Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species. The oil has cosmetic uses, and it is believed to have some medicinal uses.
What plant does lavender come from?
Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.
What is lavender scent made of?
Linalool (20-35%) and linalyl acetate (30-55%) dominate, with moderate levels of lavandulyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol and lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, camphor, limonene, and tannins. Lavender oil typically contains more than 100 compounds, although many of these are at negligible concentrations.
Is lavender a herb or a flower?
It is definitely a flower because it belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint family). That means it’s part of the Angiosperm (flowering plant) group. Lavender is also considered an herb. This is because it is used as a culinary seasoning and it has herbaceous growth.
What is inside a lavender?
Lavender contains two inflammation-fighting compounds called linalool and linalyl acetate. A 2020 study suggests that these may provide relief for skin issues, such as: eczema. dermatitis.
Why is lavender so special?
Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to heal minor burns and bug bites. Research suggests that it may be useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness.
Can you eat lavender?
Both fresh and dried lavender can be added to both sweet and savory dishes for both flavor and its gorgeous color. Add the fresh herb to salads, lamb, teas and cocktails. It also works very well with citrus, fruits, and desserts like crème brulee.
Is lavender safe to smell?
When applied to the skin: Lavender is possibly safe. It’s usually well-tolerated, but can sometimes cause skin irritation. When inhaled: Lavender essential oil is possibly safe. It’s been used safely as aromatherapy for up to 12 weeks.
Why do I like lavender so much?
Most people love lavender for its soothing smell and pretty color, but did you know the plant has many medicinal and therapeutic benefits? Research shows lavender essential oil can be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, skin irritation and blood pressure.
Why is smelling lavender good for you?
Reduces pain and inflammation: Research has shown that lavender essential oil can help reduce headache pain. Helps with mood, anxiety and depression: “Lavender is known for its ability to calm the nervous system, lift the mood and even lower blood pressure,” says Dr.
Can you drink lavender?
Though solid research on lavender tea is scarce, drinking a cup of this tea can be soothing and may offer some benefits. To make lavender tea, you can steep store-bought tea bags in hot water or brew your own. Pour 1 cup (250 mL) of water over 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender buds, and let it steep for a few minutes.
Does lavender actually calm you?
The science. Lavender is renowned for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. In fact, one of the main benefits of lavender is that it can calm without sedating . More than simply generating a serene state of mind, lavender can reduce anxiety by affecting the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Is lavender good for skin?
Lavender oil can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has the ability to lessen acne, help even skin tone, and reduce wrinkles. It can even be used to treat other things, such as improving hair health and digestion.
Why does lavender make you sleepy?
Why does lavender help you sleep? Lavender essential oil contains potent chemical components such as linalool, linalyl acetate and camphor4 that act as anxiety relievers and sedatives. These components interact with the brain and nervous system to reduce agitation, restlessness, and aggression.
Does lavender have DNA in it?
The researchers found that the lavender has a moderately repeated (over 48% repeated elements) genome of 870 million base pairs. It contains 62,141 protein-coding genes and 2,003 RNA-coding genes, with a large proportion of genes showing duplications.
Why do people put lavender under their pillow?
It can lower anxiety, boost your mood, and help you relax by lowering your heart rate. Smelling lavender before and while you sleep can even make you feel more rested and alert when you wake up! Try this easy and fun way to make your own lavender pillow to help you sleep!
What was lavender originally used for?
Lavender was used to scent drawers, perfume the air and ward off infection and heal wounds. It was also recognized in Roman times for its antiseptic and healing qualities. The Ancient Greeks used lavender to fight insomnia and back aches.
What does the color lavender do to your brain?
Because of this, along with its religious connotations, the color is mentally associated with healing, relaxation, cleanliness, and purity. The lavender color encourages calmness and tranquility of mind and is useful for both self-reflection and invoking a relaxed, meditative state.
Is lavender good for hair?
Lavender oil can be a safe and valuable add-on to your hair care regimen. Studies show it may promote hair growth and prevent thinning. It may also have other perks for overall scalp and hair health. There are also many ways to apply it to your hair or use it with (or in) your favorite products.
Are lavender flowers poisonous?
Lavender plants are generally non-toxic in nature, however, if sufficient quantities of the vegetation are consumed, it can result in dangerous intestinal blockages.
Is lavender toxic to dogs?
First of all, the ASPCA considers lavender to be toxic to dogs (as well as cats and horses). If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. These symptoms can be traced to a single dangerous component known as linalool.