Lavender: a wild plant with great medicinal properties

Lavender, an aromatic and medicinal plant

Lavender is an endemic aromatic plant from the Mediterranean region that grows in dry meadows and undergrowth. In our country we have five different types of wild lavenderand at least three of these species are attributed medicinal effects.

Its name comes from the Latin laundryalluding to his cleansing properties. The most used by herbalists, especially against insomnia and against a swollen belly, is the officinal lavender or lavender (Lavandula angustifolia officinalis), a woody bush with elongated and narrow leaves, greyish and very fragrant.

The lavender flower it is blue, and gathers in dense spikes. Blooms in early summer, and for medicinal purposes, the flowering tops and leaves are harvested. The lavender dentata is very popular for his pot culture for its great resistance and decorative capacity.

the bouquets of dried lavender flowers have been used since ancient times to perfume clothes and roomsand the lavender essential oil, in baths and massages, as is still the case today.

Lavender properties

In the lavender composition we find an essential oil, rich in linalool, camphor and cineole, as well as rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols and tannins. Thanks to this composition, benefits are attributed to it:

Is sedativereduces nervous tension, palpitations, anxiety states, insomnia and helps control blood pressure. It is taken in the form of infusionin drops of fluid extract and in tincture dissolved in fruit juice. The essence of lavender, applied in baths or in massage (temples, back, shoulders) is considered calming. antispasmodic and slightly analgesic and anti neuralgic. relieves migrainesboth of nervous and digestive origin, neuralgia, muscle spasmsincluding those associated with stress menstrual, and back pain. is taken in infusion, tincture and also in essence baths.Is aperitif, digestive and carminative. It helps to open the appetite, facilitates easy digestion and prevents the appearance of gas and flatulence. Relieves the feeling of heavy or slow digestion (dyspepsia), fights mild hepatobiliary disorders and gastrointestinal spasms and mitigates nausea and dizziness. In these cases it is usually recommended in the form of infusion or tincture (dizziness). It is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and moderately diuretic. It is indicated in cases of inflammation or urinary tract infection, such as cystitis or urethritis, and to stimulate urine. is taken in infusiongenerally combined with other diuretic plants. Externally, as antiseptic and healing, is indicated to relieve ear infection, skin ulcers, eczema, herpes and hives. And in the form of gargles to relieve throat irritation in pharyngitis and laryngitis. The infusionthe tincture and the essential oilmixed in vegetable oil.

What is lavender used for?

We can use the dried lavender infusionor find it at liquid extract, tinctureand capsules. He lavender essential oil It can be used orally or topically and in creams and ointments. It is also marketed lavender oleate (lavender in a bain-marie with olive oil).

It is usually used the lavender to sleep: It is very useful to calm the nerves, the panic attacks and insomnia.Lavender is very suitable to promote the expulsion of gases and combat abdominal swelling and the bad taste in the mouth.The corsages flowery lavender are used as air fresheners natural to scent rooms and to scare away insects. Lavender and lavender have practically the same uses as lavender or lavender. With the flowery bouquets of lavendermixed with rosemary, arnica and camphorprepares a vitamin alcohol very useful to treat muscle pain and minor trauma, applying it in massage.

Lavender remedies and how to use them

Lavender infusions to sleep

It can be taken as a simple infusion, two cups a day, the last one an hour before going to bed, or combine it with hawthorn, linden and passionflowera tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water.

Another alternative is the combination of lavender, poppy, valerian and hops.

How to prepare it: Infuse for about 10 minutes, strain and drink sweetened with a pinch of honey.

Lavender against sweat and bad foot odor

The dried lavender plant, associated with sage, it is shown to be effective in eliminating foot odor due to excessive sweating. Three liters of water are needed for six tablespoons of the mixture.

How to prepare it: Boil for two minutes and strain. It is applied in a local foot bath, at a temperature of 30-35 ºC, at night.

Digestive tea with lavender

It is recommended to drink this tisane after main meals, as it promotes digestion and avoid flatulence. Mix in equal parts lavender, mint leaves and fennel seeds.

How to prepare it:A tablespoon of the mixture is available in a cup. The water is boiled and then poured over the mixture of plants, leaving the herbal tea to infuse for five minutes. Then strain and dress with a few drops of lemon juice.

Infusion with lavender for a swollen belly and gases

Experts recommend combine lavender with lemon balm, lemon verbena and boldoin equal parts, at a rate of one tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water.

How to prepare it: Boil the water, add the mixture and leave to infuse for 8 minutes. Strain and drink after main meals.

Lavender Relaxing Lotion

The lavender essence It is applied in relaxing baths (10 drops in the bathtub are enough) or in gentle massage to calm nervous excitement and muscle tension associated with stress, physical overexertion and poor posture.

How to prepare it: The 100% pure essence of lavender, combined with rosemary essential oil(10 drops of each) and 100 ml of sweet almond oil, is indicated as relief against joint pain in rheumatism, lumbago and torticollis. It is applied in gentle but vigorous scrubs on the painful area, twice a day.

homemade lavender massage oil

Another version is this remedy that simply mixes 50 drops of lavender essential oil in 100 ml of sweet almond oil. Both ingredients are emulsified well and the preparation is stored in a translucent glass bottle.

To apply it, it is necessary to perform a soft and continuous massage on the cervical area, neck and shoulders. Provides progressive relief.

This formula is also healing and antiseptic, and it is recommended in the form of scrubs to accelerate the healing of insect bites.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at El Manantial de Salud