Lavender

Latin Names: Lavandula angustifolia

Place of Origin: the Mediterranean

Brief introduction:
Lavenders are widely grown in Provence, France and Furano, Japan. The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb nardus, after the Syrian city of Naarda. Lavender was one of the holy herbs used in the biblical Temple to prepare the holy essence, and nard is mentioned in the Song of Solomon.
Lavender is used extensively in herbalism and aromatherapy. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors and walls. A number of studies have reported that lavender essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. Aromatherapists also use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion.



Efficacy:

• Slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders


• Reduce agitation in patients with dementia


• Reduce nervous stomach irritations


• Treat headaches & exhaustion
  

Cautions:

• Oral use in children is not recommended


• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender


• Ask your doctor before using lavender with narcotics such as morphine or oxycodone (OxyContin) for pain, and sedative and anti-anxiety agents such as lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax) and other sedatives
  

Matches: Rose, Mint, Marigold, Rosemary, Jasmine, Salvia

Quantities & Steeping:
Tea: 1-2 teaspoon whole herb per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drinks, 1-3 times a day
Inhalation: 2 - 4 drops in 2 - 3 cups of boiling water. Inhale vapors for headache, depression, or insomnia