Imagine, the soothing, soul-enriching fragrance of a Divine creation…. the gorgeous Lavender…I am sure you would be euphoric! Interestingly, in the Hindi language, it is called lavender … It has several names originating from its looks such as 'Neel-lohit rang' or 'Halka baigani rang'.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean region. The Lavender flower and oil have an all-encompassing fragrance, which lingers and comforts the senses. Lavender has been used in a curative capacity since the days gone by. Lavender contains an oil that too has calming effects and might relax certain muscles. Additionally, it seems to have antibacterial and antifungal effects.
Jammu and Kashmir's climatic conditions are conducive to lavender cultivation since the aromatic plant can withstand both chilly winters and pleasant summers. Additionally, it is a low-maintenance crop that can be used from its second year of plantation and blossoms for fifteen years.
According to folklore, tulsi is a healing balm for body, mind, and spirit. Gentle lavender adds its special aroma to create a tea that fosters a sense of calmness and serenity. Naturally, the bonus is that Lavender is caffeine-free.
Significantly, solid research on lavender tea is scarce, drinking a cup of this tea can be soothing and may offer some benefits. To make lavender tea, you can steep store-bought tea bags in hot water or brew your own. Pour 1 cup (250 mL) of water over 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender buds, and let it steep for a few minutes.
Both the flowers and leaves can be eaten and have a pleasant yet slightly bitter flavour. Lavender grows throughout southern Europe, Australia and the United States. Dried lavender has only a few calories per tablespoon and is free of fat and cholesterol.
Frequently used to aid sleep and relaxation. It is anti-convulsive and anti-depressant. English lavender yields an essential oil with sweeter overtones useful for balms and lotions. French lavender is sharper, containing camphor and terpenes.
Lavender oil is a popular aromatherapy choice for sleep and relaxation. Several studies show using lavender oil for aromatherapy can improve sleep quality, including in people with insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Aromatherapy using lavender oil may also increase time spent in deep, slow-wave sleep.
Lavender and its benefits on mood, sleep, and more….
Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Medicinal uses may include helping with mood, anxiety, and depression. Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species. The oil has cosmetic uses, and many people believe it has medicinal uses. Lavender essential oil, in contrast to the plant form, is toxic when swallowed. Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Although research suggests essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these oils. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Uses of Lavender
Many people use lavender in aromatherapy for its presumed calming properties. People have traditionally used it to treat some medical issues, keep insects away, and wash in. Researchers are even studying it for its potential in cancer prevention and treatment. The herb is also highly regarded for its skin and beauty benefits. Manufacturers commonly use it in fragrances and shampoos to help purify the skin. It can be purchased over the counter (OTC) from drugstores, and some versions are used to add flavour to baked goods and foods.

Benefits of lavender
There are many potential medicinal properties associated with lavender.

Aids Sleep
People have traditionally used lavender to aid sleep because of its supposed calming effects, and some research suggests that it may benefit sleep. A 2022 study found that lavender improved sleep people’s quality before insomnia or other sleep disorders occurred.
A 2020 research endeavour also found lavender oil improved sleep in people receiving palliative or end-of-life care. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aromatherapy can be a good option as an additional therapy for people with cancer, alongside expert-recommended treatments. They report that patients undergoing chemotherapy found that inhaling essential oils, including lavender, improved their sleep quality over 3 weeks.
They also reported improvements in sleep, tiredness, drowsiness, lack of appetite, depression, anxiety, and well-being. However, experts need to do more research before recommending a safe and effective dosage of lavender for sleep and learn about the best essential oils for sleep.
 

May fight infection
Lavender oil may have antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which could help fight against bacterial infections. According to a 2022 review, lavender essential oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The reviewers concluded that lavender essential oil could be valuable for use in dentistry to help prevent infection. However, more research is needed into the medicinal properties of lavender.

May promote wound healing
A 2020 study examined the effect of lavender on deep wound healing. The researchers found that an ointment containing lavender essential oil and liquorice extract promoted wound healing in different stages of wound closure.
Additionally, according to a 2020 review, current studies suggest lavender essential oil may benefit wound healing. However, the review authors noted that clinical practitioners have no standardization or safety protocols for using lavender essential oil. Experts need to perform more high-quality human studies before they fully understand the effects and risks of lavender for wound healing.

May Help Restore Hair Loss
Lavender is possibly effective as an alternative treatment for hair loss. A 2020 systematic review found that some essential oil mixes containing lavender oil helped hair growth in people with alopecia. The review described how an older 2015 study found significant hair growth in up to 75% of patients who used a combination of thyme, rosemary, lavender, Cedrus atlantica (a type of cedarwood oil), and evening primrose oil. In a 2016 study, researchers found that applying lavender oil to the backs of mice helped to promote hair growth over the course of 4 weeks. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits. According to the NIH, lavender essential oils may have some hormone-like effects, so it is best to contact a doctor before using them for period-related symptoms.

May relieve feelings of anxiety
Due to its alleged calming properties, lavender may be a good alternative treatment for anxiety. A 2023 systematic review found lavender essential oil inhalation to be a safe and effective treatment for anxiety, and studies showed decreased anxiety levels regardless of the lavender species they used. However, the review authors noted that experts need to do more research in this area before formally recommending lavender for anxiety. Learn more about essential oils for anxiety.

May Ease Premenstrual Symptoms
A 2020 review examined whether lavender might help alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. The authors concluded that aromatherapy with essential oils reduces both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, with a few of the included studies using lavender essential oil. For example, the review looked at a 2018 study in which 87 students with PMS inhaled lavender essential oil five times for each of their cycles over 3 months.
The study found that, compared with the control group, those who used lavender aromatherapy reported improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression, nervousness, pain, and bloating.
However, more research is needed to fully assess the risks and benefits of lavender for PMS symptoms. Till then let us enjoy the Lure of Lavender…. the gorgeous gift of Nature.