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Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is native to the mountainous zones of the Mediterranean where it grows in sunny, stony habitats.


Mythology and History

The traditional uses of lavender range from use as a perfume to an antimicrobial agent. This powerful and potent herb has been utilized throughout antiquity, having over 2000 years of presence as a symbol of cleanliness and purity.

The Greek naturalist, Dioscorides, praised the medicinal attributes of Lavender in the first century A.D. Lavender was a favourite ingredient in herbal baths of Greeks, who also discovered early on that lavender if crushed and treated correctly, would release a relaxing fume when burned. Infusions of lavender were used to
soothe insect bites, burns, and headaches. Bunches of lavender repel insects.

 


Health Benefits & Modern Medicinal uses

Lavender is particularly rich in aromatic molecules called esters, which are antispasmodic, pacifying and tonic, while other molecules give it its antiviral, bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. Of the many therapeutic attributes of Lavender oil, respiratory relief would be one of the most consistently reported benefits.
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.

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. Massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, better concentration, and reduced anxiety.
In pillows, lavender seeds and flowers aid sleep and relaxation. An infusion of flower heads added to a cup of boiling water soothes and relaxes at bedtime. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) heals acne and treats skin burns and inflammatory conditions.

Many people appreciate lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavandula officinalis) for its fragrance, used in soaps, shampoos, and sachets for scenting clothes.
It’s also a great remedy to soothe and heal insect bites and highly recommended for burns of the skin and other skin problems (acne outbreaks, pimples, dry skin disorders, itches of skin, skin inflammations).

It promotes fairness to the skin and improves skin texture.


Links:

University of Maryland – Medical Center
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Althaea::Althaea officinalis
Althaea
Avocado::Persea americana
Avocado
Basil::Ocimum bacilicum
Basil
Beeswax::Cera Alba
Beeswax
Calendula::Calendula officinalis
Calendula
Chamomile::Chamomilla recutita
Chamomile
Chaste Tree::Vitex agnus - castus
Chaste Tree
Dittany::Origanum dictamnus
Dittany
Honey::
Honey
Laurel::Laurus nobilis
Laurel
Lavender::Lavandula angustifolia
Lavender
Lemon::Citrus limon
Lemon
Marjoram::Origanum majorana
Marjoram
Mallow musk::Malva moschata
Mallow musk
Mandarin::Mandarin
Mandarin
Mastic::Pistacia Lentiscus var
Mastic
Myrtle::Myrtus communis
Myrtle
Olive oil::Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Olive Leaves Extracts
Olive oil
Orange::Citrus sinensis
Orange
Melissa::Melissa officinalis
Melissa
Peach::Prunus persica
Peach
Peppermint::Mentha spicata
Peppermint
Red Wine::
Red Wine
Rock Rose::Cistus creticus
Rock Rose
Rosemary::Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary
Sage::Salvia fruticosa & Salvia officinalis
Sage
Thyme::Thymus vulgaris
Thyme
Yarrow::Achillea millefolium
Yarrow