What are the Uses and Health Benefits of Lavender Flowers (Lavandula multifida)?

What is Lavender?

Lavender is the most adaptable herb and the essential oil extracted from it is used for several cosmetic and therapeutic purposes and also contains both physiological as well as psychological properties.

Its botanical name is Lavandula multifida and it belongs to family Lamiaceae / Labiatae. Other common names are French lavender, Lavender essential oil, Spike Lavender, Garden Lavender, Lavandula, English Lavender, and Lavanda. Its Synonyms are Lavandula vera, Lavandula officinalis.

Description

Lavender is an annual or short-lived perennial plant with 2 to 3 feet tall in height. Lavender flowers are born in false whorls of 6 to 10 blossoms and forms interrupted terminal spikes. They may be violet or blue in color. Its pedicles are of 10 to 15 cm long and bracts are brown and brown-violet or violet tingled and of 5mm height. The stem of this plant is coated with yellowish grey color.

Habitat

This plant is native to Southern Europe, Tropical area of Africa, Southern India and areas of the modern day Iraq. Now it is grown in herb garden throughout the world and for a commercial purpose it is grown in Europe, Russia, America, and Australia.

Parts used

Whole plant

What are the Medicinal Uses of Lavender Flowers?

Lavender is used as a nerve tonic.
This herb is used in arthritis, rheumatism and other diseases related to the joints.
These flowers are beneficial for the eye disorders.
It is also useful in treating migraine, insomnia, headache and hair problems.
It also treats skin conditions such as acne, eczema, wounds and other fungal infections.

What are the Therapeutic Uses of Lavender Flowers?

1. Insomnia

Lavender flowers have a sedative property that increases the quality and quantity of sleep. People are using lavender flowers to fill their pillows for increasing their sleep quality. The lavender aromatherapy aids in relaxation and sleeping better. This herb balances the strong emotions and stabilizes the mood of a person. It also acts as an antidepressant which is very helpful in treating anxiety as well as reduces panic attacks. The essential oil extracted from these flowers relaxes the tense muscles that may contribute to headache.

2. Skin Infections

Oil extracted from these flowers is useful for anti-fungal-resistant infections. By its antifungal property, these flowers have the potency to fight against fungal strains that can lead to skin infections such as eczema, acne, psoriasis etc. It also aids in soothing burns, cuts, wounds, bruises, itching and also reduces the risk of scarring.

3. Respiratory problems

Lavender flowers are helpful in curing respiratory disorders such as cold, flu, bronchitis and other throat infections. This herb acts as a cough suppressant that reduces the cough reflex and suppresses the allergic airway inflammation. It strengthens the ability to inhibit the asthma attacks and decreases the production of mucus in the lungs. It dilates the bronchioles and widens the airways.

4. Hair problems

Oil extracted from lavender flowers is used as a hair gain tonic that promotes the hair growth. It is used in treating other conditions related to hair problems such as graying of hair, dryness, itching, fungal infection, dull hair etc. Massage your scalp with this oil daily but if you are pregnant then consult an expert before using it.

5. Rheumatism

Lavender flowers are used as an anti-inflammatory as well as an analgesic that alleviate the pain as well as inflammation. Lavender maintains the synovial fluid and decreases the friction between the joints. This herb plays an important role in controlling the progression and symptoms related to rheumatism such as fatigue, weight loss, fever etc. It keeps the bones strong and healthy.

6. Eye Disorders

Lavender flowers are beneficial for eye conditions such as Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc. These flowers prevent the damage of optic nerve and decrease the intraocular pressure of the eyes. It increases the peripheral vision and reduces the chances of permanent vision loss. It also provides relief in other symptoms related to eye disorders such as double vision, pain, redness, etc.