Lavender is a gorgeous bloom which dates back thousands of years. So far back that it has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs… talk about ancient aromatherapy (and that’s as far as we know)!
I always loved lavender. So much so, my bedroom walls were lavender when I was a little girl. The obsession deepened when I was in Provence a few years back. Quaint shops littered the alleyways carrying intoxicating soaps, oils, salts, and sachets all filled with local lavender. At the time, I merely enjoyed lavender as a flower; its color and hypnotizing scent. Sure, I have heard of a few health benefits but I did not realize just how many things lavender could be used for overall. It’s incredibly versatile, has many health benefits, feels luxurious and is so easy to attain. All up my Provencal alley!
Here are 5 surprising health benefits of lavender. There are many other additional alleged benefits, however, I selected those with substantial research backing them. This is not to say that additional benefits are not true, we’re just trying our best to catch up with what the ancients already knew…
1. Topical Miracle
As an oil, used topically or as a mist-er, studies suggest lavender’s aroma has calming properties that have been shown to alleviate depression, anxiety, restlessness, and even insomnia. I use lavender mist every night as I turn down my bed over my sheets as a part of my nightly routine. I also use lavender mist before a meditation which is a nice initiation into the calm. Consider adding a natural floral scent to clean laundry and linens. I also keep a spritzer bottle of lavender oil in the fridge for a chilled mist which is oh-so-refreshing.
As if that weren’t enough, lavender oil applied topically to the scalp has been shown to help with hair loss associated with Alopecia Areata. It can also be used as a natural insect repellant! So far this is sounding like snake oil, but it’s not!
Aside from the cosmetic, aromatic and therapeutic benefits, what can lavender do? I love cooking with lavender and found that is full of healthy nutrients and vitamins.
2. Calcium
Nature never ceases to amaze me. I was raised in the 80s and was brainwashed to believe you wouldn’t get enough calcium if you didn’t drink a large glass of milk every day. We’ve come a long way! Or have we? I’m still thinking of those ancients who are scratching their heads and seeing how we’ve strayed from seeking out our very own plants for answers. Think of lavender for an added dose of calcium or even your daily requirement, depending on age.
3. Vitamin A
Looking to improve your eye health? Vitamin A can do just that. It’s great for dry eyes, preventing cataracts, and warding off eye infections.
4. Iron
Low iron is a common nutrient deficiency in those with Hashimoto’s. Keep anemia at bay and help your body produce hemoglobin and myoglobin found in your blood.
Since we’re on the topic of blood, topically, lavender has been shown to have a stimulating effect on coronary circulation; controlling blood pressure and increasing oxygenation levels in the body.
5. Antioxidants & Phytonutrients
Lavender is a natural source of antioxidants to protect your cells against free radicals. Phytonutrients are found in lavender too, which help prevent an assortment of diseases and keep your body working properly.
So are you at a loss as to how to add lavender to your diet? Please don’t be, I have loads of ideas for you! Try making Homemade Herbes de Provence, or add alone as a creative spice to fish or salad! Lavender can also be purchased as a tea, to help calm you before sleep. The opportunities are really endless!
If nothing else, lavender is a wonderful addition to any garden and is especially lovely fresh or dried in any room for a fragrant scent throughout the house.
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