Lavender

Scientific name

Lavandula officinalis

Family

Lamiaceae/labiatae.

Background

Also called common lavender, garden lavender and spanish lavender.

Lavender is a herbaceous perennial shrub like plant with blue, violet or lilac flowers that is native to countries in the mediterranean region, including france, spain, andorra, and italy.

Applicable parts used

Flowers, leaves, and oil

Sentiment

Symbolizes peace, chasity and virtue

Effects

Organs & systems affected

Nervous system

Musculoskeletal system

Integument system

Cardiovascular

Flower essence

Assists in calming and uplifting the body and mind

Mechanism of action

Analgesic, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, antiandrogenic, sedative, allergenic, antibacterial, cholagogue, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, hypoglycemic, tonic, vulnerary, and stomachic

Nature

Sweet, aromatic, cooling and drying

Plant constituents

Cineole, borneol, camphor, linalool, perillyl alcohol, linalyl acetate, and carophyllene epoxid

Traditional uses

Orally, lavender has been used for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, depression, flatulence, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, migraine headaches, acne, and to promote menstruation.

Topically, lavender has been used for alopecia areata, canker sores, painful periods, and in baths for circulation disorders and improving psychological well-being.

Lavender is used as aromatherapy for insomnia, agitation, depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue and psychological well-being.

Safety

Precaution & adverse reactions

Lavender is generally well tolerated but may cause stomach upset if used in large amounts.

Interactions

Lavender may interact with antihypertensives, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and cns depressants

Pregnancy and lactation

Insufficient reliable evidence available for oral use during pregnancy. Preliminary clinical research shows that lavender essential oil can be inhaled by pregnant women during labor, with no apparent adverse outcomes on the infants.

Dosing

Herbal infusion: 1-2 tsp per 8 ounces , steep 5-7 minutes, drink as tolerated.

Tincture: 20-30 drops daily or as tolerated

Our favorite pairings

Lemon balm, hops, roses, chamomile, feverfew, calendula, and comfrey

Disclaimer

The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.

References

Https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.ezproxy.fau.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=838#safety

Https://inspiredbyhilde.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/handbook-of-medicinal-herbs-2ed-2002-duke.pdf

Https://www.floracopeia.com/lavender-flower-essence-tincture

Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lavandula

Pursell, jj. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them. Timber press. Kindle edition.