From the botanical family Lamiacea, true lavender is an aromatic plant regularly used for its many properties. Also called fine or officinal lavender, it is found in Mediterranean regions. In France, true lavender is cultivated in Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes. Two parts of this plant are prized for their medicinal virtues: the floral tops and the essential oil.
Anti-inflammatory and healing: what are the benefits of true lavender?
In Provence, it is not uncommon to smell the scent of lavender when walking in the valleys. In addition to its refreshing scent, this plant has many health benefits. Lavender flowers have calming and soothing properties that treat sleep, fatigue and nervousness issues.
A Dutch study, published in the journal Frontier Psychology, has shown that lavender can also help facilitate trust between individuals. Roberta Sellara, psychologist and co-author of the research, explained that this plant had the ability to influence social interactions. “The scent of lavender could help a salesperson more easily establish a relationship of trust to sell a car, or in a store it could push the customer to spend more money. Lavender could also be useful in sports. to increase the confidence of certain players and forge team spirit in team sports “ she added.
This plant also has powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Lavender essential oil is used in particular for cutaneous uses. It can be applied to the skin to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, but also burns, wounds or bites. This essential oil promotes the regeneration process of the skin, as it tightens the pores. Anti-inflammatory, lavender essential oil also relieves people with rheumatism, cramps or muscle aches.
Another advantage of this essential oil? It is a real ally against lice. To fight against these parasites, you can dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil in your shampoo. The latter contains linalool, a molecule which is parasiticidal. However, it is not recommended for children under the age of five because it can be very allergenic.
How to use true lavender for self-healing?
To benefit from the soothing and calming virtues of lavender, you can prepare infusions with the floral tops before going to bed. These drinks may help relieve your sleep problems.
The essential oil can be applied to a painful area after a workout. Beforehand, mix it with a vegetable oil. Once the preparation is ready, gently massage the painful part of your body. Before use, remember to test the essential oil on the fold of one of your elbows to verify that you are not allergic to it. In the case of a scar, you can also use lavender essential oil to fade it.
True lavender: what are the contraindications of this plant?
Even if it contains many virtues, lavender is contraindicated for some people. The first concerned are pregnant women. The use of lavender essential oil is strongly discouraged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The use of this essential oil is also not recommended for children under the age of five. At too high a dose, it is also neurotoxic.
What are the different kinds of lavender?
There are different species of lavender. There are four kinds, including true lavender:
- lavender aspic: this plant is known for its inflammatory properties and it can act on diabetes
- lavender stoechade: it has diuretic virtues and stimulates renal function.
- lavandin: this plant is a hybrid between asp lavender and true lavender.
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