The excessive use of drugs can be counterproductive for our body, which is why resorting to the use of medicinal plants is advisable.
Natural medicine offers varied and interesting options to treat some common diseases. An effective option is the use of the medicinal properties of the lavender plant.
In the following article, we will provide you with the necessary information about this wonderful plant so that you have an additional therapeutic option at hand.
What is the lavender plant?
The lavender plant (lavandula angustifolia or lavandula officinalis ) is a shrub with an exquisite aroma, 50 to 80 cm tall, made up of woody, highly branched stems, from which herbaceous branches are profusely covered with opposite, narrow and elongated leaves. , 2 – 5 cm in length.
Its small flowers, of a characteristic blue-gray or purple color, gathered in spikes whose peduncles can reach between 10-20 cm in height. The plant gives off an aroma similar to that of lavender. It develops on the slopes, on the hills of the land, it can be grown in the garden and in a pot.
It is native to the western Mediterranean basin, therefore, among the lavender-producing countries, places as distant as France (main producer), Spain, Bulgaria, Argentina, Japan or India stand out.
It should be noted that this plant blooms in spring and that is when the flowering tops are collected, from which an essential oil is also obtained by distillation.
On the other hand, there are several types of lavender plant, among which are: Lavandula officinalis or common lavender, Lavandula angustifolia or lavender, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula viridis, Lavandula spica.
Lavender plant properties
The lavender plant is very generous considering its medicinal properties, here we mention the following:
anti-inflammatory
One of the benefits of lavender is that it has a powerful anti-inflammatory action, which is why it has the ability to treat common injuries and even diseases caused by inflammation, such as arthritis.
Relaxing
The flower of the lavender plant contains components linalool and linalin acetate. Linalool exhibits anxiolytic and analgesic effects mediated by adenosine receptors and glutamate receptors, and sedative effects by inhalation.
In addition to these effects, linalool has anticonvulsant properties that inhibit glutamatergic activity and is capable of reducing neurotransmitter release from glutamate-stimulated neurons.
antiseptic
Terpenic alcohols, as well as the tannins in its composition, are the basis of the antiseptic properties of lavender. Hence its use in numerous creams and gels, to treat different conditions related to the skin and scalp.
Astringent
Due to its high concentration of tannins in its composition, it is the basis of the astringent property of the lavender plant.
It is also a powerful healing agent, which can eliminate a large number of germs capable of causing the appearance of certain diseases, as well as helping to cleanse the body in general.
antibacterial
The lavender plant is credited with antibacterial properties , and can be found as an ingredient in manufactured products that protect the skin or whose objective is to promote the healing of wounds or burns.
The literature has recorded that higher dilutions of lavender inhibit the formation of fungi and their rate of diffusion in the tissue.
antiviral
This plant has a high antiviral capacity. In cases of pharyngitis, laryngitis and inflammation of tonsils, lavender gargles are recommended and for diseases related to respiratory problems (flu, bronchitis or colds), it is advisable to drink a very hot lavender infusion.
Lavender Plant Benefits
Using natural medicine, the lavender plant is an option to treat some conditions with preparations at home. Here we mention its benefits:
Lowers blood pressure
Lavender can help reduce headaches when they are caused by excess stress. Thanks to its slight sedative effect and its anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces tension. It also exerts a hypotensive diuretic effect.
According to Geoff Abbott, study leader “Activation of KCNQ5 is a unifying molecular mechanism shared by genetically and culturally diverse botanical hypotensive folk medicines” and professor at the University of California, IrvineActivate , the components open a specific potassium channel in blood vessels that favors its dilation and reduces blood pressure.
You can take a lavender infusion twice a day. Lavender is traditionally recommended when high blood pressure appears associated with nervousness.
Improves the functioning of the nervous system
Lavender flowers have a sedative property. Literature has concluded that the natural fragrance of this plant is useful to control disorders of the nervous system . It is often used in aromatherapy.
The aroma of lavender oil helps promote positive states in the body and release tension. Contributes to relaxation in case of stress and anxiety .
They are also used for palpitations of nervous origin of the heart, as well as in states of neurasthenia (depression, sadness and emotional instability).
Facilitates the digestive process
The chemical compounds of the lavender flower are used to treat gastrointestinal problems. During World War I, its antibacterial properties were used to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the stomach.
Similarly, its antispasmodic properties help regulate the digestive system.
Reduces states of stress and anxiety
Lavender oil is a substance that is used to treat anxiety and nervousness.
The sedative property of lavender reduces anxiety, stabilizes mood, and has sedative, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective properties.
It enhances sleep quality
Some plants have among their therapeutic virtues, such as calming and acting on the quality of sleep, this is particularly the case with lavender.
That is why the lavender plant can help prevent insomnia.
Reduces body pain
Lavender is a plant with great benefits and is used in home remedies for body aches.
The oil that is extracted from this plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which is why it is recommended to relieve muscle pain, tension, back pain, and even sprains.
Combat skin conditions
Lavender oil is a common component in body lotions to soothe irritation. It is also effective in treating skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
On the other hand, this medicinal plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which together with other medications can accelerate the healing process of burns and wounds.
Even among the therapeutic uses of lavender is the cure of burns, eczema, bites and other skin conditions.
Prevents hair loss
Among one of its very few known properties, it also prevents hair loss caused by stress, product abuse and alopecia.
Reduces inflammation of angina
Lavender is antiviral and antibacterial, two properties that make it an excellent remedy to prevent and treat respiratory system diseases such as laryngitis, pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
Reduces symptoms of colds and flu
Lavender, as a medicinal plant, helps to alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, always using the essential oil that is extracted from the plant.
How to use the lavender plant?
There are various ways to use the lavender plant, however here we leave you two of the most used:
lavender infusion
You can prepare delicious infusions as follows:
Ingredients:
- lavender flowers
- Water
- sweetener to taste
Preparation:
- Pour a teaspoon of crushed fresh flowers into about 50 ml of boiling water (half if they are dried flowers).
- Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Then let it cool (it is not necessary to strain) and you can drink it.
- If you want it to be softer, you can add more water.
lavender oil
Are you looking for an antiseptic, healing, analgesic oil that treats burns, wounds and insect bites, among other uses? Here is a simple way to prepare lavender oil:
Ingredients:
- dried lavender flowers
- Coconut oil
Preparation and application
- The first thing we have to do is put the flowers in a glass jar and then we will cover them completely with coconut oil or any other oil that is used.
- We close the jar well and let it rest for 40 days in a place with light (although not direct), moving the mixture well daily.
- After this time we must strain the mixture and pour it into the dark pot.
- After that, you can now use lavender oil as a topic for different skin conditions.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.