Lavender: Herbal Remedies

Lavender has been cherished for centuries for its sweet, relaxing perfume. Its name comes from the Latin root lavare, meaning "to wash," since lavender was frequently used in soaps and hair rinses.

Uses of Lavender

Besides its importance as a fragrance, lavender is considered calming to those with nervous tension. Lavender oil is sometimes rubbed into the temples for head pain, added to bath water for an anxiety-reducing bath, or put on a cotton ball and placed inside a pillowcase to treat insomnia. Lavender flowers are added to tea formulas for a pleasing, soothing aroma; the tea is sipped throughout the day to ease nervous tension. Lavender has a mildly sedating action and also is a weak antispasmodic for muscular tension, specifically relaxing the large muscles in the back.

Lavender also may alleviate gas and bloating in intestines, as most herbs high in volatile oils are reported to do. One of lavender's volatile oils, linalool, has been found to relax the bronchial passages, reducing inflammatory and allergic reactions. Lavender is sometimes included in asthma, cough, and other respiratory formulas. Linalool is also credited as an expectorant and antiseptic.

Keep reading to learn about lavender warning and preparations, including tips on using lavender essential oil.

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This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies.   Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.