|
 Lavandula angustifolia (Labiatae)
LAVENDER
Lavender flowers have been used
medicinally since Roman times. Herbalists now give lavender as a general
relaxant and apply it externally to treat muscular pains and tension
headaches.
Renowned since Roman times as a perfume,
and as a flavouring for foods and medicine, lavender is reputed to have many and varied applications.
Its current uses, however, are mainly as a flavouring for drugs and as a nervine to treat the nervous system.
Native to western Europe near the Mediterranean, it is a woody perennial shrub with narrow grey-green
leaves and blue-violet flowers on spikes in mid- to late summer.
PARTS USED
Flowers.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing linalyl
acetate, linalool, borneol, camphor, and limonene; coumarins; flavonoids.
ACTIONS
Relieves wind and colic; reduces muscle tension and spasm;
circulatory stimulant; nerve tonic.
MEDICINAL USE
Given as a general relaxant,
especially in baths, and to relieve irritability, exhaustion, and depression.
It is also used internally as a digestive tonic and a carminative to relieve flatulence,
and externally to relieve tension headaches and arthritic or muscular pain.
PREPARATIONS
Volatile oil, tincture.
|
