has an amazing effect on human memory. In any difficult, even stressful situation, it helps to quickly get together and not panic.

Culinary use

As a spice, the flowers and leaves of the plant are used in many countries. In France and Italy, powdered lavender is sprinkled on salads, sauces, seasoned with fried meat, fish, and mushroom dishes. In the US, they like to add it to teas and drinks. In Spain, they are used for pickling vegetables and apples. Pastries, desserts and syrups with lavender flowers are especially fragrant.

Article in the topic: Recipes with lavender. TOP 8

In cooking, lavender is used sparingly and in small doses due to its strong and pronounced smell. In a number of countries, “lavender sugar” is especially loved.

Lavender Sugar Recipe

Pour five stalks of lavender flowers with 300 grams of sugar and let stand for a week. Flavored sugar is perfectly used in the manufacture of pastries, cakes, jams, jams, and various drinks. Lavender flowers are candied and decorated with confectionery. The unusual taste of sugar gives a pleasant aroma to tea, and lavender cookies have their magical effect.

In our store you can buy lavender on the page — Dried lavender

Lavender - a short description of the plant

Planet - Mercury
Element - air
Sex - male
In the "language" of flowers means: admiration, fulfillment of desires, protection
Used - leaves, flowers, stems
Magic properties - sound sleep, love, longevity, chastity, ability to think clearly, protection, self-knowledge, cures envy [6]
The word "lavender" (lat. "lavare"), means "what should be washed", usually translated as "wash".
Lamiaceae family, includes about 40 species. The largest medicinal spectrum with strong properties is found in Lavandula angustifolia (holly lavender).
Synonyms: common lavender, true lavender.
Presumably native to Asia, but most common in the Mediterranean and West Africa, where today it occurs in the wild.
Cultivated by almost all countries. Main producers: England, Australia, Argentina, Algeria, Bulgaria, Italy, India, Morocco, Russia, France, Ukraine. The largest plantations of Lavandula angustifolia are found in England, Italy and France.
Lavender is a shrub one to two meters high, the leaves are evergreen and long, with a felt coating.
Regular color - blue, lilac and violet; flowers rise above the leaves in a peaked shape.
Aroma - intensely rich, floral-sweet, with a balsamic touch. It drowns out any unpleasant odors, even very strong ones.
Taste: astringent, bitter, pungent.

Lavender flowers in history

Lavender is an extraordinary gift of nature with colossal healing, magical and beneficial properties. For example, the ancient Slavs collected wild flowers on the most beautiful holiday of the ritual calendar - the day of Ivan Kupala (July 6-7). It is on the day of the summer solstice that healing and miraculous herbs acquire their power. Lavender was collected at dawn before the dew fell, dried and preserved as a medicine. Girls wove round wreaths, symbolizing eternity, placing 12-16 types of field and forest flowers in a circle. "Purple miracle" gave the wreath a protective power. By the way, according to custom, herbs were thrown into the fire as a gift to the gods, and lavender from time immemorial gave the smoke a special aroma and attracted the sympathy of the deities [4].
The ancient Greeks called the plant "nard", and considered the thickets of bushes to be the nest of an asp - a snake with strength and healing poison.
In the Bible, in the Song of Solomon, lavender is mentioned as a component of the sacred ointment.
The Romans valued the plant very dearly and paid a lot of money for the pleasure of enjoying fragrant herb baths and for being able to apply the plant's oil to the body (the cost of a pound was equal to a month's wages of a worker or 50 visits to a hairdresser).
In the 14th century, lavender perfumes were attributed to bewitching properties and the ability to preserve beauty forever.
In the Middle Ages, the church drew attention to the miracle of nature, which began to grow the plant in monasteries and use it for their own purposes.
One of the other beautiful legends tells that the herb originally given by God to Adam and Eve, as a soul-sweetening one, had no smell. And only after the birth of Jesus, whose little clothes were drying on a bush of lavender, did a wonderful refreshing aroma descend, bestowed by the Virgin Mary.

References:

Medicinal properties of agricultural plants. 1974
W. Sellar. Encyclopedia of essential oils.
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