Lavender (plant): what it is useful for and how to use

Lavender is a very versatile medicinal plant, as it can be used to treat various types of problems such as anxiety, depression, poor digestion or even insect bites on the skin, for example, due to its relaxing, calming, antispasmodic, analgesic and antidepressant properties. 

This plant may also be known as lavandula or lavender, however its scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia and can be purchased in health food stores, drugstores and in some markets or fairs. 

Lavender (plant): what it is useful for and how to use

What is lavender used for

Lavender is used to treat various problems, presenting several effects on the body, such as:

  • Decrease anxiety and agitation;
  • Reduce blood pressure;
  • Decrease fever;
  • Stimulate healing of canker sores;
  • Stabilize heartbeat;
  • Reduce migraine pain;
  • Promote relaxation;
  • Improve sleep quality;
  • Reduce stress;
  • Combat depression;

    • However, it is always best to consult a nutritionist to assess whether the plant can be used for the type of problem you present, or if there is another plant with a better effect. 

    How to use lavender

    The parts that are used of lavender are its flowers, leaves and stem to make teas, essential oil or to use in cooking. 

    1. Lavender tea

    Lavender tea is good for treating problems of poor digestion, stomach irritations, migraines, spasms and bronchial asthma and can be prepared as follows: 

    Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon of lavender flowers;
  • 1 cup of boiling water.

    • How to prepare:

    Add the lavender flowers to the cup of boiling water and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Then, strain, let it cool and drink. This tea should be drunk up to 3 times a day, and is recommended to be taken after each main meal. 

    2. Hot bath with lavender

    The hot bath with lavender has an excellent relaxing, calming and soothing effect that helps in the treatment when you have a lot of stress and sleep problems. To prepare a lavender bath, just add 100 g of dried lavender flowers or 6 to 7 drops of essential oil of the plant to the hot water. 

    Another way to use lavender in the bath, is to place the 100 g of lavender flowers in a thin cloth, tie it so as to make a bag and place the bag in the shower using a chain, for example. In this way, the water comes in contact with the plant and the medicinal properties of lavender spread through the body. Instead of the dried flowers, an essential oil of the plant can also be used, which can be added beforehand to chamomile or peppermint tea bags, for example. 

    In addition, to treat sleep and stress problems, sachets with dried flowers of the plant can also be used, which should be placed under the pillow, so that they act throughout the night calming and relaxing. Massage with essential oil

    3. Massage with essential oil

    The massage with lavender essential oil on the temples, is especially indicated to soothe headaches caused by stress and muscle tension. To do this massage, you should rub 4 to 5 drops of essential oil on your fingers and then massage the temples with circular movements for a few minutes. In case you feel that the headache is the result of neck tension, after the massage on the temples you should massage the back of the neck also with circular movements. See how to perform a massage using this and other essential oils. 

    In addition, due to its soothing properties, the essential oil can also be used to treat insect bites, it is recommended to apply 1 to 2 drops of oil on the bite. 

    Possible side effects

    The main side effect of lavender is drowsiness, due to its relaxing and calming properties but this only happens when ingested in excess.

    Who should not take lavender

    Lavender is contraindicated in patient with gastric ulcers and during pregnancy, being also contraindicated in those patients with allergy to the essential oil. 

    In addition, lavender also has properties that benefit the skin and face, and can be used as a natural moisturizer. 

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