For thousands of years this aromatic herb has been used to treat headaches, nervous and respiratory diseases as well as skin care.
Lavender is grown around the world mainly as an ornamental plant, but its healing properties have always been known. The ancient Romans enjoyed scented baths in which they added lavender oil, while the Greeks used it for the treatment of respiratory diseases. In the 18th century, during the plague epidemic, people inhaled essential lavender oil because they believed the scent would protect them from the infection.
This plant is used for preparation of tea, herbal drops and tinctures, essential oils, bath soaps or inhalants, and its effects increase if mixed with chamomile, rosemary or sage. It has a soothing effect on the stomach and uterus; it prevents bloating, promotes the excretion of urine and eases painful periods.
It is used in the treatment of neurological diseases, arrhythmia, hypertension, skin diseases and burns, athlete’s foot, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, mouth infections, cough, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, earache and bad breath.
Lavender is a common ingredient of many cosmetic products because it cleans, soothes, tightens and refreshes the skin, stimulates skin moisture and blood circulation thus making it gentle, soft and healthy. It also reduces perspiration, stimulates hair growth and strengthens the nails.
It relieves anxiety and depression
Numerous scientific studies have confirmed what the ancient physicians knew well – lavender calms the nerves, which is why dry aromatic lavender flowers were placed in pillows or in cloth bags kept near the bed as a means against insomnia. Also, inhalation or massage with essential lavender oil relieves depression and anxiety, eases headaches and suppresses migraine.
Just put a few drops of oil in a saucepan full of hot water and inhale the healing and calming steam. Inhaling this essential oil acts as a tonic on the whole body; it refreshes and removes fatigue, and the same effect can be achieved if it is used with baths.
Irreplaceable spice
Lavender is used as a condiment for grilled dishes or cakes, as well as for flavoring sugar, vinegar or oil. Lavender cookies – Ingredients: 125g of butter, 200g of flour, 100g of sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of melted honey, 1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers, 1/2 pack of baking powder, 1 sachet of vanilla sugar for sprinkling.
Preparation: whisk the eggs with sugar, then add the remaining ingredients and knead the dough. Roll out the dough to be about 5mm thick, and then shape your cookies with a mold. Bake in a preheated oven at 180*C for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the cookies with vanilla sugar and lavender flowers.
Recipes:
Nerve disease: Pour 2dl of boiling water over a teaspoon of lavender flower and leave it covered for 30 minutes. Strain it and sip it.
Insomnia: Mix equal parts of lavender, St. John’s wort, evening primrose and valerian. Pour 2.5dl of boiling water over a tablespoon of the mixture and leave for 30 minutes. Drink at night in small sips.
Lavender oil: Fill a jar or a bottle with lavender flowers, then add olive oil and leave it in the sun or a warm place for at least a month. Strain it and keep it in a bottle in a dark and cool place.
