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Herb library

Lavandula (English Lavender)

Lavender (English Lavender)

Lavandula angustifolia

Cooling purple flower for anxiety, sleep and irritated skin.

Lavender shrub · Shrub · Parts: Flower, Flower oil, Leaf

Taste (rasa)
Bitter, Astringent, Sweet
Energy (virya)
Cooling
Balances
Pitta, Vata

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Calms anxiety and supports restful sleep
  • Relieves tension headaches and nervous tension
  • Soothes minor burns, insect bites and skin irritation

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Lavender is the standard cooling nervine of European herbalism — used for the head, the nerves and the skin.

Traditional uses

  • Tension headaches, anxiety and restless sleep
  • Minor burns, insect bites and irritated skin
  • Calming the mind before meditation or sleep

Practical guidance

  1. 1A few drops of essential oil on a pillow or in a diffuser is the classic sleep aid.
  2. 2Dilute essential oil before skin use; undiluted it can irritate.
  3. 3Small amounts of culinary dried flowers are gentle; medicinal doses need caution.

How much

Dosage

1-2 tsp dried flowers as tea, or 2-4 drops essential oil in a diffuser.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Lavender tea

Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes.

Evening before bed

Sleep pillow

Fill a small sachet with dried lavender flowers and place near your pillow.

At bedtime

Read this first

Precautions

  • Use essential oil diluted on skin
  • Avoid large internal doses in pregnancy
  • May enhance the effect of sedatives

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forSleep & StressSkin & HairEnergy & Focus

Common questions

What is Lavender used for?

Cooling purple flower for anxiety, sleep and irritated skin. In traditional use the main applications are: Calms anxiety and supports restful sleep; Relieves tension headaches and nervous tension; Soothes minor burns, insect bites and skin irritation.

What is the typical dosage of Lavender?

1-2 tsp dried flowers as tea, or 2-4 drops essential oil in a diffuser. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Lavender be taken?

Lavender tea: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Timing — Evening before bed

Are there any precautions with Lavender?

Use essential oil diluted on skin Avoid large internal doses in pregnancy May enhance the effect of sedatives Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Lavender replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.