Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a commonly grown herb plant popular for its fragrant aroma. This easy-care plant enjoys hot, dry conditions, making it suitable for use in a variety of landscape settings and an excellent candidate for areas prone to drought.
Is lavender a herb?
Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species. The oil has cosmetic uses, and it is believed to have some medicinal uses.
Is lavender a plant or flower or herb?
Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.
What is lavender considered?
Lavender is considered an herbaceous perennial plant, although it doesn’t entirely follow the herbaceous rules, since it grows like an evergreen shrub and can develop somewhat woody stems that persist for several years. It is unmistakably considered an herb in its use for essential oils and culinary pursuits, however.
What type of herb is lavender?
lavender, (genus Lavandula), genus of about 30 species of plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to countries bordering the Mediterranean. Lavender species are common in herb gardens for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers.
Can lavender make you sick?
When taken by mouth: Lavender is commonly consumed in foods. It’s possibly safe when taken as medicine. Side effects might include constipation, diarrhea, and headache.
Is lavender toxic to humans?
Lavender oil is generally not poisonous in adults when breathed in during aromatherapy or swallowed in smaller amounts. It may cause a reaction in children who swallow small amounts. The major effects are due to allergic reactions of the skin.
Is lavender poisonous to dogs?
The lavender plant contains a compound called linalool, which can be toxic to animals like dogs and cats. However, the plant has such small concentrations of linalool that toxicity is not a common issue. The problem happens when dogs ingest an enormous amount of lavender.
Can you eat lavender?
Though most lavender is technically safe to eat, culinary lavender is typically cultivated from Lavandula angustifolia plants (commonly known as English or “true” lavender) and has a lot less oil than the aromatic lavender used in perfumes or soaps.
Why is lavender so special?
Helps with mood, anxiety and depression: “Lavender is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, lift the mood and even lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Lin. “Research links lavender usage to less anxiety and depression.”
What health benefits does lavender have?
What Are Possible Health Benefits of Lavender?
- May Help Improve Sleep.
- Could Help Treat Skin Blemishes.
- May Offer a Natural Remedy for Pain.
- Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate.
- Could Relieve Asthma Symptoms.
- Lessens Menopausal Hot Flashes.
- Help Combat Fungus Growth.
- Potentially Promotes Hair Growth.
Does lavender help you sleep?
Lavender oil is a popular aromatherapy choice for sleep and relaxation. Several studies show using lavender oil for aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Aromatherapy using lavender oil may also increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep.
What does lavender do for the skin?
Lavender oil can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has the ability to lessen acne, help even skin tone, and reduce wrinkles. It can even be used to treat other things, such as improving hair health and digestion.
Is lavender a depressant?
Lavender has a long history of medicinal use and is suggested to possess anticonvulsant, antidepressive, anxiolytic, sedative, and calming properties [1, 9–12].
What is lavender used for medically?
Aromatherapists use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain.
Is lavender a blood thinner?
Blood-thinning drugs may increase the risk of bleeding when given at the same time as lavender. Lavender may also increase the cholesterol-lowering effects of drugs that lower cholesterol.
Does lavender mess with hormones?
Lavender oil and tea tree oil contain compounds that mimic or oppose the actions of sex hormones and may be considered endocrine disruptors. Persistent exposure to lavender products is associated with premature breast development in girls, according to new research by NIEHS scientists.
Does lavender lower blood pressure?
Lavender alleviates cardiac excitation, lowers BP, and is effective in hypertension and palpitations. Ylang-ylang lowers BP, alleviates palpitations and nervous system excitation, and promotes emotional relaxation [12].
Is it OK to drink lavender tea?
Drinking lavender tea is a great way to induce relaxation and unwind after a tough day. It’s packed with healthy compounds that can boost your immune system and alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. Drink lavender tea from flowers in your own garden or opt for pre-dried batches from your favorite tea seller.
What does lavender do for hair?
With a powerful pack of antibacterial and antiseptic properties, Lavender essential oil protects your scalp against bacteria. It helps in improving blood circulation in the scalp, which strengthens the hair follicles. This, in turn, prevents hair loss and enables hair growth.
Does lavender help with anxiety?
In addition to its sweet, floral smell, lavender has therapeutic and medical benefits. These include reducing symptoms of anxiety. Various research indicates that lavender can help reduce anxiety levels and can be used in a variety of ways, including massage, aromatherapy, baths, décor, or in recipes.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.