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Lavender: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

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By NS Desk 17-Dec-2020

Lavender

Lavender is a plant-based herb which is commonly known by several names such as Lavandula stoechas, Arabian or French Lavender, Tuntuna, etc. Lavender is also called French lavender as it is a scented plant widely used in cosmetics and can also be used for medicinal purposes. It is normally used in aromatherapy, which is useful in relaxing the mind and body. Many people often buy lavender flavored products like essential oil, which is mainly useful in producing cosmetics like bath salt, fragrances, food products, hair shampoos, insect repellents, medicinal products, and many more.
 
We can also use lavender in managing stress and anxiety because it contains anxiolytic properties. It further reduces menstrual pain or cramps because of its relaxant and anti-spasmodic properties. If a person consumes lavender tea or uses lavender essential oil in aromatherapy, it will be very helpful in managing the menstrual indicators.
 
Additionally, lavender can also be used for skin and hair as it provides many benefits. If we apply lavender oil mixed with coconut oil on the skin, it will help prevent wrinkles and reduce aging.
 
According to Ayurveda, if we apply lavender oil on hair or scalp one time a day, it will help in controlling hair fall as it balances Vata and reduces unwarranted dryness from the scalp.
 
If you overconsume lavender tea, one should be aware that it might have some side effects such as nausea and vomiting. So, it is advisable not to consume lavender tea in excess amounts.
 
Perquisites of Lavender
 
• For Menstrual Pain

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, lavender tea is very beneficial in managing menstrual pain as it consists of muscle relaxant and antispasmodic properties, which helps in mitigating the pain. Moreover, it also helps in relieving the spasms of unwanted muscles and lowers down the muscle pain. It contains some ingredients such as linalool, which consists of analgesic property. Further, this property will help in reducing the pain and the irritation because of menses. If a person inhales lavender essential oil or massages it on the lower back, it will help in managing the menstrual pain or cramps.

According to Ayurveda, lavender is considered to be the most used home remedy for reducing pain or cramps during menstruation. As per Ayurveda, menses is also known as dysmenorrhea, which is a pain reliever. It is a type of condition where women experience pain before menstrual periods. This condition can also be known as Kasht-aartava, as per Ayurveda. Aartava or menses can be managed and controlled by Vata dosha. Hence, it is crucial for a woman that Vata must be balanced so that dysmenorrhea can be controlled. Moreover, lavender contains Vata balancing properties and provides ease in menses. If we drink lavender tea, it will be useful in controlling the aggravated Vata and results in lowering down the pain at the time of menses.

  •  
  1. Take 250 ml of water in a teapot and bring it to boil.
  2. Mix some lavender flowers in it.
  3. Leave the flowers in the pot for 5 minutes. You can leave them for a long time if you want to for better taste.
  4. After some time, strain the water by removing the flowers and pouring the water into a cup.
  5. Enjoy this delicious scented lavender tea.
  6. Try these one or two times a day to reduce the indication of menstrual pain.
 
• For Loss of Appetite
According to the scientific view, lavender tea is very beneficial in managing the loss of appetite. It contains a stimulant property that helps control hunger and improves the digestive system, leading to food consumption.
 
• For Nausea
According to the scientific view, there is not enough scientific proof to explain the role of lavender in nausea. However, it may play the role of antiemetic (which fights against nausea) along with various herbs such as ginger or fennel.
 
• For Toothache
According to the scientific view, there is not enough scientific proof to explain the role of lavender in toothache even though it is used widely for lowering down the pain in teeth.
 
• For Vomiting
According to the scientific view, lavender is widely used for controlling vomiting because it contains antiemetic property. It can help provide relief in the signs of nausea or vomiting if it is consumed along with other herbs such as ginger or fennel.
 
• For Hair Loss

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, although enough scientific proof isn't obtainable to support the role of Lavender oil in hair loss. Some studies state that the application of Lavender oil and oils like Rosemary and wood or coconut oil may facilitate hair growth. It additionally protects the scalp against infections because of its antibacterial drug property.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender oil is one of the foremost helpful oil used for hair-connected issues. If we see it through Ayurveda, the explanation for hair fall is that of the aggravated Vata dosha within the body that additionally causes waterlessness on the scalp. If a person uses Lavender oil, it will help in leveling Vata, removes excessive waterlessness, and prevents hair loss.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil-

  1. Have 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as much required by you.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like rosemary or wood.
  3. Put it on the scalp once daily and thrice every week to induce fast relief from hair fall.

 

 
• For Menopausal Symptoms
According to the scientific view, Lavender aroma may facilitate managing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. These symptoms are chiefly related to stress that successively will increase the degree of stress internal secretion (cortisol) within the body. Lavender reduces the number of stress hormones and therefore manages hot flashes and alternative biological time symptoms. 
 
• For Depression
According to the scientific view, Lavender oil inhalation may help in the management of depression. It contains certain different elements that have anti-depressant properties. Many studies recommended that these elements prevent various neurotransmitters' uptake (serotonin), therefore elevating the mood.
 
• For Anxiety

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender oil is considered a vital ingredient in aromatherapy, which may facilitate anxiety management because of its anxiolytic property. It reduces the impact of certain mediators that induce anxiety by increasing signal transmission to the brain. It additionally reduces the severity, frequency, and period of tension symptoms in the body.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender is beneficial in the management of the signs of anxiety. If we look from Ayurveda's perspective, Vata governs all the movements and actions of the body and system several. Anxiety is principally caused because of the associate degree imbalance of Vata. Lavender helps to balance Vata and provides a chilling impact on the system. It's a nice smell because of that it is employed in aromatherapy or within the sort of tea.

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil-

  1. Lavender oil is often employed in aromatherapy to induce eliminate the symptoms of depression.
  2. Place Lavender oil during a diffuser.
  3. Place the diffuser in your room to induce calming advantages and find eliminate the symptoms of tension.

 

 
• For Insomnia

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender is very beneficial in cases of sleep disorder. It contains certain different elements (linalool) that possess certain sedative properties. These elements help in the management of sleep disorders and improve the standard of sleep, hence reducing insomnia.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender is beneficial to induce sound sleep. If we look from Ayurveda's perspective, associate degree aggravated Vata dosha makes the system sensitive that ends up in Anidra (insomnia). Lavender calms the system because of its Vata leveling property, therefore managing sleep disorder.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil-

  1. Lavender oil is often employed in aromatherapy to induce eliminate sleep disorder.
  2. Place Lavender oil during a diffuser.
  3. Place the diffuser in your room to induce calming advantages and sound sleep.

 

 
• For Ear Infection
According to the scientific view, Lavender may be beneficial in the management and lowering of ear infections because of its antibacterial drug property. It prevents the expansion of bacteria moving the center ear. If a person uses Lavender oil for massaging around the ear, it can additionally provide relief in inflammation because of its medical property.
 
• For Mouth Ulcers

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, although there is not enough scientific proof that can explain lavender's role in treating mouth ulcers. However, Lavender oil's topical application to the affected space may facilitate scale back swelling and pain in canker sores because of its sturdy healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

According to Ayurveda, the Topical application of Lavender oil may facilitate in lowering down the symptoms of canker sores. From the perspective of Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are frequent in people who have high tyrannids. Tyrannid additionally causes inflammation and burning within the affected space. Lavender helps to lower down the inflammation moreover, as alternative symptoms because of its Ropan(healing) property. It is thereby promoting fast healing of the affected space.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil in mouth ulcers-

  1. Have 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as per your demand.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like oil.
  3. Apply it on the affected space once or doubly daily to induce fast relief in canker sores.

 

 
• For Preventing Mosquito Bites
According to the scientific view, Lavender can be used as an associate degree insect repellent because of its sturdy odor and soothing property. Lavender's dried flowers or whole plant helps to stay bugs away and provides a soothing impact on bites.
 
• For Stress
According to the scientific view, Lavender inhalation is beneficial in managing stress because it decreases the discharge of stress internal secretion (cortisol) from the ductless gland. It will also increase the secretion of 5-hydroxy tryptamine (i.e., happy hormone), which could reduce anxiety and relieve stress. The topical application of Lavender oil is additionally helpful in postnatal stress management. 
 
• For Dementia
According to the scientific view, Lavender aromatherapy may facilitate in reducing sure symptoms of insanity like agitation because of its calming and sedative properties. It helps to cool down the individual and induces sleep that reduces the agitation related to dementia. 
 
• For Head Lice
According to the scientific view, Lavender oil can be used against Lice because of its antiparasitic and insecticidal properties. It helps to get rid of the hair lice and keeps the scalp healthy and free of infections. 
 
• For Colicky Pain

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender may help in the management of pain in infants by decreasing the Cortef (stress hormone) levels. It reduces the amount of stress caused because of prolonged crying in infants. It also has medication property that helps alleviate the striated muscle spasms, which could even be a reason for pain. Some studies state that abdominal massage mistreatment Lavender oil reduces the period of weekly crying in unhealthy infants. Lavender bathtub is additionally effective in managing pain in infants.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender helps lower the symptoms of pain, which can be caused by aggravated Vata. It ends up in the formation of gas within the abdomen and should cause pain. Lavender oil or bathtub also helps in balancing Vata. This releases excessive gas from the abdomen and provides relief in pain.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil in pain-

  1. Take 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as per your demand.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like oil.
  3. Massage it on the affected space once or doubly daily to induce eliminate pain.

 

 
 
• For Fatigue

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender oil inhalation may facilitate manage fatigue by reducing stress and anxiety. It's sedative and anti-anxiety properties because it helps induce sleep and scale back the symptoms of tension. It additionally has calming properties because it helps to relax the brain and provides relief from stress. Aromatherapy massage mistreatment Lavender oil may facilitate the brain to speak with the system (psychoneuroimmunology), reducing fatigue incidence.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender is beneficial to manage fatigue in day to day life. Fatigue refers to a sense of weariness, weakness, or lack of energy. According to Ayurveda, fatigue is remarked as 'klama' associate degreed is caused because of an unbalanced Kapha dosha. Lavender oil aromatherapy helps to scale back the symptoms of fatigue because of its Kapha leveling property.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil in fatigue-

  1. Lavender oil is often employed in aromatherapy to induce eliminate the symptoms of fatigue.
  2. Place Lavender oil during a diffuser.
  3. Place the diffuser in your room to induce calming advantages and scale back the symptoms of fatigue.
  4. You'll be able to additionally do massage with lavender oil by adding rosemary oil to induce fast relief within the symptoms of fatigue.

 

 
• For Osteoarthritis

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender may facilitate manage degenerative arthritis because of its medicinal properties. The multiple constituent’s gifts in Lavender inhibits the activity of associate degree inflammatory macromolecule liable for inflammation. This reduces the joint pain and swelling related to osteoarthritis.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender oil is beneficial to manage pain in degenerative arthritis. According to Ayurveda's perspective, degenerative arthritis happens because of associate degree aggravation of Vata dosha and is thought of as Sandhivata. It causes pain, swelling, and joint immobility. Applying lavender oil on the affected space provides relief from pain and swelling within the joints related to degenerative arthritis because of its Vata leveling property.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil for degenerative arthritis-

  1. Take 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as per your demand.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like vegetable oil.
  3. Massage it on the affected space once or doubly daily to induce eliminate the symptoms of degenerative arthritis.

 

 
• For Pain Relief
According to the scientific view, it provides relief from pain while not loss of consciousness. 
 
• For Restless Leg Syndrome
According to the scientific view, although enough scientific proof isn't obtainable to support Lavender's role in Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). However, Lavender massage medical care may facilitate management RLS in hemodialysis patients because of its relaxant and sedative effects. 
 
• For Acne

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender oil application may facilitate skin conditions because of its antimicrobial property by inhibiting acne-causing bacterium expansion. It acts as an associate degree medicine agent that reduces inflammation and pain related to the skin condition. It additionally lowers the speed of secretion and reduces skin condition formation.

According to Ayurveda, a Kapha-Pitta dosha skin sort is a lot vulnerable to skin condition and pimples. Aggravation of Kapha will increase secretion production that clogs the pores. This ends up in the formation of each white and blackheads pimples. Applying lavender oil on the skin helps manage secretion production and provides relief in skin condition due to its Kapha leveling nature.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil on skin condition-

  1. Take 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as per your demand.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like oil.
  3. Apply it on the affected space once daily and thrice every week to eliminate the skin condition symptoms.

 

 
• For Headaches

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Lavender may relieve a headache caused by psychological tension or stress. Lavender calms down the nervous agitation and relaxes the blood vessels. It additionally has the analgesic property that provides relief in pain.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender helps to scale back headaches, which can flow from to fret or disturbed sleep pattern. As per Ayurveda's perspective, stress or disturbed sleep aggravates Vata that successively will trigger a headache. Applying Lavender oil or breathing the pleasant smell of Lavender helps scale back stress by calming the system and promotes sound sleep because of its Vata leveling property.

 

Tips for mistreatment Lavender oil in a headache-

  1. Lavender oil is often employed in aromatherapy to induce relief from headaches.
  2. Place Lavender oil during a diffuser.
  3. Place the diffuser in your room to induce calming advantages and manage headaches.
  4. Massaging your forehead with Lavender oil by adding some carrier oil like sweet almond oil to that may also provide fast relief from the headache.

 

 
• For Migraine
According to the scientific view, Lavender provides relief from megrim because it soothes the nervous agitation and relaxes the blood vessels. It additionally has analgesic properties that help scale back pain and manage migraines.
 
• For Eczema 

Scientific view

Ayurvedic View

According to the scientific view, Eczema could be a condition wherever inflammation, haptic sensation, and red patches develop on the skin. Lavender helps manage the disease of the skin because of its antifungal and medicament properties. Lavender oil application offers a relaxing result to the skin and reduces the haptic sensation and inflammation because of its medication property.

According to Ayurveda, Lavender oil application helps to regulate disease of the skin. The skin's disease could be a skin condition during which skin becomes rough, blistered, inflamed, restless, and may even bleed. Applying Lavender oil reduces inflammation and promotes fast healing because of its Ropan (healing) property.

 

Tips for victimization Lavender oil in the disease of the skin-

  1. Take 4-5 drops of Lavender oil or as per your demand.
  2. Dilute it with a carrier oil like vegetable oil.
  3. Apply this mixture on the affected space once daily and thrice every week to induce eliminate the symptoms of the disease of the skin.

 

 
• For Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
According to the scientific view, the Lavender aromatherapy bathtub may facilitate lower the pressure level levels because of its reposeful properties. The lavender aroma gets simply absorbed through the body, reaches blood vessels, and brings deep relaxation. This relaxation helps in lowering blood pressure.
 
Measures to be taken while using Lavender
 
Scientific view
 

Surgery

If lavender is taken along with some medicinal drug or anesthesia, it can slow the nervous system, which will cause anxiety. So, it is highly recommended not to consume lavender at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Breastfeeding

There is no enough scientific proof out there yet to explain the importance of Lavender in breastfeeding. Though, it is highly recommended not to consume Lavender before consulting a doctor or physician as it might have a side effect on the baby.

Moderate Medicine Interaction

Lavender may help have some sedatives in it, such as Barbiturates, and can lead to sleepiness and drowsiness. So, it is highly recommended not to consume lavender with medication or drugs.

Pregnancy

There is no enough scientific proof out there to explain the importance of lavender during pregnancy. But it is highly recommended not to consume lavender without consulting a doctor or physician during pregnancy as it might lead to miscarriage.

 

Ayurvedic View

Skin

If lavender oil is applied directly to the skin without any mixture of other oil, it can cause irritation or itching on the skin. So, it is highly recommended to use it along with some other oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, sarso oil, etc.

Allergy

Lavender oil contains a topical application that can cause allergic problems such as dermatitis or itching or irritation on the skin in some people who have over-sensitive skin. So, it is highly recommended not to apply lavender oil on the skin before consulting a doctor or a physician.

 
Usage of Lavender 
 
• Lavender Tea- Lavender tea can be easily made at home. Following tips will help you in preparing a lavender tea- 
a. Take 250 ml of water in a teapot and bring it to boil.
b. Mix some lavender flowers into the boiling water.
c. Leave the flowers in the pot for 5 minutes. You can leave them for a long time if you want to for better taste.
d. After some time, strain the water by removing the flowers and pouring the water into a cup.
e. Enjoy this delicious scented lavender tea.
f. Try these one or two times a day to reduce the indication of menstrual pain. 
 
• Lavender Oil- 
 
A. For external use
a. Have 4-5 drops of lavender oil or as much required by you.
b. Mix it with any other oil, maybe coconut oil.
c. Put it on the affected area for one time in a day and at least three times a week.
d. To prevent the indicators of eczema, try this method. 
 
B. For Aromatherapy 
a. You can use lavender oil for aromatherapy.
b. Take a diffuser and add lavender oil into it.
c. Place it near your bed.
d. It will provide soothing benefits before you go to bed. 
 
FAQs about Lavender
 
How can we use Lavender in other ways?
According to the scientific view, lavender is useful in multiple ways. Some tips can be followed for managing various diseases such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stress, depression, or even dementia.
 
A. Oral consumption- For lavender tea
a. Take 250 ml of water in a teapot and bring it to boil.
b. Mix some lavender flowers into the boiling water.
c. Leave the flowers in the pot for 5 minutes. You can leave them for a long time if you want to for better taste.
d. After some time, strain the water by removing the flowers and pouring the water into a cup.
e. Enjoy this delicious scented lavender tea.
 
B. External Use- For aromatherapy 
a. You can use lavender oil for aromatherapy.
b. Take a diffuser and add lavender oil into it.
c. Place it near your bed.
d. It will provide soothing benefits before you go to bed. 
e. Moreover, you can also have a massage with the lavender oil by mixing some rosemary oil into it to get fast relief. 
 
Is there any way of keeping lavender inside the house?
According to the scientific view, lavender is a type of herb, and it is not considered as a type of indoor house plant. It was not used and kept inside the house in earlier times. But you can put it indoors as it is possible if you take proper care of it. You must make sure that the plant gets proper sunlight, water, and fresh air continuously as it will get destroyed very fast. 
 
Can I get lavender capsules easily from the market?
According to the scientific view, yes, you can easily find lavender capsules from the market as it is available under various brand names, and the price differs according to the different brands. Moreover, you can even purchase them online or from a medical store or even a general store as they are used in many things like cosmetics, medicinal drugs, etc.
 
Are there any other variations of Lavender?
According to the scientific view, there are many other forms of lavender, which can be beneficial. Following are some of the various varieties of lavender- 
French Lavender (Lavandula dentata)- This type of shrub is perennial, aromatic, and scented. It is usually grown in pots or tubs. It is also known for its ornamental value as compared with its cosmetic or medical purpose benefits.
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill)- This is another form of lavender, an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Mediterranean area. It contains multiple properties of medicines because of its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, sedative, and wound healing properties.
Egyptian Lavender (Lavandula multifida)- This another form of lavender is also called fern leaf lavender, which is also a perennial and fragrance shrub, which belongs to the northwestern Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. It consists of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties.   
 
Can we use Lavender for kidneys?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender is beneficial for the kidneys. It contains an anti-oxidant property, which is useful in reducing oxidative stress, which causes harm to the kidneys. Moreover, it also helps in protecting the cells (renal) by fighting against the damage, which is caused due to free radicals and helps in the prevention of any kidney problems such as nephrotoxicity.   
 
Can we use Lavender in spasms?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender is beneficial and helps in spasms because it contains a spasmolytic property, which helps provide relaxation to the muscles as it smooths the muscles and lowers down the spasms present in the body. 
 
Will using Lavender make us sleepy?
According to the scientific view, lavender can make you drowsy or sleepy as it contains neurotransmitters that provide relaxation to the central nervous system because it contains sedative and hypnotic properties. 
 
Will using lavender toxic for humans?
According to the scientific view, there is not enough proof out there to explain if lavender is toxic for human beings or not. Even though a study conducted showed that if a person drinks lavender herbal tea, it might have some serious side effects on some individuals. So, it is highly recommended not to consume lavender before consulting a doctor or physician as it might lead to life-threatening problems. 
 
Will using Lavender leads to affecting of normal hormonal activity?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender has a great effect on the normal hormonal activity in both men and women. If a person consumes lavender regularly, its oil can imbalance sex hormones, both estrogen and androgen. This hormonal imbalance can result in the early growth of breast in women or abnormal growth of breast in men, which is also called gynecomastia.
 
Is it safe to consume lavender in excess? 
According to the scientific view, consumption of lavender has many benefits but using something in excess is always bad. Using lavender in excess can result in some side effects like constipation, headaches, or even increase the appetite in humans. Hence, it is highly recommended not to consume lavender before consulting a doctor or a physician.
 
Can we use Lavender as a blood thinner?
According to the scientific view, there is no enough proof out there to explain if lavender has any role in blood thinner.
 
Will using lavender oil results in asthma?
According to the scientific view, there is no scientific proof to explain if lavender consumption can result in asthma. However, lavender oil is known to be beneficial in helping ease bronchial asthma because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, if a person inhales lavender essential oil, it can result in reducing the inflammation and any reaction of allergy due to respiratory passages and provide relief in breathing.
 
Is lavender beneficial in wound healing?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender is very beneficial in providing ailment for wound healing. Moreover, it contains high anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are helpful further helps in wound contractions and building the cells. Additionally, it also helps in reducing the risk or uncertainty of infections, which can arise due to wound as it contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties. 
 
Will using lavender reduces joint pain?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender oil is very beneficial in managing joint pain as it contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, it lowers down the pain and inflammation related to joint pain.
 
Will using lavender oil reduces the chances of wrinkles?
According to the scientific view, yes, lavender oil is very useful in reducing wrinkles and reducing aging because it contains anti-oxidant properties. Moreover, it helps prevent skin cells by fighting against free radicals, which leads to wrinkles. If we apply lavender oil mixed with coconut oil on the skin, it can help improve blood circulation, which can oxygenate the skin, rejuvenate it, and reduce the wrinkles.
 
Will lavender oil be beneficial in getting rid of dark spots?
According to the scientific view, there is not enough proof out there to explain the use of lavender oil in reducing the dark spots.
Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.