Therapeutic cosmetic

Lavender Plant

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, officinalis, vera, spica) is a member of the Lamiaceae family – the family of mint, rosemary, sage and basil. Lavender is a perennial plant that can live up to 20 years, if the conditions are optimum. It is a beautiful aromatic shrub with average height of 2 feet (60 cm). It produces purple flowers, which contain high levels of essential oil. The essential oil of lavender is recognized globally as a respected commodity. It has several medicinal and other uses. It is of very low toxicity, while showing remarkable antiseptic and antimicrobial action. The flowers of lavender are very rich in nectar and attract bees and other pollinators. After being cut and dried, lavender flowers are used in the aromatic fragrance industry. Lavender plants are also grown as ornamental.

Mediterranean countries (Italy, France, Spain) have long tradition in growing lavender. Nowadays, countries such as USA, Canada, Japan Australia and New Zealand are also considerable commercial lavender producers.

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7 Impressive Benefits of Lavender

Some of the most important benefits of lavender include its ability to relieve stress, improve mood, promote restful sleep, reduce skin irritation, prevent infection, reduce inflammation, eliminate dandruff and to soothe stomach bloating.

What is lavender?

Almost forty plants from the mint family are categorized as lavenders, although the most common form is Lavandula angustifolia, on which the color lavender is based. This genus occurs in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The reason it is so widely used is the huge variety of applications it has, from food and perfumes to cosmetics and medicines. This plant is full of essential oils, which have beneficial properties on the human body and is one of the most unique and loved smells in the world.

The health benefits of lavender

The smell and taste of lavender are wonderful, but its magic lies in its wide variety of health benefits.

It reduces anxiety and stress

There are a large number of applications of lavender for stress relief. The natural organic compounds present in its leaves and flowers can be brought out if you rub them between your fingers and with this topical application they can calm your body and mind, relieving your thoughts and calming your mood. You can also make tea with lavender to get the same effect. Its antioxidant components can affect your endocrine system to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Fights sleep problems

If you often experience insomnia, sleep apnea, or have restless sleep, this can negatively affect your life. If you put a few lavender leaves in hot water, you can enjoy a wonderful tea that has been used to induce sleep and relaxation for thousands of years. This is closely related to the flower's effect on the nervous system and can help clear your mind of negative thoughts. Lavender is often used in meditation techniques and its essential oils are used in aromatherapy.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Everyone is looking for a reliable way to calm the body and mind, and lavender takes care of both. If you add its flowers to your bath water and relax in the tub for a while, its anti-inflammatory components can help reduce inflammation.

Skin care

A simple way to always take care of your skin is to fill a spray bottle with lavender flowers. When your skin feels dry or irritated, just spray the area with this water and enjoy the quick relief it provides. This can also help with chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Alternatively, you can prefer an oil with lavender.

Antiseptic abilities

Although many people turn to lavender for relaxation and aromatherapy, its effect on fighting an infection is spectacular. Many people place broken leaves on cuts and bruises for quick healing and to prevent infections from developing in them.

Hair care

If you notice hair loss or any other condition that affects the quality of your hair, prefer a lavender-based shampoo. However, some of the organic counterparts can be very expensive or even contain chemicals. What you can do is steep lavender flowers like making tea and apply the mixture to your hair. In this way it will act as an effective shampoo and significantly strengthen the health of your hair. Alternatively, prefer a lavender shampoo.

It protects your heart health

Lavender's calming properties, which come from its organic compounds and antioxidants, also help the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing tension in blood vessels. This fact can prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Prevents digestion problems

The polyphenols present in lavender have a wide range of effects on the body. They can prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria and the accumulation of gas in the intestine. Thus, lavender soothes stomach upsets, reduces swelling and eliminates cramps. You can, in addition to tea, also chew lavender leaves in order to reap all its beneficial benefits.

Collection, drying and uses

Most people know that dried lavender flowers, if placed in closets and drawers, can keep away moths, fleas, and mites. At the same time, they pleasantly scent the clothes.

For this purpose, cut - preferably in June and July - shoots with flowers, which should not have fully opened, i.e. there should be "closed" flowers on the same bouquet (inflorescence). Form small bunches and dry in a cool, shady and well-ventilated area. Wrap in tulle and place where you need them.

The essential oil

Lavender is not only used to keep away moths, fleas, mites and other harmful insects such as mosquitoes and flies. It has other multi-dimensional abilities that make it a truly remarkable plant.

The main reason is that its parts - leaves, stems and flowers - contain an essential oil with aromatic, medicinal and cosmetic properties. This great ingredient has been characterized as a tonic as well as a relaxant.