Lavender is an herb. The flower and the oil of lavender are scientifically used to make medicine.
Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, and upset stomach.
Some people use lavender for painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.
Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss and pain, and to repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Some people add lavender to bathwater to treat circulation disorders and improve mental well being.
By inhalation, lavender is used as aromatherapy for insomnia, pain, and agitation related to dementia.
In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component.
In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, potpourri, and decorations.
Lavender contains an oil that seems to have sedating effects and might relax certain muscles.
PHOTO: Megumi Wada