My interest in natural treatments is deepening. Nature’s mysteries continue to unfold for me and I am appreciating its wisdom in a way that I have not in the past. That plants have evolved alongside humans and developed chemicals to help them survive is nothing short of amazing. The chemicals in the plan serve to protect the plant from a variety of threats as well as attracting beneficial interactions. This explains not only their use for aromatherapy but a long list of medicinal uses by people.
Lavender is the most common essential oil. The word lavender is derived from Latin ‘lavare’ meaning “to wash” referring to its use as an infusion. It is a genus of about 30 species from the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are native to the countries bordering the Mediterranean sea.
Lavender has fragrant leaves and pretty flowers. The dried flowers, for example, have long been used in sachets to scent chests and closets. It is also sometimes used to flavor beverages and food.
Its use dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used in the mummification process. Later, lavender became a bath additive in several regions, including Persia, ancient Greece, and Rome. These cultures believed that lavender helped purify the body and mind.
It has been used to treat many different ailments, including:
- mental health issues
- anxiety
- insomnia
- depression
- headaches
- hair loss
- nausea
- acne
- toothaches
- skin irritations
- cancer
The super geeky info (you have my permission to skip):
There are some 100 individual phytochemicals have been extracted from lavender oil, including major contents of linalyl acetate (30-55%) and linalool (20-35%). These two phytochemical may decrease anxiety in combination via inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, reduction of 5HT1A receptor activity, and increased parasympathetic tone.
Lavela WS 1265 is Integrative Therapeutics’ lavender oil in a capsule. Their product information cites 3 controlled studies in peer-reviewed medical journals that proves it promotes relaxation and calm nervousness with safety and efficacy.
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Dr. Laurie Goldman is a medical doctor, psychiatrist, and functional medicine practitioner who’s been in private practice since 1999. She founded Clear Path Wellness to help her patients reach their maximum state of mental and physical health using a personalized, comprehensive approach powered by the principles of functional medicine, which treats the whole person, not just symptoms.