Other names:
Lavender, Garden Lavender, Spike Lavender, Common Lavender, Lavandin, Lavandula x intermedia
Description:
Lavender has been used extensively in herbalism.
English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective
essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications.
Essential oil of lavender has
antiseptic and
anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal
insect bites.
Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe
headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal acne when used diluted 1:10 with water, rosewater, or witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in Iran and other former Persian regions).
There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of some of these remedies, especially the
anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since lavender oil can also be a powerful allergen. Ingesting lavender should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Topically, lavender oil is
cytotoxic. It increases
photosensitivity as well. A study demonstrated that lavender oil is
cytotoxic to human skin cells in vitro (endothelial cells and fibroblasts) at a concentration of 0.25%.
Linalool, a component of lavender oil, reflected the activity of the whole oil, indicating that
linalool may be the active component of lavender oil.
Cultivation:
Lavender is a small shrub with gray, downy, linear leaves with blue to violet flowers, growing in compact or interrupted spikes. A wide variety of lavenders are found, but consist of two main types - Angustifolia being the most popular, While Latifolia produces harsher and more camphoraceous oil.
Plant info:
Lamiaceae
Plant Longevity:
Perennial
Max height:
1000mm / 39.37
Tags: herbs, alternative medicine, Lavendar, Lavandula,
