Lavender

What is lavender?

Almost forty plants from the mint family are classified as lavenders, although the most common form is Lavandula angustifolia, which is the basis of the colour of lavender. This genus is found in Europe, Africa, the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. The reason it is used so massively is the huge variety of applications it has, from food and perfumes to cosmetics and medicines. This plant is full of essential oils, which have beneficial properties on the human body and is one of the most unique and beloved scents in the world.

The health benefits of lavender

The smell and taste of lavender are wonderful, but its magic lies in the wide variety of health benefits it has.

It reduces anxiety and stress

There are a large number of applications of lavender for stress relief. The natural organic compounds present in its leaves and flowers can be brought up if you rub them between your fingers and with this topical application they can calm your body and mind, relieving your thoughts and calming your mood. You can also make lavender tea to get the same effect. Its antioxidant components can affect your endocrine system in order to reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Fights sleep problems

If you experience frequent insomnia, apnea or have restless sleep, it can negatively affect your life. If you put some lavender leaves in hot water, you can enjoy a wonderful tea that has been used to induce sleep and relaxation for thousands of years. This is closely linked to the flower’s effect on the nervous system and can help you clear your mind of negative thoughts. Lavender is often used in meditation techniques and its essential oils are used in aromatherapy.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Everyone is looking for a reliable way to calm the body and mind, and lavender takes care of both. If you add its flowers to your bath water and relax in the tub for a while, its anti-inflammatory ingredients can help reduce inflammation.

Skin care

A simple way to always take care of your skin is to fill a spray bottle with lavender flower spray. When your skin feels dry or irritated, simply spray this water on the area and enjoy the quick relief it provides. This can also help with chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Alternatively, you can opt for a lavender oil.

Antiseptic properties

Although many people resort to lavender for relaxation and aromatherapy, its effect in fighting an infection is spectacular. Many people place broken leaves on wounds and bruises for quick healing and to prevent infections from developing in them.

Care of the hair

If you are experiencing hair loss or any other condition that affects the quality of your hair, opt for a lavender-based shampoo. However, some of the organic counterparts can be very expensive or even contain chemicals. What you can do is steep lavender flowers like you would make tea and apply the mixture to your hair. This way it will act like an effective shampoo and greatly enhance the health of your hair. Alternatively, opt for a lavender shampoo.

Protects the health of your heart

Lavender’s calming properties, which come from its organic compounds and antioxidants, also help the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing tension in blood vessels. This can prevent atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Prevents digestion problems

The polyphenols present in lavender have a wide range of effects on the body. They can prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria and the build-up of gas in the intestines. Thus, lavender soothes stomach upsets, reduces swelling and eliminates cramps. Apart from tea, you can also chew lavender leaves to reap all its beneficial benefits.