Lavender is a genus of plants of the family of the lamiaceas that includes about 50 species and hybrids. It is used in both broad and narrow leaf industry. Wild lavender grows in the Mediterranean, North and South America, Africa, Australia, the Arabian Peninsula and India. Cultivated species are distributed in flower gardens around the world. The plant is used in perfumery, pharmaceutical and food industry; The flowers of the plant are used in floral compositions and to aromatize houses and floors.
Peculiar effects on men and women
Lavender is widely used in gynecology: 1. Combat humor changes during menopause. 2. Stop the menstrual pain. 3. Improve the menstrual cycle. 4. Relieve premenstrual symptoms. 5. It is effective against inflammatory diseases (aputas, cystitis, urethritis), thanks to its strong antiseptic property.
Lavender has a positive effect on male health:
1. 1. Help in the fight against benign prostate hyperplasia, 2. It is effective against cystitis and urethritis, 3. It is effective against prostate cancer.
Contraindications and possible damage
Lavender has contraindications and restrictions in its use: 1. Allergic reactions can occur as a side effect of lavender. 2. Lavender essential oil in its pure form can cause burns, so it is mixed with other cosmetic oils and compositions for external use. 3. Its soothing effects can cause drowsiness, which should be taken into account before doing work that requires concentration. 4. Lavender should not be used with iodine and iron preparations, since its absorption decreases. 5. Lavender should not be used if a blood clotting disorder is suffered or if it is going to undergo surgical intervention, since it contains coumarine and can cause bleeding. 6. Excessive consumption of lavender leaves and flowers can cause depressive states. 7. It is not suitable for patients with severe endocrine disorders, malignant tumors.
Classic recipes
To prepare lavender tea, pour 1. 5 teaspoons of dry lavender flowers in 250 ml of water at the right temperature and infuse. To obtain a more concentrated flavor, you can increase the infused amount to 1 tablespoon. Other ingredients can be added to enhance the benefits and taste of lavender. The connoisseurs say that mixing their flowers with classic green or black teasses enhances its flavor and aroma. Adding a tablespoon of honey to lavender tea is an effective remedy against cough and colds. The dry root of Valerian can be added to lavender if you suffer from serious anxiety or insomnia. A tablespoon of lavender flower, 2 teaspoons of dry root of machacada Valeriana pour 500 ml of water, insist 30 minutes under a lid. Lavender milk can be used as an alternative to tea. The drink has the same beneficial properties as tea. Pour each tablespoon of dry lavender flowers in 500 ml of hot milk at 70 ° C, add a tablespoon of honey and infusion under a lid for 30 minutes.
With what herbs can be combined.
The mint will give your lavender tea a refreshing touch and can help eliminate bad breath. It is also sedative and improves sleep and digestion. Manzanilla and dry lavender are the most common combination. Chamomile enhances the sedative effect, helps fight viruses and bacteria, eliminates swelling. Fennel seeds in combination with lavender accelerate metabolism and favor weight loss. A cold lavender and lack drink turns off the thirst when it is hot and helps reduce blood pressure. Lavender and vanilla tea drink enhances vitamin C, antioxidants and micronutrients.
Lavender syrup
The therapeutic properties of lavender syrup have proven useful for neurasthenia, headaches, migraine, arrhythmias, tachycardia, laryngitis, colds. Preparation pour 1 kg of sugar into 1 liter of water, cook over low heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring constantly. It is better to use a thick background pan. 2. 2. Add 10 tablespoons of dry or fresh lavender flowers and cook for 20 more minutes, stirring. 3. Cover and leave infusion for 24 hours. 4. strain and pour into glass jars with airtight lid. 5. The syrup can be kept in the refrigerator up to 3 years. 6. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day for 30 minutes before a meal. It can be added to Tisanas.
Recipe for decoction, infusion
A decoction of lavender flowers is effective against joint pain. Pour 2 tablespoons of dried flowers by 500 ml of boiling water, cook over low heat up for 10 minutes. Let cool and strain. Use the decoction in the form of compresses and lotions on the affected joints. The infusion taken internally relieves tachycardia, stagnation of bile and insomnia. When adding to the hydromassage bathtub eliminates the sweating of the legs, the bad smell, relaxes, reduces the swelling. Prepare 3 teaspoons of lavender flower in 400 ml of boiling water, cover, wrap in a blanket and leave infusion for 10 minutes. Strain. The infusion must be 400 ml a day.
When to collect, how to dry?
Julio is the best time to collect lavender inflorescences, since they are in full flowering. The leaves can be collected later, until the end of August. Seque for them in a well ventilated place and away from direct sunlight. Place the inflorescences without stem and the leaves in a piece of paper and remote them from time to time. Another option is to cut the inflorescences with their stems and dry them in bunches hanging them from a rope. It can be stored in a glass bottle or in a linen or cotton bag. Lavender has a useful life of 2 years.
How is it sold?
Lavender can be found in the market in its fresh form, in filter containers as part of infusions or tisanas or as essential oil.
If you decide to buy fresh flowers and dry them yourself, find out where the plant grew. If fertilizers, insecticides, antifungals and, if so (organic or synthetic, what kind of danger) have been used. Note that cultivated plants near highways and railways can accumulate heavy metals. When you choose already prepared infusions, also make sure they do not contain harmful components (it is better than the container indicates where the plants grow). See a doctor before consuming them.
Cosmetic applications
Lavender is used in cosmetics and perfumery. It is suitable for all types of skins. The extract of the clean plant, eliminates the effects of the environment, reduces inflammation, peeling, redness and smoothes wrinkles. There are a whole series of facial and body cosmetics (creams, hydrolates, sera, hydrophilic oils, soaps, shower gels, lotions) based on lavender. The application of shampoos, conditioners, hair masks with lavender will eliminate dandruff, hair breakage, will have an effect on the fight against baldness. The essential oil of the plant is used to enrich creams, base oils, balms. It is also used to perform perfumes, dressing tables, deodorants.
Lavender bath
The lavender bath has a reconstituent effect, calms the nervous system, reduces tension, relieves irritated skin, reduces inflammation and itching. Pour 3 liters of boiling water over 50 g of dry lavender flowers and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Let cool, strain and add to the bathroom. The water temperature must be 37-40 ° C. Take a bath of 2 times a week for 15 minutes. The treatment course – 10 procedures.
Compresas and Tubs
Lavender compresses have healing properties and are effective for eczema and cuperosis. Pour 25 g of dried flowers into 1 liter of boiling water, let stand up to it until it cools. Strain. Soak in a gauze solution, folded in several layers, apply in the problem area and maintain for 15 minutes. There are recipes for the use of cotton bastions with lavender essential oil to prevent colds and treat maxillary sinusitis. The tubes are placed in the nose for 15-20 minutes. However, it is better not to use them, since there is a high risk of burns in the mucous membranes.
For skin and face (neck rejuvenation)
Facial massage for dry skin: 1 tablespoon of potato or corn starch and lavender extract in a soup composed of 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture. Mass applied to the face and the problematic areas of the body, maintain for 10 minutes and wash with warm water. Rejuvenate mask for face and neck: mix 1 tablespoon of any base oil (olive, coconut, sesame, karité butter, wheat germ oil) with 2 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to the face and neck with massages daily before bedtime. Lavender hydrolate effectively combat dehydration and signs of aging.
Hair decoction
The decoction of lavender flowers is used as capillary conditioner. Its regular use makes the hair manageable, soft, bright and less brittle. Bring 1 liter of water to boiling, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, half cup of dry lavender flowers and remove. Insist under a 3-4 hours lid. Strain in a clean and dry container. Use after each wash.
Culinary applications.
The fragrant flowers have found many culinary applications, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh lavender is used in salads, fish and seafood soups, green butter and sauces. Dry flowers are used to season meat and fish and give them a bitter taste and a peculiar aroma. It is also used in desserts, cakes and ice cream. The most popular lavender is combined with Salvia, Chaber, Romero and Fennel.
The plant is used to smoking: it is added to the fire along with other herbs. The essential oil is used in small quantities as part of a dressing for vegetable dishes, marinade for meat and birds.
Conclusion
Lavender is a valuable raw material. It is soothing, beneficial for digestive, cardiovascular and genitourinary systems, rejuvenates, clean the skin and strengthens hair. Lavender essential oil has found a wide application in aromatherapy thanks to its useful properties. Lavender can season almost any dish. Be careful when using lavender during pregnancy.
