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

1A few drops of essential oil on a pillow or in a diffuser is the classic sleep aid.
2Dilute essential oil before skin use; undiluted it can irritate.
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

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Precautions

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

Where this comes from

Sources

LavenderMount Sinai Health Library

Used forSleep & Stress Skin & Hair Energy & Focus

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.