Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
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Overview
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, also known as L. angustifolia) is a small, perennial shrub that can grow about 3 ft (1 m) high, characterized by its narrow, silver-green leaves and spiked violet-blue flowers. Renowned for its sweet, calming aroma, lavender is a mildly warming, relaxing nervine, helpful in alleviating stress, tension, depression, and headaches. Its essential oil has antifungal properties and is commonly used for burns and other skin inflammations.
Traditional uses & properties
Relaxant & Mild Antidepressant: Eases nervous anxiety, tension, and insomnia; can reduce mild depression symptoms and promote restful sleep. Analgesic & Headache Relief: May lessen headaches and migraines, especially if used at onset. Antifungal & Skin Healer: Essential oil soothes burns, stings, and inflammatory skin conditions; strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Digestive Aid: Like many aromatic herbs, lavender can help calm digestive upset, colic, and bloating.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Make an infusion and drink 4-8 ounces 1-4 times daily.
Make a tincture and take 1/2 to 1 tsp with water at night.
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting without professional guidance. Allergies or Skin Irritation: Rare but possible when applied topically; discontinue if irritation occurs. Pregnancy: Generally considered safe in small amounts, though it’s best to seek professional advice.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to France and the western Mediterranean, lavender is cultivated worldwide - especially in sunny, well-drained soils. It’s typically propagated from seed or cuttings. The flowers are harvested in high summer, preferably in the morning when their volatile oil content is at its peak.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as follows: Relaxant & Mild Antidepressant: Eases nervous anxiety, tension, and insomnia; can reduce mild depression symptoms and promote restful sleep. Analgesic & Headache Relief: May lessen headaches and migraines, especially if used at onset. Antifungal & Skin Healer: Essential oil soothes burns, stings, and inflammatory skin conditions; strong antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Digestive Aid: Like many aromatic herbs, lavender can help calm digestive upset, colic, and bloating.
How is Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Depression: Make an infusion and drink 4-8 ounces 1-4 times daily. Insomnia: Make a tincture and take 1/2 to 1 tsp with water at night.
What safety cautions apply to Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)?
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting without professional guidance. Allergies or Skin Irritation: Rare but possible when applied topically; discontinue if irritation occurs. Pregnancy: Generally considered safe in small amounts, though it’s best to seek professional advice.
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