Lavender: botany, benefits and uses in phytotherapy
Lavender, the essentials in 3 points:
-Promotes relaxation
-Improves or maintains good sleep quality
-Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
Lavender is one of the most widely used sub-shrubs in phytotherapy. A plant rich in active ingredients, lavender is an ideal ally in the fight against everyday stress.
The main botanical characteristics of lavender
The leafy stems are short, simple and quadrangular. They bear dense, evergreen foliage. Green to silvery-gray in color, these leaves are entire, opposite and linear to lanceolate. Flower stalks, on the other hand, grow up to 40 cm long. Unbranched, a flower stalk bears a single, loose terminal spike that constitutes the plant’s flower. Lavender’s flowers are its most distinctive feature. Blue, purple or violet, they have 1 pistil and 4 stamens. Hermaphroditic and bilabiate, lavender flowers are highly fragrant and nectar-bearing. They are particularly appreciated by pollinating insects. This sub-shrub generally blooms between June and August.
Although pleasant, lavender’s scent is unpleasant to mosquitoes: it’s a good natural repellent. Lavender also produces smooth, seeded tetrakene fruits.
The essentials on where lavender comes from and how to grow it
Originally from India and the western Mediterranean, lavender is now widely cultivated in Australia, North America and throughout Europe. In France, true lavender is found at medium altitudes, notably in Haute Provence. It is also abundant on the limestone slopes of the Midi mountains, at altitudes of between 400 and 1,500 meters. This ornamental sub-shrub has the advantage of being easy to grow. It tolerates all types of soil, but prefers loam, clay and limestone. For beautiful flowering, the soil should ideally have a neutral to very alkaline pH. Lavender should be planted in a sunny to semi-shady spot and watered regularly. Lavender is best grown on dry slopes, in beds, rock gardens or simply as a border plant. Although hardy, lavender does not enjoy a long life. That’s why it’s essential to renew the plant every 10 years or so. Depending on the situation, this can be done either by layering or by taking cuttings. Ideally, you should wait until spring to plant lavender. Plants should be spaced 40-60 cm apart to encourage root development. For an attractive look, especially in a bed, we also recommend regular pruning to give the plants a rounded shape.
The benefits of lavender extracts for the body
Only lavender flowers are used in phytotherapy. They are harvested just before the end of the flowering period, then dried. Flowers are preferred because they are particularly rich in essential elements and active substances. In particular, they contain tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols and triperpenes. Lavender flowers also contain various organic acids, including caffeic and rosmarinic acids. The combination of all these active ingredients enables lavender to promote relaxation. What’s more, these active compounds act synergistically to maintain sleep quality. They are also a great help in cases of functional abdominal pain. Today’s marketers offer a range of lavender extract formats so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of lavender. These include capsules, tinctures and decoctions, essences and essential oils. Specialized sites and stores also sell herbal teas and micronized lavender flower powders. However, a dietary supplement should always be taken as part of a healthy lifestyle. A varied, balanced diet is also recommended. Consumers are reminded to always take the time to read product information leaflets. We encourage you to pay close attention to the recommended dosage and duration of treatment.
Our Lavender products from France-Herboristerie:
-Our lavender essential oils:
-Our Lavender herbal teas:
-Our lavender hydrosols: