Lavender Flower (Lavandula spp., including L. angustifolia (syn. L. officinalis, L. vera, L. spica), L. stoechas (French Lavender), L. viridis) Whole Bulk 

Family

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Etymology

The genus name Lavandula and common name lavender derive from the Latin lavare, "to wash," as this herb was added to baths for its therapeutic properties and delightful fragrance.

Range of Appearance

Lavender is a small, tender, perennial shrub, native to the Mediterranean region, that prefers dry soil and full sun; it is common in scrubland and on grassy hillsides. It grows to a height of 1 to 4 feet, though on occasion it reaches up to 6 feet. The plant appears to be covered with a grayish down. The leaves are opposite and narrow. The aromatic purple flowers grow in terminal spikes and attract bees and butterflies.

Parts Used

Flower

Physiological Effects

Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, bitter, carminative, cholagogue, digestive, diuretic (mild), expectorant, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, tonic

Medicinal Uses

Before World War II lavender was commonly used as an antiseptic dressing for wounds and to get rid of parasites. In addition to its wound-healing properties, lavender has been shown to exhibit activity against diphtheria, typhoid, pneumonia, staph, strep, and many flu viruses. The herb clears heat, calms the nerves, and settles digestion. It also appears to stabilize or inhibit mast cell activity. It is used to treat amenorrhea, anxiety, asthma (related to nerves), colic, convulsions, cough, depression, dizziness, fainting, fear, fever, flatulence, halitosis, headache (tension or migraine), hypertension, hysteria, insomnia, irritability, muscle spasms, nausea, nervous exhaustion, nervousness, pain, and stress. Topically, lavender tea can be used as a mouthwash to get rid of bad breath, a footbath to relieve fatigue, or a douche, sitz bath, or enema to treat yeast infections, trichomonas, gardnerella, or other types of infection. Lavender can also be used as a bath herb to soothe cranky children. It can be prepared as a fragrant shampoo or rinse to help prevent hair loss, as a salve to relieve inflammation (including that related to eczema and psoriasis), or as a massage oil to treat cellulite, earache, edema, rheumatism, and sore muscles. Lavender essential oil is an excellent remedy for relieving pain, promoting healing, and preventing infection and scarring. It can be applied topically, undiluted, to treat acne, athlete's foot, bee stings, boils, burns, cold sores, headache, infected wounds, insect and spider bites, joint soreness, scabies, and toothache. Placing a drop of lavender essential oil on the edge of the mattress of a teething baby can help calm him or her. Simply inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil from the bottle helps prevent fainting and relieves stress and depression.

Culinary Uses

Lavender flowers are edible and, in fact, are an essential ingredient in Herbes de Provence. They are often added in small amounts to various dishes and can be candied or crystallized. Lavender-infused honey is a superb delicacy. Lavender leaves have a strong flavor but can be eaten in small amounts.

Other Uses

In the Middle Ages lavender was a popular strewing herb and was a common ingredient in sachets to repel moths and bugs from stored clothing. In the days when corsets were the fashion, ladies would tuck some lavender oil in a bottle around their necks to revive them when they were feeling faint. And when the world was in the throes of the bubonic plague, lavender was burned in sick rooms to help prevent the spread of the disease. Today, lavender is popular as a spirit lifting, nerve-relaxing, calming fragrance. It is popular in baths, sachets, potpourris, sleep pillows, soaps, perfumes, and other aromatic products. It is a helpful fragrance in a birthing room, as it can help calm the laboring woman, and also in a death room, where it helps calm all present. The dried leaves of the plant are sometimes included in smoking mixtures.

Constituents

Flavonoids (luteolin), essential oils (linalool, camphor, eucalyptol, geraniol, limonene, cineole), tannins, coumarins, triterpenoids

Contraindications

Avoid large doses of lavender during pregnancy, as its effect on the developing fetus has not yet been determined.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

Hyperlink it to https://brigittemars.com/iplant-app/