Hello Steemit Community and Herbal Lovers!!

Finally I got to write this article! This last week was so intense, I barely had time for myself. 

This post is for all who love herbalism and natural medicine. I chose to write about Lavander. Why? Because it is such a well-known plant but not everyone does know that it's such a powerful natural remedy for various health disorders. This wonderful plant not only is beautiful but it has some good health benefits for us. 

Also, @naturalmedicine , this is my entry for the challenge this week! Anyone is free ot submit an entry by Saturday in #naturalmedicine , just follow these guidelines here! 

Lavandula (most common name Lavander) is now found all over the world. There is a wide range of this species, but the most cultivated is Lavandula Angustifolia. The plant is mostly grown for essential oil extraction, but also for making tea, tinctures, flower arrangements or lavander cosmetics and soap. 

Most commonly lavender is recommended for oral administration. (tea, tincture, syrup). However, it is also being used in aromatherapy (inhalation of lavender), aromatherapy massage and bathing.  

Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties, ranging from inducing relaxation to treating parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, hair growth and wound healing.

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In her book, "The Complete Medicinal Herbal: a practical guide to the healing properties of herbs, with more than 250 remedies for common ailments" Penelope Ody reccomends these following applications. 

She is a medical herbalist. She has written more than 20 books on herbal topics, edited The Herb Society's journals from 1988 to 1994 and has written on herbal and health topics for several consumer magazines. She frequently gives talks on herbal topics for both the general public and specialist groups and since 2002 she has held day courses on various herbal subjects at her home in Hampshire.  [source]

FLOWERS 

• Infusion: take for nervius exhaustion, tension headaches, or during labour; also for colic and indigestion. Give a weak infusion (25% normal strenght) to babies for colic, irritability and excitement.  
• Tincture: take up to 5 ml, twice a day, for headaches and depression.  
• Mouthwash: use for halitosis.  

ESSENTIAL OIL 

• Cream: add a few drops of oil to chammomile cream for eczema. 
• Lotion: add a few drops of oil to a little water for sunburn or scalds. 
• Chest rub: add 1 ml oil and 5 drops chammomile oil to 10 ml carrier oil for asthamatic and bronchitic spasm. 
• Hair rinse: diluate 5-10 drops of oil in water for lice, or use a few drops of neat oil on a fine comb for nits. 
• Massage on: diluate 1 ml lavander oil in 25 ml carrier oil and massage into painful muscles. Diluate 10 drops in 25 ml carrier oil and massage into the temples and nape of the neck for tension headaches or at the first hint of a migraine. 
• Oil: apply undiluated to insect bites and stings. Diluate 10 drops oil in 25 ml carrier oil for sunstroke or to help sunburn. (Note: this is not an effective sunblock)  

CAUTION: avoid high doses of the herb during pregnancy, because it is a uterine stimulant. 

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Born on Feb. 26, 1956 in Beius, Bihor County, ROMANIA, Dr. Doru Laza was established nationally and internationally in the field of natural medicine. He graduated in 1983 the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca. More than 10 years he was a doctor and director of the Breaza Preventive Health and Prevention Center, in Prahova County. He has held natural conferences in Romania, USA, Canada, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, France, Spain and so on.  

He has this book, called "Edenic manual of prophylactic and therapeutic natural medicine", which has 1500 pages and its that ONE and ONLY BOOK you need in your medicinal cabinet of your home. It's all the natural medicine in one book. It's the Bible of herbalism.  It is very valued here in Romania among the natural medicine. He cured thousands of people. That's why, I bring to you these informations which I found relevant for my post. I know you'll find useful these informations. Dr. Doru Laza presents the therapeutical effects of lavander and here they are:

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Active principles: volatile oil 1 - 3% (linalyl acetate, linalool, borneol, geraniol, cineol), flavonoids, triterpene, coumarin derivatives, tannins.

Pharmacological action: Sedative, relaxing, antidepressant, slightly hypnotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antialgic, revulsive, rebalancing blood circulation, carminative, diuretic, sudorific, tonic, febrifuge.

Therapeutic indications: insomnia, irritability, nervous hyperexcitability neurasthenia, anxiety, headache, migraine, depression, panic attack, neuralgia, upper respiratory tract disease (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, convulsive cough, flu) and inferior (respiratory viruses, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, interstitial pneumonitis) sinusitis, toothache, hypotension, arterial circulation, poor peripheral (cold hands and feet), dyspepsia, intestinal colic, meteorism, flatulence, intestinal parasitism, contusions, rheumatism, febrile states, leukorrhea, infections, plagues, insect stings, tegumentary scar, scabies, pediculosis.

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Method of preparation and administration

Internally

Infusion - one teaspoon full of the chopped plant is infused for 3 minutes in 500 ml of boiling water. Drink 4 x 1/2 cup/day . It has soothing and calming effect.

Or you can try this Tea Recipe

• Lavender: Flower Peaks and Flowers (Lavandulae summitates et.flores) 15g
• Linden flowers (Tiliae flores) 10g
• Oregano (Origani herba) 30g
• Lamb's tongue leaves and flowers (Borraginis folia et.flores) 10g
• Elderberry flowers (Sambucii nigrae flores) 20g
•  Wild pansy (Violae tricoloris herba) 10g

Two teaspoons full of this mixture are infused for 3 minutes in 250 ml boiling water. Strain them. Drink 2-3 x 1/2 cup/day.

Tincture 3 x 20 drops / day. For insomnia, 30-60 drops diluted in 100 ml of water or linden tea are administered in the evening.

Essential oil => 3 x 3 drops / day, taken with 1/2 teaspoon of honey.

Powder 3 x 1/3 teaspoon, plant (powder) / day.

❕❕ Warning Note: Do not administer internally at high doses because it causes a high excitability, followed by heart depression, drowsiness and hypothermia.

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External use

1. Concentrated infusion: 4-6 teaspoons filled with chopped plant, infuse 3 minutes in a liter of boiling water. It is used as a disinfectant for wounds, for vaginal cleansing or added to bathing water, for partial baths.
2. Lavender essential oil (Aetheroleum Lavandulae): It is used in the form of:

• gargarisms: with 2-3 drops of essential oil, diluted In a glass of warm water, it is recommended in ulcerations of the oral mucosa, tongue and in tonsillitis;
• In respiratory diseases: add 2-3 drops of essential oil to hot water or tea prepared for inhalation;
• Compresses: Prepare an anti-algae oil solution: Homogenizing 6 drops of essential oil of lavender in 30 ml of St John's Wort or Olive Oil; Compression applies to the painful region for 10 minutes
• gentle massage with undiluted essential oil on the scalp to strengthen the hair
• Gentle massage at the joints or painful areas, in rheumatism and contusions, using the oily compressible oil solution:
• gentle massage in the temples and forehead, in migraines or headaches, using the oily solution mentioned in the compresses;

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Aromatic Vinegar

• Lavender - floral peaks and flowers 50g
• Mint - leaves 10g
• Basil - plant 30g
• Oregano -plant 30g
• Breckland thyme -planta 15g
• Jenupar - fruit 15g
• Sage - leaves 20g
• Elderberry - flowers 30g

Place the plants in a 2 liter jar. Add 1 liter of apple and honey vinegar over the plants and allow to soak for 10 days, shaking the glass daily. You strain it and the strained solution is filled with apple and honey vinegar, up to 1 liter. Store in dark bottles and hermetically sealed.

It is used as:

• Gentle massage to treat fever, flu, rheumatic pain, contusions
• Compression applied to painful areas.

Next, I would love to highlight some studies on Lavander. I added the source of these studies, so you are more than welcomed to read them if you're interested!

Lavender and the Nervous System STUDY

by  Peir Hossein Koulivand, Maryam Khaleghi Ghadiri and Ali Gorji

In this study, a survey on current experimental and clinical state of knowledge about the effect of lavender on the nervous system is given. 

Several investigations were performed to clarify the mechanism of action of lavender in neuronal tissues.These findings indicate that several targets relevant to treatment of Alzheimer's disease; anticholinergic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant activities could be found in lavender. The neuroprotective effect of lavender oil against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury is suggested to be attributed to its antioxidant effects.  

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Anxiety, Depression, and Lavender

Three clinical trials were identified which investigated the efficacy of oral lavender oil preparation (silexan; an essential oil produced from lavender flowers by steam distillation), administered once daily at a dose of 80 mg/day, in subsyndromal (mixed) anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder as well as in restlessness and agitation.  Anxiolytic effect of lavender was superior to placebo in 221 patients suffering from anxiety disorder. In addition, lavender improved associated symptoms such as restlessness, disturbed sleep, and somatic complaints and had a beneficial influence on general well-being and quality of life. In line with this study, the efficacy of a 6-week-intake of oral lavender oil preparation (Silexan, 80 mg/day), compared to lorazepam, was investigated in adults with generalized anxiety disorder. This study indicates that lavender effectively ameliorates generalized anxiety comparable to 0.5 mg/daily lorazepam.

An investigation on the effect of lavender aromatherapy (diluted to 2% concentration) on anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman showed a significant improvement of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale after four consecutive weeks of administration of lavender.

A clinical investigation points to antidepressive effect of lavender. Adjuvant therapy of lavender tincture (1 : 5 in 50% alcohol; 60 drops/day) and imipramine (100 mg/daily) in treatment of forty-eight adult outpatients suffering from mild-to-moderate depression led to a better and earlier improvement. 

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Sleep and Lavender

Lavender has been suggested as an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve the sleep quality. Single-blind randomized studies investigated the effectiveness of lavender odor on quality of sleep showed that lavender improved the mean scores of sleep quality in fifteen healthy students, in sixty-four ischemic heart disease patients, and in thirty-four midlife women with insomnia. Ten individuals with insomnia, verified by a score of 5 or more on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were treated with lavender odor. Six to eight drops of lavender oil added each night to the cartridge improved the PSQI score by −2.5 points. 

A mixture of essential oils including lavender, basil, juniper, and sweet marjoram is shown to reduce sleep disturbance and improve overall well-being in older patients.

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Pain and Lavender

Lavender reported to be useful in the treatment of acute as well as chronic or intractable pain. It has been shown that foot massage using lavender essential oil in 100 ICU patients of whom 50% were receiving artificial ventilation was effective in lowering blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, wakefulness, and pain. Treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration with lavender oil in 115 patients revealed a significant pain relief mostly from the first dose, ulcer size reduction, increased rate of mucosal repair, and healing within three days of treatment compared to baseline and placebo groups. 

Inhalation of lavender essential oil is suggested to be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches. Forty-seven patients suffering from migraine attacks reported significant reduction of pain severity and associated symptoms after fifteen minutes inhalation of lavender oil (2-3 drops of the lavender essential oil rubbed onto their upper lip) in the early stages of the attacks 

You can find more informations data within this study here! 

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A Comparison STUDY of Growth Factor Expression following Treatment with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Saline Solution, Povidone-Iodine, and Lavender Oil in Wounds Healing

by Adalet Koca Kutlu, Dilek Çeçen, Seren Gülşen Gürgen, Oya Sayın and Ferihan Çetin

 This study compared the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), saline solution (SS), povidone-iodine (PI), and lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) through expression of growth factors in a rat model of wound healing. Six experimental groups were established, each containing 8 rats: a healthy group with no incision wounds, an incision-control group, an incision and TENS group, an incision and SS group, an incision and PI group, and an incision and lavender oil group. Experiments continued for 5 days, after which the skin in the excision area was removed. 

 Lavender oil is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, sedative, and/or antidepressant effects and has traditionally been used. In addition to its antimicrobial effects, the anti-inflammatory analgesic properties of lavender oil have also been emphasized. Macroscopic examination of the wound site in the lavender oil group rats in this study revealed no signs of edema, discharge, or local infection. These findings confirm the effects of lavender oil previously described in the literature. 

 The use of L. Angustifolia is particularly recommended in chronically infected wounds due to its immune-stimulating and antimicrobial effects. 

 There are also reports that lavender oil reduces scar tissue .

According to the results of this study,  the highest level of PDGF-A was in the TENS group.  The second highest levels of PDGF-A expression were in the SS (that's very good to know)  and PI groups. The healthy, control, and lavender oil groups exhibited lower PDGF-A expression levels.  

The conclusion of this study was that TENS increases dermis renewal and contraction through PDGF-A, the most potent stimulator, in wound healing.  BUT also  Lavender oil would seem to accelerate reepithelialization and wound closure by enhancing EGF secretion.  

I believe that is important that lavander has wound healing properties. It doesn't matter that it has lower levels of healing substances; It is a natural medicine and we can use it anytime and anyhow in our homes!

You can read the entire study informations here, at its original source!

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Chemical composition and antifungal activity of the essential oils of Lavandula viridis L'Hér. (STUDY)

by Mónica Zuzarte,  Maria José Gonçalves,  Carlos Cavaleiro, Jorge Canhoto, Luís Vale-Silva,  Maria João Silva, Eugénia Pinto, Lígia Salgueiro

Published on 01 May 2011, Journal of Medical Microbiology 60: 612-618, doi: 10.1099/jmm.0.027748-0

Over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the number of serious human infections in immunocompromised patients caused by fungi. In recent years, research on aromatic plants, and particularly their essential oils, has attracted many investigators. Essential oils have traditionally been used for centuries for their antifungal properties. More recently, several studies have confirmed the huge potential of these natural products as antifungal agents. Therefore, it is not surprising that essential oils are one of the most promising groups of natural products for the development of broad-spectrum, safer and cheaper antifungal agents. 

Lavandula oils have been reported to have sedative and antispasmodic properties, as well as acaricidal, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities.  

This study reports the chemical composition, antifungal activity and mechanism of action of L. viridis essential oils.  The essential oils from air-dried plant material were isolated by hydrodistillation for 3 h, using a Clevenger-type apparatus according to the European Pharmacopoeia.

The essential oil was used to evaluate the antifungal activity against several pathogenic strains involved in human diseases. Various degrees of inhibition were registered against all the fungi tested.  The highest antifungal activity was observed against dermatophyte strains and Cryptococcus neoformans. The essential oil was also found to inhibit filamentation in the tested Candida albicans strains.

Read the entire study here.

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Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice STUDY

by Boo Hyeong Lee, Jae Soon Lee and Young Chul Kim

The purpose of this study was to determine the hair growth effects of lavender oil (LO) in female C57BL/6 mice.  This study investigated the practicality of using LO as a hair growth stimulant, as compared to treatment with 3% MXD, which has been approved by the US-FDA, and to provide basis for the development of hair loss treatments.  

The experimental animals were divided into a normal group (N: saline), a vehicle control group (VC: jojoba oil), a positive control group (PC: 3% minoxidil), experimental group 1 (E1: 3% LO), and experimental group 2 (E2: 5% LO). Test compound solutions were topically applied to the backs of the mice (100 μL per application), once per day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. 

PC, E1, and E2 groups showed a significantly increased number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened dermal layer, along with a significantly decreased number of mast cells compared to the N group. These results indicated that LO has a marked hair growth-promoting effect, as observed morphologically and histologically. 

Why?

BECAUSE Lavender oil (LO) constituents include linalyl acetate, linalool, and geraniol. It is known to be effective for the recovery of fatigue, the relaxation of stress, the growth of cells, the reproduction of skin, and alopecia areata. Among these constituents, linalyl acetate ester is effective for the relaxation of nerves, and as a tincture, linalool has antifungal effects  

Read the entire study here. 

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Effects Of Lavander Tea On Fatigue, Sleep Disturbance and Maternal Attachment IN Postnatal Mother 

by Rizu Negi, Manju Chhugani, Somibala Thokchom

This study was conducted in New Delhi, India to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender tea in relieving fatigue, enhancing sleep quality and in improving maternal-infant attachment during the postpartum period.

A total of 60 Indian postnatal women with no history of allergy to herbal teas, foods, or medicines were assigned systematically to either the experimental group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The participants in the experimental group were instructed to drink one cup of lavender tea after spending time to appreciate and smell the aroma each day for a period of 2 weeks, whereas their control group received regular postpartum care only. 

Data gathered were analyzed and interpreted using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that administration of lavender tea to postnatal mothers in experimental group for 14 consecutive days was to be effective in decreasing fatigue level, improving sleep quality and improving maternal infant  attachment of postnatal mother whereas in control group regular postpartum care found not effective in improving maternal infant attachment.

This study supports the popular claim for the beneficial effects of lavender tea on fatigue, sleep quality, and maternal-infant attachment in postpartum women. The lack of reported side effects further supports lavender tea consumption as an alternative therapy that is safe, simple, cost-effective, and viable for all clients .

Read entire study here 

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Ughhhh, I KNOW! I think this is the most super long article I write on steemit. But honestly, I couldn't decide what infos should I write or not. I found all of them relevant and useful for everyone. 

I guess you already make yourself an idea of what Lavander is used for by now!

Tea, tinctures, essential oil, bathing, aromatheraphy! I do all of this regarding my problem at the moment. But I mostly use it for relaxation. I like to watch a movie, drink a cup of tea, put some Lavander essential oil in my diffuser and "dip" my feet in lavander salt water! 

Here are some photos so you can see what I'm talking about!

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In my introduction post I wrote about my business here in Romania, meaning that I do handmade gift baskets full of healthy products: cosmetics and foods. I also started to make homemade cosmetics for my friends and I with oils, powders, essential oils, clay, extracts and other healthy natural ingredients.

In these photos down below you'll see my Lavander Salt Bath, handcream with Lavander Essential Oil, Antifungical Cleaner and two baskets with Lavander Theme. I love what I'm doing and I love more that my customers are happy with my goodies! 

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The recipe of this antifungical cleaner is so simple: ACV (apple cider vinegar), Citric Acid, Tea Tree essential oil, Oregano essential oil, Clove essential oil and Lavander essential oil. Just mix the ingredients and its all done. I use it for everything and I always have it with me, in my purse also in the car. 

For my Salt Bath I used our romanian brand Praid Salt, Lavander flowers and Lavander essential oil.

Salt baths work because of the natural mineral salts they contain. They restore the mineral balance of the body through the skin. Medical research has long established the absorption of various drugs through the skin. Natural salt contains many minerals, including magnesium, that help the nervous system, diminish stress and help eliminate water retention. All salt brings calcium into the body, which fortifies the bones. It contains the potassium you need in the blood, especially after you have put effort, and generally for a healthy skin. Bromine in natural salt heals and relaxes your muscles. And of course you need sodium for a strong immune system and for optimal fluid balance in your body.

So, mix this with the therapeutic effect of the lavander essential oil and flowers! 

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This is one of my cats, the only baby boy cat I have, Milo! I think he loves Lavander too, don't you think? Cause...let's be honest, who's not??

Also, don't forget to check out my recipe of Herbal Lemonade with Raspberries Lavander Thyme Rosemary and Mint!! 

It is insane!!!Yumm! Perfect for everyone everywhere everytime! haha :p

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I hope you enjoy reading my post, I know it was much to read!

Wish you all the health in the world, 

Love, 

MissDeli 💜 

ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! ALL THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN WITH MY SAMSUNG S8. 

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