Lavender

Common 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 camphoraceous, useful against stings, headaches or respiratory infections.
• Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin): 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 so 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 onset, improves sleep quality, and relaxes muscles.

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

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

In skincare:

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

Lavender can be used in many ways depending on the needs: topically, in a diffuser, as an infusion, or as a dietary supplement. Here are the main forms of use.

Essential oil

True lavender essential oil is the most commonly used. Diffused in the bedroom or used in massage (diluted in a carrier oil), it soothes the mind and promotes sleep.

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

Dietary supplements

Lavender-based dietary supplements concentrate their active ingredients in the form of capsules, sprays, or gummies. They are very practical for relieving stress or restoring natural sleep. Discover our stress and sleep supplements made with organic plants.

Infusions, hydrosols and decoctions

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

Here's a simple tip to enjoy 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. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes, then filter 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 gentler than the essential oil, can be drunk or used on the skin as a soothing toner.

Oil macerate

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