Lavender tea is a popular herbal beverage today due to its warming, floral aroma, and many medicinal benefits. Lavender is well known to promote relaxation and stress relief and has been used in many cultures and generations. In this article, we will dive into the historical uses, current medicinal properties, how and when to use, and safety of this popular herb.
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Historical Use of Lavender
Lavender has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years due to its calming and stress-relieving effects. There are several varieties of this plant, however, the most common is known as English Lavender, L. angustifolia. Lavendula angustifolia (Lavender) is native to the Mediterranean Sea and southern Europe through Middle and Eastern Africa. Lavender is potent in volatile oils and has been used for aromatherapy for centuries (2).
Lavender has been used since the Middle Ages as a bath additive and to make perfumes. In Tibetan medicine, lavender was used to treat psychosis and insanity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lavender has been used to treat anxiety, panic, topical skin infections, infertility, upset stomach, and insomnia (2).
The Top 5 Benefits of Lavender Tea
While there are many benefits, here are the top 5 you should know about:
1. Stress and Anxiety Reduction
Lavender has been used for its calming properties to reduce stress and anxiety for centuries in traditional medicine. Lavender essential oil contains sedative, analgesic, anti-convulsive, and neuroprotective effects. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the properties of Lavender on the nervous system and its ability to alleviate anxiety. Research shows that oral consumption of lavender improved symptoms of insomnia, and disturbed sleep, and had a positive influence on general well-being in those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The study also showed that Lavender alleviated anxiety to the same degree as lorazepam, which is a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety (20).
2. Sleep Improvement
Lavender is widely known for its ability to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality. In a study conducted on those with mixed anxiety disorder, taking lavender before bed helped improve both the quality and duration of sleep. It is important to note, that those in the study did not suffer from any side effects compared to those taking a benzodiazepine before bed. More research shows that lavender can be helpful for those tapering off pharmaceuticals for insomnia (20).
3. Digestive Health
Lavender has been used as an excellent remedy to treat digestive upset due to its anti-spasmodic effects. Lavender has spasmolytic effects on smooth muscle tissue which aid in its ability to soothe indigestion, gas, and bloating. Lavender is indicated for those with nervous dyspepsia, abdominal cramping, anxiety, and depression that are correlated with irritable bowel syndrome. Lavender is a helpful remedy for individuals who carry their stress and anxiety in their gut. (2, 46)
4. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Lavender essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which have shown beneficial results in treating acute and chronic pain. Studies have shown that the use of lavender inhibits the pain response in a similar fashion to tramadol, a commonly prescribed medication used to treat pain. Another study used lavender oil topically in those suffering from pain, which showed a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and pain (20, 34).
5. Skin Health
Lavender is a widely known herbal remedy to treat topical wound infections, acne, eczema, and even canker sores. Due to its anti-microbial properties, several studies have examined the efficacy of lavender on topical skin infections. The anti-bacterial properties of lavender are due to a high content of linalool and linalyl acetate. The results of the studies show that lavender increases the speed of wound healing, reduces topical inflammation, and decreases associated pain with infection. Furthermore, the anti-bacterial properties of lavender essential oil are effective in reducing acne (17, 32).
How to Brew Lavender Tea
Preparing lavender tea is a simple and fun way to enjoy the medicinal benefits of lavender. To make a simple cup of lavender tea at home you can steep 2 tsp of dried lavender flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes. To enhance the flavor and add an extra anti-microbial punch, 1 tsp of honey can be added if desired (2).
Since lavender is a bitter and drying herb, it can be mixed with other herbs to make a more balanced tea. For additional nervous system relaxation, the addition of Chamomile or Milky Oats is a fantastic formula to ease a burnt-out nervous system. Milky oats are used in cases of chronic anxiety and stress. Chamomile is another aromatic herb used for anxiety, insomnia, and gastrointestinal upset (3,39).
Incorporating Lavender Tea into Your Wellness Routine
Lavender tea can be consumed at any time of the day; however, it is advised to drink at night after the day due to its sedating effects. Lavender tea can be a great drink to unwind from the day or connect with friends. If the tea is not your favorite, lavender essential oil can be diffused throughout the home to promote peace and relaxation. (20)
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Lavender tea and essential oil are considered safe both internally and externally when used correctly. Regarding the essential oil of lavender for topical wounds, it is best to dilute the pure essential oil into a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or olive oil. It has been reported the topical use of lavender may induce allergic skin reactions in a few individuals. It is not recommended to ingest lavender essential oil internally due to the possibility of irritating the mucous membranes of the throat, tongue, and digestive system (23, 24).
Common side effects of lavender tea are headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and increased appetite. It is advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid both internal and topical application of lavender. There is no research nothing any interactions between lavender and pharmaceutical medications. However, since lavender promotes central nervous system relaxation it is advised not to mix this herb with narcotics such as oxycodone or benzodiazepines (24).
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Key Takeaways
Incorporating lavender into your everyday routine is a gentle way to relax from stress and anxiety.
From insomnia, indigestion, skin infections, and pain lavender can offer an excellent remedy for holistic healing.
Considering that stress is an everyday aspect of life, lavender is a safe herb that almost everyone can benefit from.
Awareness of side effects, contraindications, and interactions with medication discussed today, lavender can be a great addition to a balanced lifestyle.
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