HERBAL INFORMATION - Lavender
Family: Lamiaceae
Latin names: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula officinalis
Common names: English lavender, Common lavender, French lavender, Garden lavender
Parts Used: Flowers, essential oil
Constituents: Volatile oil (linalyl acetate, linalool, lavandulyl acetate, borneol, limonene, caryophyllene); coumarins (umbelliferone, herniarin, coumarin); triterpenes, flavonoids 1
DescriptionThere are many species of lavender, however, Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula officinalis are the most commonly spoken of species in herbal medicine. Lavender is a small perennial shrub from the Mint family, growing to 1-2 metres in height. The leaves are evergreen and the purple flowers are arranged in tall spikes.
Although lavender can now be found all over the world, it originated in the Mediterranean basin. It has naturalized in North America and will grow in Ontario (zones 5-8), but it prefers slightly warmer winters.
As with many Western medicinal herbs, lavender has been used throughout history. Its name comes from the term
lavare (“to wash”) – so coined by the Romans as they commonly used it to scent baths. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the essential oil was used to disinfect hospital floors and walls during WWI. In modern days, much of its healing ability remains unknown to the average person. Instead we are familiar with its scent. Lavender essential oil and synthetic versions of it are used in anything from perfumes to fabric softeners.
Therapeutic PropertiesAnalgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, nervine, relaxant, rubefacient, tranquilizer, vulnerary
Medicinal UsesNervous system• Anxiety, depression, headaches (including tension headaches & migraines), insomnia, nervous exhaustion, inflammatory conditions of the nerves
Digestive system• Flatulence, bloating, indigestion, inflammatory conditions, cramping, poor appetite, motion sickness
Epithelial• Skin conditions (acne, eczema)
• Topical conditions (cuts, bite, scrapes, stings, burns, infected wounds)
Essential OilTopical Uses• Acne, arthritic pain, blisters, bites, burns, bruises, cuts, earaches, eczema, sprains, stings, sunburns)
Physical conditions• Exhaustion, headaches, insomnia, migraines, nausea
Psychological conditions• Depression, fear, hyperactivity, impatience, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, negativity, panic attacks, relaxation, worry
References:Aromatherapy – Christine Westwood
Class Notes – Living Earth School
Earthwise Herbal, The – Matthew Wood
Holistic Herbal – David Hoffman
Medical Herbalism – David Hoffman 1
New Encylopedia of Herbs & Their Uses – Deni Bown
