Lavender has been as popular as it is versatile for some time now, used widely across diverse areas of life like cooking, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, to name a few. In addition to these uses, lavender has also been valued for centuries for its holistic healing capabilities – utilized in pursuit of both mental and physical wellbeing
In this article, we will explore the details of the history of lavender, the nuances of its extracts, its significance over time, the science behind its benefits, and how it can be used in mental healthcare within practices like Carencia.
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Care when you need it.
A patient's ability to respond to occasional anxiety has the potential to interfere with the enjoyment of life and even the ability to perform ordinary daily activities. In addition to lifestyle and behavioral modifications, supplementation can also play a role in supporting a balanced mood.
Understanding Lavender and Its Extracts
Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a flowering plant in the mint family, native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated throughout the world. Its extracts come from the flowers, leaves, and stems, and are rich in essential oils with calming, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
Not all lavender extracts are the same, however, as their quality can vary based on how and where the lavender is grown and how the oil is extracted. This variability is important in determining how effective the extract will be for different uses.
Some examples you may be familiar with include:
Lavender Essential Oil
Made by extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant through steam distillation.
Used For:
- Aromatherapy
- Topical Application
- Bath Products
- Massage Oil
Lavender Hydrosol
Made as a byproduct of the essential oil distillation process.
Used For:
- Facial Toner
- Room Deodorizing Spray
- Clothing Deodorizing Spray
Lavender Flowers (Dried)
Made by carefully harvesting and dehydrating the flowers in order to preserve their scent and other beneficial properties.
Used For:
- Fragrance Sachets
- Herbal Teas & Other Drinks
- Bath Soaks & Other Bathing Products
- Culinary Uses (Syrups, Garnishes, etc.)
Lavender Tincture
Made by soaking lavender flowers in alcohol or glycerin to extract beneficial compounds.
Used For:
- Dietary Supplements
- Homemade Skin Care Products
Lavender-Infused Oil
Made by soaking lavender flowers in a carrier oil, such as olive oil.
Used For:
- Massage Oil
- Skin Care Products
- Hair Care Products
Lavender’s Use Over Time
Lavender has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations for medicinal, culinary, and ceremonial purposes. The Egyptians used it in mummification and as a perfume. The Greeks and Romans added it to their bathwater for its fragrance and cleansing properties. During the Middle Ages, lavender was commonly used in herbal medicine to ward off diseases.
In fact, using archeological finds from Roman times, we can actually see how valuable lavender was in that culture – with a pound of lavender costing the equivalent of an average Roman citizen’s monthly wages.
As early as the 17th-Century, lavender was used in English cuisine – particularly in dessert use cases and as a garnish. During this time, the flower also saw symbolic use as an emblem of various niche communities across cultures.
Today, lavender (in particular, English lavender) is found in many products across a similar diversity of industries. Its flowers and oils are used in cooking to add its flavor and fragrance to dishes like cookies, cakes, jams, and even roasted meats. The vibrant color of lavender is used in dyes for fabrics and crafts, and its soothing properties make it a popular ingredient in lotions, soaps, and bath products designed to promote relaxation and skin health.
In aromatherapy use cases, lavender essential oil is used in diffusers or applied to pulse points to help reduce stress and improve sleep.
Lavender’s Medicinal Effectiveness
Modern scientific research supports many traditional uses of lavender, especially in promoting mental wellness. Lavender contains active compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have calming and anxiety-reducing effects, and some studies have shown that inhaling lavender essential oil can lower heart rate and blood pressure, helping to reduce physical symptoms of stress.
For example, a study found that people who inhaled lavender oil before a stressful event had significantly lower anxiety levels compared to those who didn’t. Another study showed that taking oral supplements with lavender oil could reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder as effectively as some prescription medications, but with fewer side effects.
These calming effects are believed to be due to lavender’s interaction with GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety levels.
Lavender in Mental Healthcare
Lavender oil supplements can, through consistent dosage, offer a natural way to manage anxiety and improve sleep quality. Many people find these supplements to be a gentle alternative to prescription medications, with fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependency.
In the United States, while lavender is not commonly prescribed by healthcare providers, it is widely available as a supplement. However, Europe has been leading the way in integrating lavender into mental healthcare treatment plans.
In Europe, lavender is not only a popular herbal remedy but also a medically recognized treatment for anxiety. A particular lavender oil preparation is often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder in Germany and other European countries, and clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms with fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.
In Germany specifically, the national scientific committee on traditional medicine, known as Commission E, documented that lavender flower is used in herbal practices to treat conditions like restlessness or insomnia, Roemheld syndrome, intestinal discomfort, cardiovascular diseases, and more.
In another instance, a study involving 539 patients with anxiety disorders found that those treated with lavender oil had a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to those given a placebo. The lavender oil preparation was well-tolerated, with fewer adverse effects than common anti-anxiety drugs.
Take the Next Step Toward Holistic Wellness
At Carencia, we are in a constant state of learning, evolving our practice and treatment approaches to better meet your needs, no matter what they are — from innovative techniques to better involving ancient herbal approaches like lavender.
Lavender’s diverse benefits make it a great tool for empowering mental, physical, and lifestyle wellness. We are proud to offer a Carencia lavender kit, if you’re interested in learning more about how this incredible flower could improve your daily life!
Reach out to us today to learn more about how lavender and other holistic supplements can support your overall wellness. Together, we can create a personalized whole-body wellness plan that fits your unique needs and goals.