This well-known aromatic plant has been used as a remedy for headaches, skin infections, and respiratory and nerves system for centuries.
Lavender Plant – The Bare Basics
Lavandula is a name used for 39 species from the family Lamiaceae. Many ancient cultures were familiar with this family and used many species as culinary herbs and as a remedy. Most of the species, due to their fast cultivation, are famous for ornamental, garden and landscape usage across the world.
The family Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as Lavender, is the most popular of all species, native to the western Mediterranean and northern Spain.
Lavender is an aromatic shrub that can grow high up to 2 meters. The leaves are rosemary-like evergreen, 2 to 6 centimeters long and 4 to 6 millimeters broad. Pinkish-purple flowers grow at the top of slender, leafless stems.
Lavandula officinalis used to be the Latin name of the plant, referring to its medical use.
The ancient Romans used to cherish lavender, especially as an essential oil, while the Greeks popularized it as a remedy for the problems of the respiratory system.
Today, lavender is used for various infections and inflammations, as well as a medicine for digestive disorders and sleep disturbances.
Medical Benefits of Lavender
Lavender plant is mostly known for its antidepressant properties.
People are most familiar with its popularity in the aromatherapy.
On the other hand, this plant has shown a remarkable result in treating different diseases, disorders, and illnesses, due to its analgesic, antiseptic, vulnerary, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Lavender can treat digestive problems, women problems, respiratory system problems, high blood pressure, muscle pain, rheumatism, insect bites, and skin infections.
Lavender as a Remedy for Migraine and Headaches- Homemade Recipes
Take one small bowl and mix 50 grams of lavender flower and apple vinegar. Leave it for two weeks on the sun. Strain it with a coffee filter or a cloth and use it in case of migraine and headaches by inhaling this oil. The headaches can be treated with lavender tea, as well.
Another way to use lavender for headaches is with another recipe.
A bottle or a medium jar with lavender flowers and olive oil. Leave it for a month on a warm and sunny place. Strain it, pour it in the glass bottles, and leave it in the dark and cold place.
Lavender Tea for Insomnia
Fresh lavender flowers and buds can help you sleep peacefully. Tie up fresh flowers in a satchel, a small pillowcase, or a reusable eye pillow and enjoy in the relaxing and gentle smell.
Lavender for Faster Hair Growing
Mix 15 grams of the lavender flower with 100 grams of alcohol and leave it for two weeks in the sun. Strain the mixture, and use it for hair, head, and scalp massage.
Lavender against Tremor
Mix one teaspoon of lavender flowers and one teaspoon of a sage plant with 2 decilitres of boiling white vine. Leave the mixture for about 20 minutes. Strain it and drink one decilitre in the morning and at night.
Lavender Oil Recipes
In case you wish to create an essential oil, you will need:
- 2 cups lavender buds or flowers
- 2 cups of Olive oil
- 7 capsules Vitamin E (pierced and drained, 400 IUs)
First, you need to heat olive oil until it starts to bubble at the edge of the pot. Add lavender buds and simmer for half an hour.
Cool it off to room temperature; strain it through a coffee filter. Pierce vitamin capsules and add vitamin E to the mixture.
Your oil is ready and you can pour it in a glass (sterilized) jars and leave in the refrigerator. Be careful and do not use lavender that has been treated with pesticides.
Recipe for Lavender Salve for Dry Hands, Knees and Elbows
For this easy-to-make recipe, you will need:
- ¼ cup dried lavender flowers
- 5 to 7 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 tbsp grated beeswax
- ½ cup virgin olive oil
Use heavy saucepan, pour the olive oil and add lavender flowers. Mix it well to combine. Warm it slowly over low heat with constant stirring, and once it is warm, turn the heat off and leave it for 20 minutes.
Use glass liquid measuring cup and place cheesecloth over it. Secure it with a rubber band, and then strain the mixture. Make an effort to squeeze most of the oil from the flowers. Put a few inches of water in the pan, place cup with olive oil into it and warm it slowly over low heat until the water is simmering.
While the water is warming, add 5 to 7 drops of lavender oil and 2 tablespoons of beeswax.
Stir this mixture occasionally, until the beeswax is melted (this usually takes about 10 minutes). Once melted, pour it in a glass jar. It should be completely cooled before you put the lids on.
Lavender is a natural antiseptic; moreover, this salve is an alternative for children.
Recipe for a Strong Lavender Tincture as Powerful as Lavender Oil
For making a lavender tincture you will need:
- Lavender buds (fresh or dry, the more the merrier)
- Vodka or grain alcohol
- Bowl and spoon or mortar and pestle in case you have one
- Coffee filters
- Two jars (one with a tight-fitting lid)
Pour the lavender buds into the bowl and crush it with a spoon to release the oil. Add these buds to the jar and cover it with vodka or grain alcohol.
Do not use isopropyl alcohol!
Leave the peels for a couple of days but do not forget to shake it occasionally. The longer you wait, the more lavender tincture you will have. The best is to leave it for a weekend, in a sunny place.
The next step is to use a coffee filter to strain the liquid from the lavender buds into the second jar. Place a clean coffee filter or a cloth on the top of the jar and leave it this way to allow the alcohol to evaporate from the jar, usually for a week.
After a week, there is a lavender tincture in your jar.
Images credit: 123RF Stock Photo
Last article update: 8/5/2019
