The Benefits of Lavender - The Anxiety-Reducing Flower That Can Help With Your Sleep

Most people know lavender as a fragrance in soap or candles, an oil for diffusing, or the contents of an eye pillow. 

However, lavender is prized for more than just its potent aromatherapy and cleansing abilities. 

Lavender in a tea (or coffee) cup. A plant for relaxation, reducing stress, and reducing anxiety.

What is Lavender? 

Lavender, from the genus Lavandula, is a beautiful, bushy, perennial from the mint family.  There are around thirty species of this Mediterranean native, many of which have long been a favorite of herb gardens due to their attractive and fragrant leaves and purple flowers. 

Since ancient Roman times, the lavender herb has been used in baths, scented sachets, herbal medicine, and to enhance dishes and beverages.[1]

What are the Benefits of Lavender?

Lavender has a history of being used for a wide array of medicinal applications ranging from inducing relaxation to treating wounds, bites, and burns.  Emerging evidence supports the value of this herb extends to reducing anxiety, stabilizing mood, relieving pain, assisting in relaxation, aiding in sleep, stimulating new hair growth (for sufferers of hair loss), countering spasms, and protecting the brain.[2][3][4] 

For example, one study showed that a massage with lavender oil reduced anxiety and increased positivity more than receiving a normal massage.  Several other studies confirmed this finding and, in addition, showed that lavender essential oil improves sleep quality.  The evidence supporting this is solid enough that Germany has granted medical approval to lavender flowers as a tea for treating insomnia.[4] 

What Are The Uses of Lavender?

Lavender plays well with others and can be utilized in several ways.  It can be applied topically in a lotion, salve, or oil.  It can be diffused, put in a sachet, or added to a scented candle.  When baking, a few drops of essential oil in cookies or cakes can elevate your mood while tantalizing your taste buds.

The ULTIMATE Superfood Lavender Tea in Seconds

Tea is a great way to consume lavender and reap its benefits!  You can enjoy it alone, or mix it with other herbs for added benefits and additional flavors. 

We believe the quickest and most beneficial lavender tea you could drink is MoonBrew. It’s an adaptogenic tea blended with 14 superfoods — including lavender, valerian, chamomile, rose, jujube seed, spearmint, reishi, turkey tail, magnesium and much more. NO melatonin added! Only natural, healthy ingredients.

How Much Lavender Should I Take?

How much lavender you should take depends on the type of application.  If you’re making tea, approximately 2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of hot water should do the trick.  For external use, you can add 1-4 drops of essential oil to a base oil of your choosing (almond, olive, jojoba, sesame, etc.).  You can also take a 1:4 tincture by ingesting 20-40 drops.[5]

Summary: The Anxiety-Reducing Flower That Can Help With Your Sleep

Lavender has been honored across the ages for a variety of good reasons.  It makes a pleasant addition to herb gardens with its visual and aromatic appeal.  It brings food and beverages up a notch with its delicious flavor and beautiful fragrance.  As if that wasn’t enough, It soothes the mind as effectively as it nurtures the skin.  With so many versatile uses and benefits, there’s no good reason not to enjoy the lovely lavender.

Night Time Superfood Tea

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A calming and soothing blend of adaptogens with Chamomile, Rose, and Magnesium to help you catch the ZzZ’s, and stay asleep*. Sleep tight and wake up refreshed.

References:

  1. Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2021, June 16). lavender. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/plant/lavender
  2. Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
  3. Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets. (2017, May 3). Frontiers. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00280/full
  4. Lavender Information. (n.d.). Mount Sinai. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/lavender
  5. Indication-specific dosing for Lavandula officinalis (lavender), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information. (n.d.). Medscape Reference. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://reference.medscape.com/drug/lavandula-officinalis-lavender-999484#0

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