Lavender
lavandula
Main active constituents
Parts Used: Flowers
Borneol, cineol (mainly in English Lavender, only a trace in French), geraniol, linalool, limonene, linalyl acetate, linalyl butrate, pinene, tannin.
Physiological Effects
Lavender has been in documented use for over 2,500 years, with its name coming from the Latin root “lavare”, meaning “to wash”. It most likely earned its name because it was frequently used in baths to purify the body and spirit.
Lavender was used by the Ancient Egyptians for embalming and cosmetics, jars have been recovered from tombs filled with unguents containing this herb. These were only used by royal families and priests in massage oils and medicines. When King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923, there was said to be a faint scent of lavender that could still be detected an incredible 3,000 years later.
Lavender Benefits
Sleep Aid Lavender oil is comprised mainly of linalyl acetate and linalool - phytochemicals that are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. Research shows that these compounds inhibit several neurotransmitters causing a sedative and anxiolytic effect.
If you suffer from restless nights then Lavender has been proven to increase the time to awaken after first falling asleep. One study showed that Lavender increased the percentage of deep or slow-wave sleep in all of the group tested, and all of the individuals reported feeling more refreshed and energetic the next morning.
Anti-Anxiety Lavender has been used for centuries as a remedy for anxiety and depression. It has a complex mix of active components including "terpenes" - small molecules that are absorbed into the bloodstream via the nose or lungs. They are so small that they easily cross the blood/brain barrier and have an impact on neurological processes.
Lavender has been proven as effective at treating anxiety as its pharmaceutical counterparts. In a study published in the journal "Phytomedicine", it was shown that lavender helps with restless, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia.
Wound Healing Lavender Essential Oil has very powerful antiseptic properties. Applying it to wounds can not only increase cell growth causing the wound to heal faster, but it also decreases the appearance of scars. The anti-microbial action of Lavender Oil protects scrapes and wounds from infection, while allowing them heal.
Burns Lavender Oil has a well documented history of effectively treating burns and scalds as well. Its pain relieving properties, combined with its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it an effective burn treatment that stimulates the cells to regenerate more quickly, and prevent scarring.
Digestive Aid Lavender has long been used as a digestive aid. It improves the motility of intestinal tract, allowing food to pass through more readily. Gastric juice production, including bile, is increased which improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Colic, vomiting, and flatulence can all be helped through the use of this herb. An interesting benefit is that Lavender gently inhibits the growth of pathogens, but according to one study, it doesn't harm beneficial bacteria. How it distinguishes between harmful and beneficial bacteria is a still a mystery. As a digestive aid, lavender oil can be taken as a tea.
Contraindications/Precautions
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation (large amounts or essential oil). When taken orally, lavender can cause nausea, belching, confusion.
When used topically, lavender can cause allergic skin reactions and sensitivity to sunlight.
Disclaimer
This information is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.