Lavender: medicinal properties, use in traditional medicine. Using the healing properties of lavender Benefits and harms of lavender for health
Nature is rich in medicinal plants used by man for medicinal purposes. One of these gifts of nature is lavender, the healing properties of which have been known since ancient times. At that time, this plant was used quite often, using it in the treatment of all kinds of infections, applied to ulcers, burns and wounds, taken for convulsions, pain in the heart and nervous disorders as well as rheumatism, migraine and gout.
Lavender officinalis is a perennial plant. The homeland is considered the Mediterranean, but now it is widespread on all continents. In Russia, it is mainly cultivated in the south, but it is also found to the north. To accustom this plant to a cooler climate, its seeds are "hardened", for which they are placed in the refrigerator for 1.5-2 months before sowing. The plant becomes more resistant to inclement weather and frost.
Chemical elements and their healing properties
Chemical constituents include a large number of useful substances that determine the healing properties of lavender.
The composition includes:
- essential oil, the basic ingredient of which is linalyl acetate (about 60%), which has a calming effect on the nervous system, on the heart and blood vessels;
- cineol (terpene alcohol), used in pharmaceuticals for the synthesis of antiseptic and expectorant drugs;
- rose-scented geraniol and camphor-scented borneol (terpene alcohols) are highly effective in aromatherapy;
- caproic acid relieves inflammation and stops bleeding;
- ursolic acid prevents the development of cancer cells, has a positive effect on reducing obesity and controls blood sugar levels;
- valeric acid has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle;
- tannins (tannins) help in the treatment of hemorrhoids and diarrhea (there are about 12% of them in the chemical composition of lavender);
- coumarins (aromatic substances);
- Phytosterols control blood cholesterol levels.
The healing effect of this unique representative of the flora has been scientifically confirmed in relation to 167 human ailments, and not so long ago, scientists from the Netherlands identified 23 more elements that make up the chemical composition of lavender.
Medicinal effects of lavender
Since lavender has a wide range of beneficial effects on the human body, its use for medicinal purposes is diverse. Restrictions may be justified by individual intolerance, an allergic reaction to this plant, and some other circumstances (for example, pregnancy).
Medicinal uses of lavender:
- Stabilization nervous system . The relaxing and sedative property of lavender soothes neuroses, normalizes the emotional background and improves sleep (a very mild sleeping pill that, when taken in small doses, does not give any side effects). The use of this plant also helps with general weakness of the body, loss of appetite, pain in the heart and neuralgia.
- Normalization of urination. Lavender is a mild diuretic. Eliminates puffiness, is taken with a complex therapeutic effect in the course of treatment Bladder and kidneys.
- Beneficial effect on digestion. With nervous overexcitation, the digestive system can fail. Lavender eliminates gastric and intestinal colic, relieves bloating and is a mild choleretic agent.
- Effects on the respiratory organs. The bactericidal and antiviral properties of this plant are used in cases of rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis. A good effect is observed in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia. Lavender oil is good to use as a prophylactic to prevent influenza and SARS.
- Impact on the musculoskeletal system. Lavender oil or alcohol tincture, when rubbed, has a beneficial effect on joints with gout and rheumatic pains, and a decoction helps to level muscle cramps.
- Influence on the vascular and circulatory system. Since lavender is a circulatory stimulant (including in the vessels of the brain), it has a positive effect on the vascular structure of the body.
- Positive effect on the female body. This plant is used in the period preceding menopause. It relieves nervous and irritable condition, relieves feelings of anxiety and insomnia. Through douching and baths, inflammation of the reproductive system is treated.
- Beneficial effect on the child's body. For children, the use of this plant is limited and possible only after consulting a pediatrician, since the likelihood of an allergic reaction is high. The main form of use is aromatic sessions and therapeutic baths. At the same time, there is a restoration of normal sleep and digestion, a decrease in the excited state. And as a preventive measure, they are used during periods of activation of viral infections. In case of problems with the respiratory organs, inhalations are prescribed.
It must be remembered that lavender multiplies the effect of sedative and antispasmodic drugs on the body, so you need to be careful about the use of this plant in order to avoid overdose and side effects. With individual intolerance and allergies, lavender is contraindicated. Useful properties and contraindications, of course, are not comparable, but you should be careful about the reaction of your body to this plant.
Folk methods of application
AT folk medicine lavender is applied as follows:
- for a good sleep, a small pillow with lavender flowers is placed next to the pillow;
- for colds and viral infection lavender oil is used for massage and inhalation, and a runny nose is treated by plugging the sinuses (15 minutes);
- for external rubbing, lavender alcohol is used, consisting of oil and alcohol in a ratio of 1:100 (oil to alcohol);
- the infusion stabilizes sleep, relieves stress and headaches, lowers the level of hysteria (2 tablespoons of flowers per 0.5 liters of boiling water, take 1 tablespoon 4 times a day);
- the infusion is good for external use in the form of lotions for the treatment of eczema, bruises and wounds;
- in case of indigestion and poor appetite, tea is useful (take 2 teaspoons of flowers in a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes, then strain);
- with nervous exhaustion and a general breakdown, take lavender baths (60 g of flowers per 1 liter cold water, bring the mixture to a boil, leave for 15 minutes and strain);
- massage with essential oil accelerates blood circulation and stimulates the cardiovascular system;
- lotions from a mixture of olive oil (base) and lavender oil in a ratio of 1 to 10 help at the stage of healing of mild burns;
- in the treatment of colds and coughs, the remedy is taken orally with honey (for 1 tsp of honey, take 1 drop of oil, take 2 times a day with tea or in its pure form).
Variations in the use of the healing properties of lavender in traditional and modern medicine are extensive, but you must always remember about the existing contraindications and the correct dosage in the manufacture and use of medicinal preparations based on this plant.
Back in the days ancient rome learned about the healing properties of lavender. It has been added to baths and handwashing water as it has been claimed to have antibacterial properties. Also, due to the spicy taste, it was used and is used today in cooking and for making drinks.
From ancient times to the present day, lavender, due to the fact that it has good healing properties, has been widely used in traditional medicine.
The chemical composition of lavender and its effect on the body
Lavender flowers contain essential oil - 3%. Also in their chemical composition, 12% of tannins, bitter substances, resin and coumarin derivatives, flavonoids, phytosterols, cineol, geranoyl, borneol are isolated. The most valuable element contained in lavender essential oil islinalyl acetate. Its percentage is 50%.
Exactly linalyl acetatehas a calming effect on the body, on the cardiovascular and nervous system. And the cineole contained in lavender in an isolated form is used in pharmaceuticals. It is used for cooking antiseptics and expectorants.
Thanks to geranoil and borneol, lavender has a strong aromatherapy effect. And the tannins contained in this plant, used for viral and bacterial diseases upper respiratory tract in the form of infusions for gargling. They contribute to the formation of a protective membrane on the mucous membrane, which prevents further inflammation.
Resinous compounds that are part of the chemical composition of lavender, have a mild diuretic and laxative effect. Also, resinous compounds do not allow putrefactive processes to develop and enhance the therapeutic effect of other medicinal substances.
Lavender is often added to inhalations to treat flu conditions. With helminthic invasions and pediculosis, coumarins, which are contained in the flowers of the plant, have a therapeutic effect. Coumarins inhibit the development of protozoa and insects.
Did you know? Lavender oil can cause allergies not only when taken orally or externally. If you store it in a closet with linens or clothes, its essential oils easily evaporate and remain on things, as a result of which a person may experience an allergic reaction.
When lavender is used, traditional medicine
Mountain lavender has found its use in the treatment of many painful conditions. Traditional medicine recommends lavender for the following diseases:
Many recipes have been preserved for a long time, on the basis of which medicines based on lavender. These recipes contain indications and dosages for use. lavender can be used as lavender oil, tea, flower tincture, dry herb, lavender baths.
Did you know? Lavender is often included in herbal sleeping pills and sedatives. This is one of the indispensable plants in the treatment of vegetative disorders.
traditional medicine prescribes to use to soothe irritated skin, for use on damaged skin, with sleep disorders. It can also be used for a pleasant massage, which, thanks to this essential oil, will improve blood microcirculation.
Lavender essential oil can be added to baths, a couple of drops can be put on the pillow, which will help to relax and should promote good sleep. It helps to heal wounds and smooth out scars.
lavender tea
Lavender tea is used to combat the following problems:
- from a headache- thanks to the natural antispasmodic substances contained in tea with lavender, there is a relaxation of blood vessels and small muscles in the head and neck, around the eyes (by the way, it helps to get rid of twitching of the eyelid);
- from stress- soothes with increased nervous excitability, prevents feelings of anxiety and depression;
- from muscle spasms- used in the treatment of menstrual pain;
- from insomnia- scientists from different countries are sure that lavender tea can relax, improve the quality of sleep and relieve insomnia;
- from nausea- Lavender tea will help get rid of an attack of nausea associated with a severe headache. Tea with this plant helps to reduce inflammation of the vagus nerve, which provokes nausea, vomiting and migraines;
- from digestive disorders c - the drink has carminative properties, which means it helps to get rid of discomfort in the intestines and stomach associated with the accumulation of gases. Also, some scientists believe that lavender substances prevent the occurrence of stomach ulcers.
- 1 glass of water;
- 1 cup of sugar;
- 3 tablespoons lavender flowers, separated from the stem
- in the jar you need to add odorless oil - olive, almond, linseed. It is important that the oil is odorless so as not to overpower the lavender scent;
- a jar of lavender and oil must be tightly closed and put in the sun to infuse. This stage can last from 48 hours to 3-6 weeks, depending on the amount of sunlight you receive and the amount of time you have. As an alternative, you can use a water bath, where you can heat the mixture in the jar for 2-5 hours at a temperature of 38-49 ° C (it is very important to stick to this temperature!);
- after insisting the oil, the contents of the jar can be filtered through gauze into a clean bowl. The remains of the flowers can be used for compost;
- to get a more saturated lavender oil, the whole process can be repeated with the obtained strained product;
- store lavender oil prepared at home in a dark glass jar in a place protected from the sun. The shelf life depends on the freshness of the oil taken for cooking and can be several months.
Make lavender tea can, by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of dried flowers with 250-300 ml of boiling water. You need to brew for 10-15 minutes.
Important! herbal teas from any plant can cause side effects. If you get a rash after taking lavender tea, headache, vomiting, chills, colic - the use of tea should be stopped and consult a doctor.
flower tincture
Lavender in the form of flower tincture has medicinal properties, which help to cope with the shortcomings of problem skin and help with burns.
Lavender flower tincture is used to improve appetite, and in combination with some other herbs serves a good remedy to relieve stress.
To prepare the tincture of flowers, 3 teaspoons of the ground plant are taken, which are poured into 400 ml of boiling water. The resulting infusion must be infused in an enamel bowl under a closed lid for 20 minutes. After that, it must be filtered and you can drink it throughout the day in equal portions. Such an infusion will be useful for treating ulcers and wounds that do not heal for a long time.
As an antidepressant used tincture of fresh lavender flowers, prepared in the proportion of one part of the flowers and 5 parts of 70% alcohol. This tincture of flowers is taken 1-2 times a day, 40-50 drops. It prevents mood swings, affects the hormonal background. Recommended for women with premenstrual syndrome, with menopause to combat hot flashes, nervousness and insomnia.
Lavender baths
Lavender baths have indications and contraindications for use. It is contraindicated to take lavender baths if there is an individual intolerance to the components of the plant.
note that lavender affects blood pressure in the human body. It normalizes (lowers) it, but there may be sharp changes in pressure during the bath. Total A couple of drops of lavender oil added to a bath can dramatically lower blood pressure. Therefore, baths with lavender oil are best taken as prescribed by a doctor and under supervision.
As for the beneficial effects of lavender baths, it is difficult to overestimate it. Such baths will relieve disorders in the circulatory system, relieve fatigue, relieve muscle tension, lower back pain (which is muscular in nature).
To prepare a lavender bath50 g of dry grass or lavender flowers are taken for 20 liters of water. Or you can dilute lavender oil in water - 25 ml of oil per 100 liters of water. Lavender essential oil is diluted with an emulsifier - sea salt, sour cream, base oil. For 30 ml of the base, 4-7 drops of oil are taken for an adult, for a child no more than 2 drops of lavender essential oil.
Procurement and processing of medicinal raw materials
Medicinal lavender flowers are widely used in folk medicine. In order to use the beneficial substances of this plant all year round, it is necessary to harvest medicinal raw materials during the flowering season and process it for storage.
Lavender blooms in July-August. It is during this period that it is necessary to harvest inflorescences. For harvesting, inflorescences are cut along with twigs. After that, bundles are made of them, which are tied and hung to dry. After the drying stage, the flowers are manually separated, which will be processed.
The process of harvesting lavender is quite painstaking. Firstly, it is manual labor, requiring human attention. When drying lavender, you need to maintain a certain temperature regime.
The room where this happens should be hidden from the sun and well ventilated. This is important for the preservation of the essential oil in the plant. The essential oil is separated by steam distillation of the plant in a special facility.
After drying the lavender, it can be kneaded and folded into an airtight container. Dried lavender should be stored in a place protected from moisture and, if necessary, used for the preparation of medicines.
Preparation of medicinal lavender syrup
Syrup can be made from medicinal lavender. For this you will need:
After that, the infusion is filtered, a new portion of dry lavender is poured with the resulting broth, and the procedure is repeated. Then the resulting broth is mixed with 250 g of honey or sugar, this mixture is put on fire, and it must be boiled until a thick syrup is obtained.
Lavender syrup prepared according to this recipe is used to treat neurasthenia, tachycardia, headaches, and colds. For medicinal purposes, it should be taken half an hour before meals 3 times a day. Dosage - 1 teaspoon, which is washed down with water.
How to make lavender oil at home
Much has been said about the beneficial properties of lavender, and in order to fully apply them, it is necessary to use it in the appropriate form for each case. There are many references to treatment with oil. The recipe for how to make lavender oil at home is as follows:
Instructions for preparing lavender ointment
To prepare lavender ointment, you need an ingredient such as lavender oil. It can be prepared according to the recipe described above, or bought at a pharmacy. The second required ingredient is beeswax.The proportion in which the components are taken is 1 part of wax to 8 parts of oil. The more wax, the thicker the lavender ointment will be.
Do you want to finally get a good night's sleep, cure skin diseases or? Lavender, an herb whose healing properties cover the entire body, from head to toe, will help with this. What are the medicinal properties and contraindications of lavender, for which health problems is it advisable to use it?
What is this about?
Lavender grows up to 50-60 cm in height. The flowers are characterized by a typical blue-violet color and a unique fragrance. The plant is mainly used in dried form. Lavender likes warmth and dryness. It does not tolerate frost and low temperatures. That is why it is grown in warm climates.
Collection
Inflorescences are collected during the first flowering, leaves - in July and August. For harvesting, it is best to use garden shears.
Drying is carried out in bundles suspended in the shade. The temperature of artificial drying should not exceed 40°C. The dried herb has a pungent odor and a bitter taste and is stored in sealed containers (ideally in paper bags or glass).
Nutritional composition
In folk medicine, lavender is used due to its vitamin and mineral composition.
Energy value (100 g):
- KJ - 193.2;
- kcal - 46.
Nutritional value (g/100 g):
- carbohydrates - 9;
- fats - 0.9;
- protein - 1.1.
Other useful substances (mg / 100 g):
- vitamin A - 270 IU;
- vitamin C - 11;
- iron - 2.5;
- calcium - 210;
- sodium - 5.
Chemical composition
Fresh and dried flowers contain essential oil (0.5-1%). The highest content of essential oils in them is present in full bloom. The esters contain tannins (about 10%), linylal acetate (30-60%), linyl esters, boron acetate, etc.
Forms of natural medicine
Lavender is commonly sold in the following forms:
- Dried grass.
- Spice.
- Essential oil (for aromatherapy).
- Tincture.
- Aroma candles.
- Fragrant pouches.
- cosmetics (shampoo, soap, body lotion, massage oil, shower gel, balm, perfume).
Impact on the body
The benefits of lavender for the body (and possible harm, based on the effects on the body presented below) can be summarized with the following points:
- improving the treatment of skin diseases (acne, psoriasis, eczema, allergies);
- acceleration of wound healing (burns, carved wounds, other open wounds);
- calming the nervous system;
- improved blood flow;
- help with sleep problems;
- improved digestion;
- improvement of liver function;
- elimination of flatulence and abdominal pain;
- support for regular (and stabilization) stools;
- immune support;
- antibacterial and antiseptic effects;
- lowering high blood pressure;
- diuretic effects - removal of excess water from the body;
- relief of cough (asthma, bronchitis, allergies, flu) and acceleration of sputum excretion;
- improvement of the condition and elasticity of the skin (including the improvement of the scalp).
Subsequently, the plant began to be cultivated in Europe, using it as a fragrant, it was believed that its aroma repels evil spirits. The first perfumes, which appeared in the XIV century, contained essential oils from lavender flowers, their composition was considered magical - the spirits were credited with the properties of maintaining female attractiveness and prolonging the youth of their owner. Today, when few people believe in magic, lavender is still in demand for its fragrant and.
In Russia, lavender was recognized only after patriotic war 1812. At first, it was grown only in greenhouses and botanical gardens. Today it grows on the territory of Ukraine and the Krasnodar Territory.
How is lavender oil obtained?
In the past, methods such as enfleurage (extraction with purified animal fat) and oil distillation were used to obtain aromatic extracts. Today, in factories, lavender essential oil from freshly picked flowers most often uses the steam distillation method.The resulting oil is almost colorless, viscous, but at the same time light, it mixes well with other essential oils and allows you to create beautiful harmonious perfume compositions with oils of fennel, pine, clove, cinnamon, sandalwood ginger, patchouli, myrrh, myrtle, tea tree, rosemary. In various combinations with these oils, it is used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
The quality of the oil, which also affects its aromatic properties, depends not only on the quality of the feedstock, but also on the place of its growth, as well as on how far the production is located from it, because the raw materials must be fresh. The highest quality and most expensive oil is French-made, where the factories are located next to the plantations where lavender is sown and grows. English oil, which has a specific aroma that only specialists can distinguish, is less valued. Lavender essential oil from the fields of Australia and the Crimea is in the middle price range.
Properties of lavender
The chemical composition of lavender essential oil is quite complex, it contains esters of alcohol, as well as acetic, butyric, caproic and valeric acids. Its aroma is influenced by the concentration of substances such as caryophyllene, lavandiol, borneol and geraniol. Lavender flowers contain ursolic acid, coumarin and herniarin, they contain tannins and resins.The smell of lavender itself produces therapeutic effect, but its leaves and flowers have other medicinal properties. In the folk they are also used in the form of infusions and decoctions. These decoctions are a good diuretic and sedative, recommended for people of a nervous and irritable personality type. A cup of decoction of flowers and twigs of this plant, drunk before bedtime, will be an excellent antidepressant, relieve stress, and help restore sleep. It will calm the nerves, eliminate irritability and drive away insomnia and a drop of lavender essential oil applied to the pillow.
Lavender oil can be applied to fabric without fear of leaving traces. After drying and evaporation, no traces of oil remain.
Baths with a strong infusion of lavender help with heart disease. They are recommended for those who are undergoing rehabilitation after a stroke, as well as those suffering from tachycardia, palpitations, rheumatism. Doctors recommend rubbing the chest with essential oil in the region of the heart - this helps to normalize the heartbeat, and rubbing the temples with it, you can get rid of dizziness. Lavender preparations are a good antiseptic, they can be used to disinfect wounds, treat dermatitis and other skin diseases. Even such a serious disease as a fungus can be cured with lavender oil. But it should be borne in mind that individual intolerance and aversion to the smell of lavender are contraindications to the use of such drugs; it is also not recommended for use in the first months of pregnancy and in the first weeks after an abortion.
The use of lavender in cooking and everyday life
In addition to medicine and perfumery, lavender is used in cooking as a seasoning, which is especially popular in southern Europe - in Italy, Spain, France. Dried and crushed flowers are added to soups, sauces and salads, mushroom dishes, meat and vegetables. In the US, crushed lavender is used as a pepper, while the Chinese add it to add flavor to herbal and jasmine green teas. In Russia, lavender leaves were used to layer apples soaked in barrels, and also added to herbal preparations and teas. Dry lavender, stuffed in linen bags, served as a fragrance for bed linen, and lavender soap was also used in this capacity.Lavender is a plant that everyone has heard of at least once in their life. It is widely used for medicinal purposes, in cosmetology and the culinary industry. But few people know what the true benefits and harms of lavender are.
What does lavender look like and where does it grow?
The plant can be found in large quantities in India, the Mediterranean countries, the Canaries. The ancient Romans brought the plant to Europe. The most famous lavender fields grow in France, in the Provencal regions. But it is also grown in other countries: in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Moldova.
If we talk about the regions of Russia, lavender fields can be found in abundance in the Crimea. They are famous for Bakhchisarai, the environs of Sevastopol, Cape Tarkhankut.
Lavender is a very beautiful plant with a delicate aroma. It grows in bushes with green stems and flowers at the ends. Despite the apparent fragility from the outside, the roots of shrubs penetrate deep into the ground. The height of the bushes can reach 60-70 cm.
The leaves of the plant are oblong. The inflorescences are located on the peripheral part of the stem, where there are no more leaves. The color of the flowers varies from pale blue to purple. From the photo below you can see how beautiful the lavender fields are.
The chemical composition of lavender
The beneficial properties of a plant are determined by its unique chemical composition. It is rich in, which are contained in all its parts. The largest percentage of oils accumulates in inflorescences - from 0.8 to 1.2%. The main component of the oil is the alcohol esters of I-linalol and several acids:
- oil;
- kapron;
- valerian;
- acetic.
The benefits of lavender flowers are provided by the presence in it of such elements as coumarin and ursolic acid.
What is useful lavender for the body
The benefits and harms of lavender for the body have been known since ancient times. Traditional healers have long used it as a sedative. It was used to treat headaches, with a diuretic and choleretic purpose. But beneficial features plants are not limited to the medical industry. Lavender improves the condition of hair and skin, thanks to which it has become widespread in cosmetology.
Below are only the most pronounced effects of this plant:
- diuretic;
- painkiller;
- antimicrobial;
- hypotensive (lowers blood pressure);
- hypolipidemic (reduces the amount of cholesterol and fats in the blood);
- hemostatic (stops minor bleeding);
- promotes intestinal peristalsis;
- calming;
- deodorizing (eliminates unpleasant odors).
For women
You can write more than one article about the benefits of lavender for a woman's body. Girls are prone to sudden mood swings, nervous breakdowns. Not to take everything to heart, to endure adverse situations will help a unique plant. It has a calming effect, relieves anxiety, prevents the development of aggression. The benefits of the plant for the nervous system are provided by the high content of antioxidants.
More than half of women have had cystitis at least once in their lives. For many, it recurs or progresses to chronic form. Regular intake of infusions or decoctions with lavender will help to heal and prevent relapse.
Since lavender has a pronounced analgesic effect, its benefits for women during PMS and menopause are great. The plant reduces the severity unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the girl becomes less irritable, aggressive.
For men
The strong half of the population is most susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases. This is due to the high prevalence bad habits(alcohol abuse and smoking), increased level cholesterol in the blood. With a mild course of diseases, lavender will help. Its benefits for the heart and blood vessels are undeniable. The plant contains a large amount of antioxidants. They help lower blood pressure, relax the vascular wall. Regular intake of lavender inside is an effective prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke.
Medicinal properties of lavender for men with adenoma or prostate hyperplasia, urethritis are indisputable. The plant has a pronounced diuretic effect. Therefore, lavender tea is recommended for men with urological diseases. A useful plant not only facilitates urination, but also reduces pain, inhibits the inflammatory process.
For kids
Lavender has amazing healing properties when it comes to children. Its benefit is to prevent insomnia, eliminate digestive disorders. Inhalations with the plant are prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, runny nose. Mild colds and respiratory viral diseases are also cured by inhalation of lavender vapors.
Important! Before starting any procedures, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, as complications and allergic reactions may develop.
Is it possible to lavender pregnant and lactating
The beneficial properties of lavender herbs will also be appreciated by pregnant women. An ointment based on it eliminates stretch marks and tones the skin. It increases its elasticity and nourishes with useful substances.
Pregnant women are allowed to take lavender honey in small quantities. It has a calming property, improves the general condition during a cold. Essential oil prevents varicose veins, which is why many expectant mothers suffer.
But taking lavender inside during pregnancy is necessary only according to the doctor's indications and in minimal quantities. The plant increases the tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can provoke a miscarriage. Then the harm done will far outweigh the benefit. Therefore, before using lavender, a consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is mandatory!
Traditional medicine recipes based on lavender
As noted earlier, healers have long used lavender essential oils for medicinal purposes. And now the plant is widely used in folk medicine. Essential oils are used to make a variety of dosage forms:
- infusion;
- tincture;
- compress;
- syrup;
- baths.
Tea with lavender
Lavender tea will bring a lot of benefits to people with busy lifestyles. It will help those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and are prone to depressive disorders. Hot tea with lavender and honey warms the body, boosts immunity and helps to cope with colds faster.
The benefits and harms of lavender tea are incommensurable, and preparing it is not difficult. To do this, you need the flowers of the plant and boiling water. 2 tsp flowers pour 500 ml of boiling water. But he shouldn't be cool. On the contrary, the water should cool down to 90°C. So that the essential oils do not evaporate and the drink does not lose its beneficial properties, it is brewed in a teapot with a tight lid.
Attention! The effect of the plant is cumulative, that is, it does not appear immediately.
Tea with oils should be drunk at least 2 times a day for a week to see the first results. To improve the taste and increase the healing effect, honey, chamomile, mint or lemon balm are added.
Lavender infusion for sleep
An infusion of lavender flowers lowers blood pressure, improves memory, blood circulation in the brain, contributing to its more intense activity. But lavender infusion shows the greatest benefit in the fight against insomnia. Reception 1 tbsp. l. infusion in the evening will provide a sound, healthy sleep.
Lavender infusion is prepared in the same way as tea. The only difference is that the broth should stand for 20-30 minutes. The vessel must be closed. Honey can be added if desired.
lavender tincture
The benefits of lavender tincture on alcohol are good antiseptic properties. Due to the content of ethyl alcohol, it inhibits the reproduction of pathogenic microbes and cleanses the body. The tincture is suitable for external and internal use.
It is prepared as follows:
- 5 st. l. flowers of the plant are poured with 500 ml of medical alcohol.
- In its absence, you can use strong alcoholic drinks: vodka, moonshine.
- The mixture is sealed.
- Store in a dark place without access to direct sunlight, shaking the container 2 times a day.
- Before use, the solution is filtered through gauze folded several times.
Tincture drink 20-30 drops 2-3 times a day with a glass of water.
Compresses and turundas
The beneficial properties of lavender flowers in warm compresses will be appreciated by patients with rheumatism, arthritis, osteoarthritis and other joint diseases. The plant reduces the severity of the inflammatory process and relieves pain syndrome. Cold compresses will benefit people with thermal skin burns, ulcers and purulent inflammation of the skin (abscesses, phlegmon).
To prepare a warm compress or turunda, you need to take 5 to 7 drops of undiluted lavender essential oil. And for a cold compress, pure oil is not suitable. 1 drop must be mixed with 10 drops of another vegetable oil. Healing oil is applied to gauze, which is applied to the affected area. Top wrapped with foil. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day until the desired effect is achieved.
lavender syrup
Healthy syrup is widely used in cooking. It gives baked goods an amazing aroma and a pleasant color. But it is worth noting that lavender flowers do not have bright pigment, so the color of the syrup will be golden yellow. To achieve a beautiful purple color, you need to add a natural dye based on lavender. All the previously listed beneficial properties of the plant are preserved after the preparation of the syrup.
Suitable for both dried and fresh flowers:
- Take 7-8 tbsp. l. inflorescences, add them to a mixture of 1 liter of water and 0.5 kg of sugar after heating and complete dissolution of the latter.
- The fire is reduced and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it brew for 60 minutes.
- The mixture is filtered and again put on fire.
- Cook until the desired thickness is obtained.
- You can add food coloring at this stage if you wish.
- The syrup is poured into sealed bottles.
- In a dry, dark place, it can be stored for up to 2 years.
Lavender baths
The benefits of a lavender bath lie in its pronounced choleretic, diuretic effects. Therefore, it is effective in the complex therapy of urolithiasis, pyelonephritis (inflammatory lesions of the renal pelvis). Baths also have a calming effect, which is why they are indicated for people with a tendency to depressive and anxiety disorders. magical properties lavenders open after adding 5-6 drops of pure essential oil to a common bath.
The use of lavender in cosmetology
Based on the plant, masks are made for the skin, and its decoctions are used to improve the condition of the hair. Useful essential oil contains organic acids that have a rejuvenating effect. Tannins have an anti-inflammatory effect.
For skin and face
Masks from the plant will not harm either oily or dry skin. On the contrary, a mask of lavender infusion for the face perfectly softens dry skin.
For its preparation:
- Take 2-3 tbsp. l. a mixture of this plant and 1 tbsp. l. starch.
- Mix thoroughly.
- The mask is kept on the face for 10-15 minutes, then washed off with warm water.
Essential oil masks are more suitable for people with oily, problem skin. To prepare a healing mixture, you will need:
- 2-3 drops of oil;
- 1 egg yolk;
- a couple drops of tea tree oil.
All ingredients are mixed well and kept on the skin of the face for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
decoction for hair
The benefits of lavender hair masks will be appreciated by people with problematic scalp, with damaged, brittle hair. The mask stimulates their growth, eliminates dandruff, gives hair shine.
Preparing a mask is easy:
- To do this, mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil and 1.5 tbsp. l. any other vegetable oil.
- The mixture is rubbed with massaging movements into the scalp.
- The head is wrapped with a towel and kept for up to 1 hour.
- After that, rinse well with shampoo.
How is lavender used in cooking?
Lavender has not only a mass of healing properties. It has a very delicate pleasant aroma and beautiful color, due to which it has become widespread in cooking. Dried flowers are added to meat dishes, as decoration and for flavor. They are even added to vinegar.
But it is most widely used as a spice in cooking. The syrup is added to pastries, sweet dishes, ice cream. Lavender jam has great benefits. It helps to cope with migraine pains, improves overall well-being and boosts immunity.
Harm of lavender and contraindications
The healing effects of the plant have been repeatedly spoken about. The health benefits and harms of lavender are incomparable. But there are diseases in which it is not recommended to take it inside.
A pronounced choleretic effect in some cases will bring one harm. Violation of the motility of the gallbladder, blockage of the bile ducts by a stone - it is forbidden to drink any choleretic drugs in these conditions. It is not recommended to drink lavender for people with high acidity of gastric juice. The essential oils of this spice can provoke an even greater increase and heartburn.
Important! In people with hypersensitivity to lavender, it can lead to the development of an allergic reaction.
The benefits of lavender in the apartment are really great. Everyone knows that it is convenient to store inflorescences in a bag, because they have a sedative effect. But essential oils are very volatile. Even when stored in a closet, allergies can occur.
With caution, it is necessary to take oil for people with low blood pressure, as it can provoke a state of shock. The patient will have unpleasant symptoms:
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- fatigue;
- the person may faint.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of lavender have been known for centuries. The plant reduces pressure, improves urination, soothes. But it is necessary to be treated with it only in the absence of contraindications and in a reasonable dose. For people with hypotension, gastritis with high acidity, allergies, it will only bring harm. Take lavender wisely, then it will only benefit.