Benefits and uses of lavender

There are many plants that are perceived by humanity as priceless gifts of nature. Lavender, known for a long time, is an important crop for pharmacists, perfumers and cosmetologists.

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Lavender: composition and spectrum of action

Composition and spectrum of action

The flower as a medicine was described as early as the 13th century. After the discovery of its healing properties, a widespread purposeful growing lavender... Scientists, interested in the culture, began to investigate its stems and inflorescences. They found essential oils in their composition, containing more than 250 varieties of biologically active substances.

Useful components:

  • Linalool. Alcohol with a calming effect. The cardiovascular system is sensitive to its beneficial effect.
  • Triterpene compounds. Biologically active carbohydrates with a pronounced effect against tumors, viruses and microbes.
  • Coumarins. Possesses fragrant properties. May slow down the blood clotting process.
  • Organic acids.
  • Borneol. A substance that can lower blood pressure and have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system.
  • Geraniol. Strong aroma used in perfumery.
  • Tannins.
  • Resins.
  • Linalyl acetate. A powerful stimulator of the regenerative functions of cells.
  • Mineral salts.
  • Bitter substances.

The high concentration of beneficial components makes lavender one of the main crops producing healing and aromatic essential oils. Use of the substance in medicine:

  • For bruises and burns, sprains, rheumatic pains.
  • Therapy for migraines, insomnia, neuroses, dizziness.
  • Digestive system disorders.
  • Elimination of toxins from the body.
  • Treatment of tonsillitis, bronchitis, colds and inflammation, purulent wounds.
  • Improving blood circulation, stimulating blood circulation in the brain.
  • Remedy for worms.
  • Treatment of acne, boils, dandruff.

Loaded with beneficial ingredients, lavender is a powerful medicine with a wide range of applications.

How is lavender used?

In what form is lavender used?

The essential oil of the plant is used both internally and externally. In the second case, therapy is carried out with aromatic lamps and pendants, base extracts, infusions, compresses, shampoos, ointments and creams containing the drug. By applying a few drops of oil from the aroma lamp to the pillow, you can get rid of insomnia.

In order for lavender to work inside the body, inhalation, douching, and rinsing are used.

It is effective as a tea and as an ingredient in healing drinks. The dried inflorescences of the plant are a proven remedy for moths. They will add a pleasant aroma to linen, refresh the air in the room. Lavender linen bag is a natural and completely harmless substitute for existing air fresheners.

The flower will effectively scare away insects and parasites, which are especially annoying in summer. They will cease to bother if you rub the exposed skin with a mixture of a few drops of the extract and vegetable oil. If you use fresh shoots, the result will be the same.

Plant - culinary ingredient:

  • Flowers are used in baking, added as a spice to raspberry and peach jam.
  • Fresh lavender leaves and stems add a sophisticated flavor to the salad and sauce.
  • It is a wonderful seasoning for fish and meat dishes.

By adding a decoction of the flower to the bathroom, they relieve fatigue. Such bathing increases the protective properties of the body. It should be borne in mind that preparations based on lavender are quite strong remedies. It is forbidden to take them uncontrollably, the dosage cannot be exceeded.

It is not recommended to get involved in the plant for pregnant women. People who suffer from high blood pressure taking iodine or iron medications are prohibited from using lavender. The same applies to women after an abortion and in the case of individual intolerance to the components in the flower. In practice, both essential lavender oil and dried plant parts are used.

How to make lavender medications

Medicines with lavender

Many recipes have been developed using the plant. Proven funds:

  1. Tea. Take fresh flowers (3 tablespoons) or dried (2 tablespoons), boiling water (2 glasses). Lavender is placed in a kettle of boiling water and allowed to brew for 6-8 minutes. After straining, add honey or sugar, lemon to taste. Drink hot. Strong tea (from 5-6 teaspoons of raw materials per 1 glass of boiling water) is used to rinse a sore throat, in the form of lotions for burns or wounds.
  2. Water infusion. Dry flowers (40-50 g) pour 1 liter of boiling water. Cover the container and let it brew for 15-20 minutes. Applied externally, washing and disinfecting wounds, burns and ulcers of the skin and mucous membranes. A compress from the infusion will help with the vascular network. By rinsing hair with the product, it gives it a healthy look, delicate aroma and strength.
  3. Tincture for alcohol. Pour raw materials (200 g of dried flowers) with 70% alcohol (1 l). The dishes are tightly closed and placed in a dark place. Withstand so 14 days at room temperature. The quality of the product will improve if you shake the tincture every day. The diluted medicine is used to work out wounds, rinse the throat and gums.
  4. Vinegar. Pour the dried inflorescences (0.5 cups) with wine vinegar (2 cups). Leave a tightly sealed container in a dark place for 30 days. Shake regularly. Adding thyme, sage, mint, juniper will not hurt. For external use only.
  5. Oil extractor. Pour dry raw materials (25 g) with any vegetable oil (1 l). Leave sealed for 1-2 days in direct sunlight. The drained liquid is used to treat ulcers, to fight acne.
  6. Oil. Mix 20 g of raw materials and 20 ml of ethyl alcohol. After adding 200 ml of olive oil, incubate for 2 hours in a water bath. The covered container is left for 2 days. The finished strained oil promotes tissue regeneration. Store in the dark, do not heat.

For medicinal purposes, tea, infusions in water or alcohol, vinegar, extract and oil are prepared from lavender.

Plant in cosmetology

Plant in cosmetology

The disinfecting effect of the flower has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. The tissues are rejuvenated, the texture of the epidermis is leveled, scars and wounds are absorbed due to the regenerating abilities of lavender.

It refreshes, deeply cleanses the pores. Redness disappears, the skin stops flaking and itching.

To experience the miraculous effects of lavender, it is enough to prepare simple face products. The mask is based on 1 tablespoon of any oil (olive, coconut, avocado, jojoba). A few drops of essential oil are added. Cover the face with the mixture and leave for 40 minutes. Then they are washed off with warm water.

Ingredients for an active cleansing tonic:

  • 50 ml glycerin
  • 100 ml of purified water
  • 25 ml of pure alcohol
  • 5 drops of lavender oil.
  • Twice a day, the face is treated by moistening a cotton pad with the mixture.

The plant will help strengthen nails, stimulate their growth, and will act against fungus. The product is rubbed into the nail plate. To make them shine, mix:

  • Jojoba oil (1.5 teaspoons)
  • Lavender drops (5 pcs.)
  • Eucalyptus oil (3 drops)

Lavender essential oil is a lifesaver for weakened hair, irritated scalp. It restores the structure of the curls, strengthens the bulbs. The extract from the plant activates blood circulation: the growth of the strands is stimulated, because the roots receive enough nutrition.

To moisturize hair, give it shine and strength, add a few drops of the extract to 1 tablespoon of your favorite shampoo, balm or mask. Rinsing is effective. To do this, 3-5 drops of the extract are diluted in 1 liter of water.

Lavender is a universal cosmetic product that rejuvenates the skin, strengthens nails and hair.

A beautiful, unpretentious plant and preparations based on it are very much appreciated by many specialists. They rightfully take their place in the cosmetic bag, in the medicine cabinet, and on the kitchen shelf.

You can learn more about the benefits of lavender in the video.

Category:Flowers | Lavender