Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Synopsis of lavender
Lavender is a fragrant perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, known for its striking purple flowers and essential oil rich in linalool and linalyl acetate—compounds with well-documented calming, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and thrives in dry, sunny climates with well-drained soil.
In modern herbalism, lavender is widely used for its relaxing and mood-stabilizing effects. Its essential oil is among the most studied in aromatherapy, often employed to reduce anxiety, promote restful sleep, and alleviate symptoms of mild depression. Clinical research has also shown that oral lavender oil capsules (such as Silexan) can help manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and nervous restlessness without the sedative effects associated with benzodiazepines.
Topically, lavender is used in balms, salves, and massage oils to soothe minor burns, insect bites, muscle aches, and skin irritations. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it a common ingredient in natural cosmetics and household cleaners. Internally, dried lavender flowers are used in teas to aid digestion, ease tension, and reduce headaches or bloating.
Historical Use:
Lavender has been treasured since antiquity for both its fragrance and medicinal value. The ancient Egyptians used it in perfumes, incense, and burial rituals, while the Romans employed it in baths, bed linens, and as a remedy for wounds and insect bites. The Latin root of its name—lavare—means “to wash,” reflecting its traditional use in cleansing both body and spirit.
In classical Greek and Roman medicine, lavender was valued for its ability to calm the nervous system and was prescribed for everything from indigestion and sore throats to insomnia and hysteria. Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder documented its medicinal qualities in their writings.
Throughout the Middle Ages, lavender was cultivated in monastery gardens and used in poultices, herbal waters, and incense. It was commonly sewn into sachets to freshen clothing and ward off lice or moths, and strewn across floors to purify the air. During times of plague, it was believed to offer protection against infection.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, lavender water became a popular remedy for headaches and fainting, especially among European nobility. Folk medicine traditions in England and France continued to use lavender as a sedative and antiseptic for wounds, burns, and nervous disorders.
Today, lavender remains a cornerstone of botanical medicine and aromatherapy, its popularity enduring through centuries as both a gentle nervine and a powerful antimicrobial herb.
Lavender is used for these health conditions
Abrasions (Scientific)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Abuse and Trauma (Traditional)
Acne (Scientific)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Adrenal Fatigue (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Age Spots (Traditional)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Scientific)
Anger (excessive) (Scientific)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Carbuncles (Traditional)
Depression (Scientific)
Grief and Sadness (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Scientific)
Headache (tension) (Scientific)
Hysteria (Traditional)
Insect Repellant (Scientific)
Insomnia (Scientific)
Irritability (Scientific)
Jet Lag (Traditional)
Lice (Traditional)
Migraine (Scientific)
Nervousness (Scientific)
Neurosis (Scientific)
Nightmares (Traditional)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Traditional)
Phobias (Scientific)
Stress (Scientific)
Tension (Scientific)
Worry (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
lavender is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Digestive System (Traditional)
GABA (Scientific)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Smell (Scientific)
Sympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)
Products containing lavender
Nature's Sunshine Lavender (Organic)
Nature's Sunshine Tei-Fu® Soothing Blend
