What is Lavender?
Lavender is a plant that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae, which is native to the Mediterranean. The plant has purple, aromatic flowers, widely used in desserts, teas and other drinks, and even herbal medicines. One type of condition that people sometimes use lavender for is anxiety. Lavender might help reduce anxiety because lavender contains some substances that may affect the nervous system. Some also use lavender oil to reduce itching on the skin. The plant may also help reduce swelling because it contains some substances that have anti-inflammatory effects.
What are Lavender Leaves good for?
Lavender leaves are helpful for various conditions, such as toothaches and headaches. They may help decrease anxiety and depression, control epileptic seizures, lower high blood pressure, soothe rashes, insect bites, and help treat colds. Lavender leaves can help with respiratory infections, increase milk production in breastfeeding women, relieve arthritis pain, and speed wound healing by reducing inflammation or infection. Lavender leaves are usually smoked or consumed in tea.
Lavenders uses and Benefits
There are various uses for lavender, with its welcoming and relaxing scent shown to be calming, stress-relieving, and can help with sleep. Lavender is often used for this reason in aromatherapy and as an ingredient in beauty products such as soaps, lotions, bath oils, and perfumes. It is also well documented that people use lavender in recipes for cooking and for smoking because of its aroma.
What is so Special about Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most versatile herbal ingredients to come out of the Mediterranean. This herb has approximately 250 variations, with each variation having a slightly different flavor profile. Lavender can be used in herbal smoking blends for its pleasing aroma and taste experienced through inhalation. The essential oils found in lavender have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties that promote calm and wellness. Lavender acts synergistically with other native smoking herbs. Lavender is known to ease muscle tension and blood flow through the body, decrease fever, treat skin problems, and stimulate digestion. It has even been said that insects or rodents will never visit a garden containing lavender.
Spiritual Meaning of Lavender?
Lavender flowers have been associated with spiritual awakening and awareness. The spiritual meaning of lavender is associated with ancient healing arts, which integrate the body, mind, and spirit. In Christianity, lavender is a symbol of the Virgin Mary because it represents purity and virtue. Lavender is also known for attracting bees, butterflies, and birds, which feed them by pollinating the plant.
Are Lavender Leaves Edible?
No, lavender leaves are not edible. They are used primarily for perfumes, soaps, and lotions, or health reasons when smoked. Lavender leaves contain a small amount of linalool and can be toxic if eaten by dogs and cats.
How to use Lavender for Sleep
Lavender is just one of many herbs that have been used for centuries to promote sleep, with several ways it is used for this purpose. One easy way is to put a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow before bedtime. You can also create an eye pillow with lavender by sewing up two or three layers of cotton fabric together with the rough side out to allow the oils to soak into it when you place it over your eyes.
Is it safe to drink Lavender Leaves?
When taken orally, like through tea, lavender is safe for most adults, and it is possible to take lavender orally in medicinal amounts. When consumed orally, it may cause constipation, headaches, and increased appetite.
Lavender in Native Cultures/Traditional Meaning
Lavender is a plant that Native Americans use for many purposes. They use it to make medicine and food, and they also burned it for its scent. Healers in native cultures would use lavender for depression, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, headache, and more. Additionally, lavender is a shade of purple that speaks to royalty and elegance. It symbolizes grace, silence, devotion, serenity, and calmness.