Lavender, also known as lavender and lavandula, is a medicinal plant well known for its very pleasant aroma.

Because of this, it is widely used in perfumes, flavorings, and other types of natural products. But its uses go far beyond what most people imagine, encompassing even the treatment of physical (such as digestive problems) and mental (such as relaxants) conditions.

For this reason, this herb is used in various ways, from teas to natural oils, baths, massages, among others, guaranteeing a series of benefits for its users.

Originating in the Mediterranean, tropical Africa, and India, lavender has a purplish-blue coloration, and can be found, in addition to its natural habitat, in regions such as the Canary Islands, Africa, Europe, and Arabia.

But to obtain all these benefits, it is important that lavender is handled correctly. And to do this, it is necessary not only to understand well what the powers of this medicinal plant are, but also to know how to prepare it to get the most out of it.

And, in this article, that is exactly what you are going to see.

What is lavender used for

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First of all, it is necessary to understand exactly what lavender is for. Simply put, this medicinal plant assists in treatments that, in general, benefit from the use of antioxidant, analgesic, therapeutic, relaxing, calming, antispasmodic, and antidepressant elements.

In other words, this herb offers a series of advantages for the physical, mental, and spiritual health of its users, ensuring greater well-being in their daily lives.

Benefits of Lavender

But how, exactly, does this plant transform people's lives so much? Which diseases and conditions does it treat? How do its substances help in these treatments? We have separated some remarkable benefits that you need to know:

Fights stress, anxiety and depression

Lavender has a calming effect on people's bodies, either by consuming it or by inhaling its odor. For this reason, it helps relieve psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress, improving the users' mood.

Helps digestion

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, lavender helps ensure a healthier digestive process, reducing gas and other stomach and intestinal problems.

Strengthens immunity

Lavender is also rich in vitamins B and C. This is why it helps to fortify people's immunity, making them more resistant to different types of diseases.

Improves the skin

It is not only our mind that lavender can calm down! It also has this relaxing effect on our skin and therefore helps to treat spots and itches, as well as giving a healthier look.

Helps against insomnia

As we have already mentioned, lavender has calming properties. Consequently, it has great sedative power and is therefore a great ally for people who suffer from insomnia and difficulty sleeping, ensuring a calm and very energizing night's sleep.

Relieves muscle pain and migraines

Lavender also has an antispasmodic effect. This fact, combined with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, makes this medicinal plant an excellent resource against muscle pain and migraines.

How to consume lavender

Lavender has a number of properties that make it a great ally to human health. But how to obtain all these benefits? First, it is necessary to understand that this plant can be used in different ways.

Lavender tea, for example, is quite common. Easy to prepare, it has a sweetish taste that is very pleasing to the palate.

Lavender oil is also very well-known. Used in massages and even in the bath, it has that characteristic, delicious scent of the plant.

In fact, the scent of lavender is so pleasant that the herb is also used in the production of cosmetics such as perfumes, deodorants, soaps, creams, shampoos, and much more. And the coolest thing? Its properties are still very present!

In this scenario, the lavender bath is also quite common and has different ways of being performed: you just have to choose the way that pleases you the most.

Nutrition table

See the nutritional information for lavender for 5g of the plant:

Energetic value - 17 kcal

Carbohydrates - 3.3g

Proteins - 0 g

Fat - 0g

Dietary fiber - 1.7g

Sodium - 0mg

Lavender in Spirituality

Lavender is so powerful that it has great power even in the matter of spirituality. Aromatherapy, for example, is an important ally of mental and energetic issues and, in this segment, the medicinal plant acts as an indispensable ally thanks to its calming properties, which help people to think better and in a more organized way. Thus, it brings peace and harmony to thelife of individuals, while warding off bad energies and promoting security.

The herb is even linked to religions such as Umbanda, since it is known as the plant of Iemanjá and Oxum, and is used in different rituals, from blessings to baths.

And speaking of baths, lavender is widely used in this type of ritual. Usually performed at night and before bedtime, all that is needed to perform it efficiently is warm water mixed with a little lavender. By throwing this mixture down from the neck while mentalizing your requests and goals, it will eliminate all the doubts and insecurities in your life, renewingtheir energies.

Are there any contraindications to the consumption of lavender?

Lavender is a medicinal plant that poses no great danger to life. It can be used by most people, but is contraindicated only for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from ulcers. Also, you need to keep an eye out for possible allergic reactions.

It also has very few side effects: the main one is drowsiness, but this is to be expected, since it treats insomnia. That is why it is not recommended to ingest it in excess, and people usually choose to use it in the evening or before bedtime.

Lavender Recipes for Everyday Life

Lavender tea

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Nutritious, delicious, fragrant, and easy to prepare, this is lavender tea that leaves you feeling warm and relaxed. Here's how to make your own:

Ingredients:

250 ml water

1 teaspoon chopped lavender

Directions:

Bring the water to a boil in a pot, turn off the heat when it starts to bubble and only then add the lavender. Close the pot and let the infusion brew for about 10 minutes. Then, simply strain it and enjoy your drink!

Lavender bath

Besides the traditional lavender bath, you can also use another technique that we are going to teach you now!

Ingredients:

100g lavender

1 thin cloth bag

Directions:

Put the lavender in your little bag and tie it around your showerhead, so that whenever you take a bath, the water will come into contact with the plant and ensure that you are bathed in its properties.

Lavender Soap

Making your own soap is easier than it sounds. Using natural ingredients, you get amazing benefits. Check it out:

Ingredients:

Glycerin base for soap

Lavender Essence

Plastic or silicone molds

Directions:

Cut the glycerin base into medium-sized pieces and place in a glass pan. Melt it in a water bath and turn off the heat. Then add a few drops of your lavender essence and stir. Pour the mixture into the silicone molds and let them cool naturally. Finally, just unmold them when they are dry and enjoy!

Lavender Aromatizer

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The soothing, pleasant scent of lavender is one of its most striking characteristics, which is why the medicinal plant is commonly used in flavorings. Make your own:

Ingredients:

Lavender branches

Souvenir bags

Directions:

Dry your lavender sprigs and then put them in your gift bags. Place them in strategic locations, such as drawers and closets, and enjoy their scent in every room!

Lavender cookies

Lavender has a delicious sweet taste, which is why, in addition to teas, it can be found in several other recipes:

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons of butter

4 cups of sugar

4 tablespoons of lemon juice

1 egg yolk

200g flour

1 teaspoon lavender

Lemon zest

Directions:

In a mixer, pour the melted butter and sugar until it forms a smooth cream. Then add the lemon zest and juice, along with the egg yolk. Mix it all together with the flour and the lavender, shaping your cookies. Bake them in the 180º oven for half an hour, and then you're done!

Who knew that a simple plant could have so many uses and benefits, right? This is the beauty of nature, which provides us with everything we need to live happy and healthy lives. We hope that this article will help and encourage you to make the most of these natural resources.

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