Contents
Generality
Lavender, genus Lavaldula L., belongs to the Lamiaceae family and includes countless species, including: Lavandula Spica, Lavanda officinalis, Lavandula antineae, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula galgalloensis, Lavandula pinnata, Lavandula canariensis, Lavandula angustifoli, etc. It is part of the large evergreen family and is characterized by long unbranched bushes at the top of which we find linear and narrow greenish-gray leaves and the typical blue-violet flowers, grouped in spikes. All its green parts are covered with fine down. It has its origin in the Mediterranean countries, and many species grow spontaneously in southern Italy, forming beautiful bushes up to one meter high, with a slightly different characteristic scent depending on the species. Achenium is the fruit of lavender, it is dark brown and round, and contains only one seed inside. Lavender adapts to both hot and cold winter temperatures, growing in dry, chalky soils. They have no special needs and prefer to be exposed to the sun.
Goods
The name “lavender” by which the plant is known today derives from the Latin verb “to wash” to recall that in the Middle Ages this plant was often used to cleanse the body. But already in ancient times, many other properties were attributed to it, such as: analgesic, antiseptic, bactericidal, vasodilator, antiemetic, antirheumatoid and sedative. The aromatic properties are due to the glands, present in all parts of the plant (from the stem to the flowers, where they are more concentrated), from which the essential oil of lavender is obtained. The species most used for the production of lavender essential oil are Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula Stoechas, but also all the others have glands from which to extract it in various ways. Lavender is widely used in aromatherapy as a relaxant, antidepressant and rebalances the nervous system. In addition, it is used as a decongestant in case of fever and colds, to lower blood pressure in case of hypertension, in homeopathic treatments to treat earaches and backaches. Also in perfumery and cosmetics we find lavender, for example it can be used when shampooing, useful for those who have oily hair problems. It cannot be missing in the kitchen, although it is rarely used, it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. It is used as a decongestant in case of fever and colds, to lower blood pressure in case of hypertension, in homeopathic treatments to treat earaches and backaches. Also in perfumery and cosmetics we find lavender, for example it can be used when shampooing, useful for those who have oily hair problems. It cannot be missing in the kitchen, although it is rarely used, it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. It is used as a decongestant in case of fever and colds, to lower blood pressure in case of hypertension, in homeopathic treatments to treat earaches and backaches. Also in perfumery and cosmetics we find lavender, for example it can be used when shampooing, useful for those who have oily hair problems. It cannot be missing in the kitchen, although it is rarely used, it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. in homeopathic treatments to treat ear and back pain. Also in perfumery and cosmetics we find lavender, for example it can be used when shampooing, useful for those who have oily hair problems. It cannot be missing in the kitchen, although it is rarely used, it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. in homeopathic treatments to treat ear and back pain. Also in perfumery and cosmetics we find lavender, for example it can be used when shampooing, useful for those who have oily hair problems. It cannot be missing in the kitchen, although it is rarely used, it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors. it is sometimes used to flavor wine and vinegar or desserts. Finally, as its flowers retain their typical aroma even when dry, they are often found in sachets to keep in cupboards and drawers, in air fresheners or in shoes to counteract excessive perspiration and bad odors.
how to use lavender
There are many ways to take advantage of its countless properties. Lavender essential oil, dissolved in hot water during the bath, promotes body relaxation and rebalancing of the nervous system by acting as a sedative and anxiolytic. Particularly indicated for the treatment of anxiety states in children and adults or sleep disorders. It can be administered by inhalation or in the form of drops, twice a day. In case of colds, you can inhale lavender infusions, useful to decongest the mucous membranes, calm coughs and improve the symptoms of respiratory problems, as well as honey flavored with lavender, very indicated for the same purpose. Lavender infusions can also be used to rinse hair after shampooing. while the essential oil is used to massage the scalp to facilitate regrowth. Lavender-infused mouthwashes are useful for disinfecting and freshening the breath and mouth. For enlarged pores of the skin, astringent tonics containing lavender are prepared. Remember that lavender and its derivatives are not without side effects. Especially in allergic subjects, it can trigger allergic dermatitis after contact alone or when ingested orally or by inhalation. In large doses, it has a toxic effect and may require corticosteroids in the event of a severe allergic reaction. For enlarged pores of the skin, astringent tonics containing lavender are prepared. Remember that lavender and its derivatives are not without side effects. Especially in allergic subjects, it can trigger allergic dermatitis after contact alone or when ingested orally or by inhalation. In large doses, it has a toxic effect and may require corticosteroids in the event of a severe allergic reaction. For enlarged pores of the skin, astringent tonics containing lavender are prepared. Remember that lavender and its derivatives are not without side effects. Especially in allergic subjects, it can trigger allergic dermatitis after contact alone or when ingested orally or by inhalation. In large doses, it has a toxic effect and may require corticosteroids in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
Lavender: practical advice
Lavender flowers should be harvested at different times depending on the use. The whole stem should be taken and then left to dry in groups upside down, in ventilated places and sheltered from the sun to avoid discoloration. Once dry, the spikes are separated from the rest of the stem and the flowers are stored in cloth bags. From fresh flowers, on the other hand, the essential oil of lavender is extracted by distillation. In case of sleep disturbances, put a teaspoon of lavender flowers in a cup of tea, let it steep for five minutes and drink before going to bed. To cure cold sores, apply a few drops of pure lavender essential oil directly on it, once a day for three to four days. Drink twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening. a glass of water with twenty drops of mother tincture of lavender to eliminate the inconvenience felt by cystitis. Prepare a mixture of lavender oil, almond oil and water to intervene immediately in case of sunburn, excessive exposure to the sun, wounds, sores, insect bites.