LAVENDER – COMMON/TRUE
Lavandula angustifolia
Common name: Lavender
Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia
Other names: Common Lavender, True Lavender, Garden Lavender, Lavanda, Lavandula
Family: Lamiaceae
Habitat: The plant is native to the western Mediterranean region. It grows best on gritty and sandy loams, on stony grounds and well-drained soils.
Description: Lavender is an evergreen, perennial shrub. It can grow up to 1 meter in height. Both leaves and stems have specific, silver-green color. Leaves are usually long and narrow. The flowers are borne in whorls, aromatic and spiky, violet blue in color, produced from June to September.
Parts used: Flowers
Useful components: Linalool, linalyl acetate, cineol, pinene, limonene, geraniol, borneol, tannins
Medicinal use: Lavender has many medicinal uses. Used externally, in form of an essential oil, it is used in aromatherapy inย treatments of anxiety, nervousness, mental stress, insomnia and fatigue. Lavender stuffed pillows are a famous tool for those who have difficulty sleeping. Lavender oil is also an antiseptic and can be used for wound disinfection. Added to baths, lavender oil stimulates circulation. Some studies suggest its usefulness in treatment of alopecia areata, fungal infections, acne and eczema. Used internally, in form of a tea, lavender is used as a mild sedative and antispasmodic. It is useful in cases of stomach disorders, loss of appetite and excessive gas.
Safety: Some herbs could interact with certain medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption of any herb.