Lavender
• Promotes relaxation and deep sleep
• Relieves pain and stings
• Clears the airways
THE 3 TYPES OF LAVENDER
There are generally three types of lavender available on the market: True Lavender ( Lavandula officinalis ), Spike Lavender ( Lavandula latifolia ) and Lavandin ( Lavandula × intermedia ).
Depending on your objective, one species may be more suitable for the use than the other.
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BENEFITS OF LAVENDER
Consuming lavender will allow you to enjoy these benefits.
One of the main uses of lavender is for relaxation. Its fragrance and compounds help you unwind, release tension, and get a better night's sleep .
If your goal is relaxation, true lavender is what you need.
Thanks to its camphor content, lavender helps calm inflammation, relieve muscle pain, and soothe skin irritations. You can apply it in a massage to promote recovery and relax your body.
Lavandin or spike lavender are recommended for this type of use.
Lavender has well-known antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It helps to disinfect, clear the airways, and also repels germs and insects.
If you have a cold, or if you want to disinfect a wound, opt for spike lavender : it is the most suitable in this case.
A LITTLE SCIENCE
Active ingredients of lavender
It is the active ingredients that give plants their benefits and effects on the body or the environment.
In lavender, three of them stand out: linalool , linalyl acetate , and camphor .
A brief explanation of what these active ingredients are to better understand their role and what they contribute to lavender:
Linalool is present in many aromatic plants, including lavender. It is what gives the scent its sweet, floral, and slightly woody note.
But beyond the fragrance, it acts on your nervous system by modulating certain receptors linked to stress and pain, providing a calming effect that helps to relax the mind and release tension.
You can find it in large quantities in true lavender . Its particularity is to amplify the relaxing effect already initiated by linalool, by promoting sleep and reducing agitation.
So you can see him as one of the great architects of lavender's calming power .
Camphor is a molecule with a strong, pungent, and easily recognizable odor . It acts directly on your skin and respiratory system by stimulating circulation and creating a warming sensation. When used externally, it helps soothe muscle pain and insect bites.
More stimulating than relaxing, it is found in large quantities in spike lavender .
FORMS AND PRACTICAL USES
Lavender is used in very different contexts and forms, which shows all the advantages of this plant.
This is the most common form. Used as an infusion , it allows you to enjoy the relaxing effects of lavender, especially in the evening before sleeping.
In Provence, you often come across these small sachets of lavender at shops.
Placed in cupboards, they pleasantly perfume the laundry while repelling insects.
Essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and antibacterial properties.
You can use it in a diffuser to create a soothing atmosphere, in your bath for mental and physical relaxation, or inhale it in a steam bowl if you have a cold.
Often used in spray form, lavender hydrosol is a simple and natural way to purify the air and disinfect a room while enjoying its floral fragrance.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
A selection of quality products chosen to optimize your health
Organic Dried Lavender Leaves - Alpi Nature
Organic Dried Lavender Leaves - Biojoy
Lavender Scented Sachets - Lavodia
Organic True Lavender Essential Oil - Phytosun Arôms
Organic True Lavender Essential Oil - Voshuiles
Organic Spike Lavender Essential Oil - Puressentiel
Organic Lavandin Essential Oil - Puressentiel
Organic Lavender Essential Oil - Propos'nature
Organic Lavender Hydrosol - Duffez Distillery
Organic Lavender Hydrosol - Voshuiles
USAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Some tips to maximize the effects of lavender
Infusion
For an evening infusion to help you relax, consume a teaspoon of dried true lavender flowers in a cup of hot water at ~90ºC.
A simple way to relax and promote restful sleep.
Vapor inhalation
When you have a cold, you can add 4-5 drops of lavender aspic essential oil to a bowl of boiling water, cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam.
The antimicrobial effects of camphor help to clear the airways and relieve congestion.
Relaxing bath
If you're looking for relaxation and physical recovery , a bath with essential oils is ideal!
Add a few drops of lavandin essential oil to a vegetable oil and pour into your bath.
Lavandin allows you to benefit from the anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of lavender.
Precautions for Use
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Infusion and drink :
True lavender is generally well-tolerated as an infusion. However, in large quantities, it can cause excessive drowsiness or mild digestive upset in some sensitive individuals. It is recommended not to exceed 2 to 3 cups per day, especially when taking other calming herbs.
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Sedative effect :
Lavender contains compounds with relaxing effects (notably linalool), which can increase drowsiness. It is therefore advisable to avoid consuming it before driving or engaging in any activity requiring sustained attention, especially if you are sensitive to these substances.
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Drug interactions :
- Sedatives or sleeping pills: lavender can enhance the effects of calming or sleep-inducing medications.
- Antidepressants or anxiolytics: it can interact with certain treatments acting on the central nervous system.
- Anticoagulants: Some components of lavender essential oil may have a mild blood-thinning effect. It is best to seek medical advice.
- Sedatives or sleeping pills: lavender can enhance the effects of calming or sleep-inducing medications.
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People at risk :
- People with epilepsy: Lavender essential oil may contain neuroactive components. It is generally not recommended without medical advice.
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People with asthma: diffused essential oils can sometimes irritate the respiratory tract.
- People with allergies: Although rare, an allergy to lavender or plants of the same family (Lamiaceae) is possible. Testing a small amount of essential oil or infusion is recommended.
- People with epilepsy: Lavender essential oil may contain neuroactive components. It is generally not recommended without medical advice.
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Pregnant or breastfeeding woman :
Lavender tea is generally well-tolerated in small doses during pregnancy. However, the essential oil is not recommended for internal or topical use during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to its potential hormonal or uterine-relaxing effects. Always seek medical advice in this context.
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Consult a healthcare professional :
If you wish to avoid any adverse effects, consult a healthcare professional before using this plant in any form.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Relaxation, sleep support, relief from muscle tension and gentle antiseptic properties for the skin.
See the benefits of lavender
True lavender is the finest and most relaxing, spike lavender is rich in camphor and useful for stings and respiratory issues, lavandin combines both but has a stronger scent.
Learn more
The use of lavender has been documented since antiquity and confirmed by several modern studies, particularly for anxiety, sleep and certain skin applications.
Yes, true lavender (angustifolia or officinalis) is edible. It can be used in infusions, in pastries, syrups, or to flavor honey.
Yes, when used correctly. Essential oils must be diluted and the dosages must be respected. Hydrosols and infusions are much gentler.
See precautions for use
As a relaxing infusion, as a diluted essential oil for massage, as a hydrosol as a soothing lotion or even in sachets to perfume laundry.
See the forms and uses of lavender