Organic Lavender Flowers - English (Lavandula angustifolia)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Lavender Flowers (Lavandula angustifolia)

Family: Lamiaceae

Common Names: English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender, Garden Lavender

Botanical Description: English Lavender is a small, aromatic perennial shrub that grows about 1 to 3 feet tall. It has narrow, linear leaves that are gray-green and covered with fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, silvery appearance. The flowers are small, tubular, and typically violet-blue, though they can vary in color. These flowers grow in dense, spike-like clusters on long stems, which rise above the foliage. Lavender is known for its strong, sweet, and floral fragrance.

Habitat and Cultivation: Native to the Mediterranean region, English Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained soils and is commonly cultivated in gardens around the world. It prefers full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. English Lavender is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and is often grown in herb gardens, borders, and as ornamental hedges.

Parts Used: Flowers (both fresh and dried)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Lavender has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine, perfumery, and cooking. The ancient Romans used lavender in their baths, for scenting linens, and as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments. In medieval Europe, lavender was used to ward off evil spirits and was placed in homes to bring peace and protection. It was also traditionally used to soothe headaches, relieve stress, and promote sleep.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Bitter, aromatic, slightly sweet

Medicinal Actions:

• Calmative/Sedative: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and helps to induce sleep.
• Antiseptic/Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it useful for treating infections and wounds.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms, cramps, and tension.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the skin and nervous system.
• Carminative: Eases digestive discomfort, such as bloating and gas.
• Analgesic: Provides mild pain relief, especially for headaches and minor aches.

System Affinities:

• Nervous System: Lavender is best known for its calming and sedative effects, making it a popular remedy for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. It helps to relax the nervous system and promote restful sleep.
• Respiratory System: The herb can help alleviate respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs, and asthma by reducing inflammation and acting as an antimicrobial.
• Digestive System: Lavender is used to soothe digestive issues like indigestion, bloating, and gas, and to improve overall digestion.
• Skin: Lavender’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties make it effective for treating minor wounds, burns, insect bites, and various skin conditions.

Active Compounds:

• Linalool: A terpene with strong calming, anti-anxiety, and sedative effects.
• Linalyl Acetate: Contributes to lavender’s soothing and relaxing properties.
• Cineole: An antimicrobial compound that helps to clear respiratory passages and fight infections.
• Tannins: Astringent compounds that contribute to the herb’s wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coumarins: Compounds with anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Uses:

1. Stress and Anxiety Relief: Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy, teas, and tinctures to reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous tension. It helps to calm the mind and promote a sense of relaxation.
2. Sleep Aid: Due to its sedative properties, lavender is often used to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. It can be used in teas, essential oil diffusers, or sachets placed under the pillow.
3. Skin Care: Lavender is applied topically to treat minor burns, cuts, insect bites, and skin irritations. It helps to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent infection.
4. Digestive Support: Lavender can be taken as a tea or tincture to relieve digestive discomfort, including indigestion, bloating, and gas. It also helps to calm the stomach and support healthy digestion.
5. Headache Relief: Lavender is often used to alleviate headaches and migraines. It can be applied as an essential oil to the temples or inhaled for quick relief.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While lavender is generally considered safe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using lavender essential oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding, particularly in medicinal amounts.
• Allergies: People with allergies to plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) should use lavender with caution, as allergic reactions are possible.
• Ingestion of Essential Oil: Lavender essential oil should not be ingested unless under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider, as it can be toxic in large amounts.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, supporting its traditional use .
2. Research in Phytomedicine confirmed the antimicrobial properties of lavender, validating its use in treating infections and wounds .
3. Another study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlighted the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender, particularly in relieving headaches and muscle pain .