Lavender, scientifically known as ‘‘Lavandula Angustifolia’’, is a member of the ‘Lamiaceae’ family, commonly referred to as the mint family. This plant, with its origins in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India, is a small shrub with linear leaves of green-grey hue. Its most striking feature is its beautiful purple flowers, which spike at the top of the bare stalk, creating a heavenly sight when the fields are in full bloom.

When we think of lavender, the first thing that comes to mind is its delightful scent. But lavender is more than just a pretty smell-it’s a versatile herb that offers a range of benefits. From its soothing properties to its ability to promote healthy sleep, lavender has a lot to offer.

WONDERS OF LAVENDER

Lavender owns its wonders mainly due to the presence of monoterpenes; these compounds have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. In addition to monoterpenes, lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which are responsible for lavender’s anti-microbial properties. These properties are present in the essential oil extracted from lavender. Moreover, lavender includes vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B₁, B₂, C, and E, and calcium, iron, potassium, folate, zinc, and magnesium. Lavender essential oil is an important constituent in cosmetic products due to its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It is also used in pharmaceutical formulations because it regenerates healthy skin cells.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF LAVENDER

Lavender is known for its miracles in maintaining a healthy life cycle. The following are the health benefits of lavender;

Lavender, with its soothing aroma, is a natural remedy for insomnia. The calming scent of lavender helps to quiet the mind, inducing a state of relaxation that promotes healthy sleep.

• Lavender, due to its mood-lifter ability, is also used to treat anxiety and depression

• Lavender essential oil can be used to treat minor burns because it promotes skin cell regeneration.

• Lavender is also used to treat skin problems, including rash, fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, and itching.

Lavender is a versatile natural remedy that can be incorporated into various personal care products and routines. Its use promotes a healthy, stress-free life, making it a valuable addition to any wellness regimen.

• Many studies have shown that lavender is use for a bathing technique known as ‘the healing bath’ to treat muscle and joint pain

• Lavender oil can protect our skin barrier, promote collagen production, and help keep our skin hydrated.

• Lavender oil can also treat menstrual cramps by massaging it gently.

• Lavender, due to its presence of vitamins and minerals, possesses antioxidant properties that help reduce the level of stress causing free radicals in the body

AROMATHERAPY AND LAVENDER

Aromatherapy is using scented essential oils to obtain physical and mental health. The use of lavender essential oil to perform aromatherapy is widespread. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy is given to the patients taking chemotherapy to reduce the level of anxiety caused by the treatment. Lavender aromatherapy is also used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression, as the essential oil components help in the inhibition of stress-causing chemicals. Many studies have shown that lavender oil aromatherapy is an excellent way to reduce postpartum depression in females. It is also good way to relieve menstrual cramps if sniffed for a few minutes, a starting 3-5 days of the menstrual cycle.