Quote:
Originally Posted by Gn2Dlnd
What does lavender do?
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Medicinal use
Flower of cultivated lavender;
Lavandula stoechas or Spanish lavender
Lavender has been used extensively in
herbalism.
English lavender,
Lavandula angustifolia, yields a highly effective
essential oil with very sweet overtones, and can be used in balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical applications. Lavandin,
Lavandula x intermedia (also known as French lavender), yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of
terpenes including
camphor, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Spanish lavender,
Lavandula stoechas is not used medicinally, but mainly for landscaping purposes.
Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It was used in hospitals during WWI to disinfect floors, walls and other surfaces. These extracts are also popularly used as fragrances for bath products.
An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of lavender are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an
infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water are recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink.
Lavender oil (or extract of Lavender) is claimed to heal
acne when used diluted 1:10 with water,
rosewater, or
witch hazel; it is also used in the treatment of skin burns and inflammatory conditions (it is a traditional treatment for these in
Iran).