Lavender

Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia Miller (Latin name), grows wild in Mediterranean regions and is cultivated in the sunny fields of Provence. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family.

There are several species, but three are particularly used in herbal medicine:

• Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender): very gentle, ideal for stress and restful sleep.
• Lavandula latifolia (spike lavender): more camphorated, useful against insect bites, headaches, and respiratory infections.
• Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin): a cross between true lavender and spike lavender, very rich in linalyl acetate and often used in lavandin essential oil.

Another species, Lavandula stoechas (butterfly lavender), also has therapeutic properties but requires more precautions.

Lavender owes its calming effect to the synergy of its active ingredients: linalool, linalyl acetate, tannins, flavonoids, extracted by steam distillation to produce its lavender essence.

Lavender is widely used in natural health because it acts on several bodily functions. It soothes the mind, aids digestion, and benefits the skin.

Nervous system: stress, sleep, anxiety

Lavender is a plant with recognized effects on stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It contains active molecules such as linalool and linalyl acetate. These compounds act on the central nervous system. They have sedative, anxiolytic, and relaxing properties. Lavender also promotes sleep, improves sleep quality, and relaxes muscles.

Lavender is an excellent skin care product. Thanks to its antiseptic, healing, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, it is used externally for:

• insect bites,
• minor burns,
• itching,
• skin irritations,
• acne or irritated scalp.

In skin care:

• Apply 1 drop of true lavender essential oil diluted in vegetable oil.
• Use lavender floral water or hydrosol as a soothing lotion.
• Add a few drops to bath water or lavender-based soap.

Lavender can be used in many ways depending on your needs: applied topically, diffused, as an infusion, or as a dietary supplement. Here are the main ways it can be used.

Essential oil

True lavender essential oil is the most widely used. When diffused in the bedroom or used in massage (diluted in vegetable oil), it calms the mind and promotes sleep.

For internal use, it should be taken with caution and preferably in the form of measured capsules. Never use on children under 3 years of age or pregnant women.

Dietary supplements

Lavender-based dietary supplements concentrate active ingredients in capsule, spray, or gummy form. They are very convenient for relieving stress or restoring natural sleep patterns. Discover our organic plant-baseddietary supplements forstressandsleep.

Infusions, hydrosols, and decoctions

Lavender flower tea relieves tension and aids digestion. It is ideal after meals or in the evening.

Here is a simple tip for enjoying the benefits of lavender in the form of herbal tea:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers (or 1 ready-to-use sachet).
3. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain the mixture.
4. Drink 1 to 2 cups per day, ideally in the evening for a relaxing effect.

You can sweeten it with a little lavender honey to enhance the soothing and aromatic effect.

Lavender hydrosol, which is milder than essential oil, can be drunk or used on the skin as a soothing tonic lotion.

Oily macerate

Lavender macerate is obtained by infusing the flowers in a vegetable oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond). It can be applied to the skin to soothe irritation, sunburn, or muscle tension.