7 Medicinal Uses of Lavender Backed by Science

 Lavender is one of the most well-known fragrant herbs in the world. The smell of lavender is everywhere: in scented soaps and candles, cleaning products, skincare, and haircare. In fact, lavender is so common that it’s easy to overlook as something that can make a change in your wellbeing. But make no mistake - it most certainly can help you lead a healthier life. 

This fragrant herb has many scientifically-proven medicinal properties for both your body and mind. In this post, we go through these health benefits and explain how to use the many forms of lavender in your daily life.

The Medicinal History of Lavender

  

Lavender been cherished for its pleasant fragrance, soft purple color, and medicinal properties for millennia. There are 47 known species of lavender in the world, all of which are native to the Mediterranian and northern Africa.

This herb has a far-reaching history in herbal medicine. The Ancient Egyptians were the first civilization that recorded the use of lavender - they used lavender oil during the mummification process. But the English name of the plant is of Latin origin. It stems from the word lavare, which means “to wash.” This name describes the way ancient cultures like the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Persians used the herb, as dried lavender blooms or lavender oil would be commonly added to baths.

Today, lavender is commercially grown all across the world to make essential oil, which is produced by distilling the flowers of the herb. Both the plant and essential oil are known to have many beneficial properties and uses.

Medicinal Qualities Of Lavender

1. It improves your quality of sleep

For millennia, people would place dried lavender flowers inside their pillows to promote better sleep. This is how the herb’s reputation as a powerful relaxing agent has begun. The smell of the herb is said to help insomnia and other sleep problems, and there are over 15 studies showing that aromatherapy, including lavender essential oil, has a beneficial effect on people with mild sleep disorders.

People who use lavender oil aromatherapy report feeling more well-rested according to a study from 2015. If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, try smelling lavender oil or use lavender aromatherapy before you go to bed.

2. Soothes Migraines 

The smell of lavender seems to be beneficial for migraine sufferers. A 2012 study in people who suffer from migraines found that inhaling lavender essential oil for 15 minutes can help reduce the recurrence of migraines and makes the headaches that do occur less severe. Another study also suggests that migraine sufferers experience weaker migraines after 3 months of daily lavender essential oil inhalation without experiencing any other side effects.
 

3. Quells anxiety

 

People who suffer from anxiety may experience marked benefits from using lavender. In fact, one research paper compared the use of lavender capsules to lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication, and made the conclusion they had very similar effects. Furthermore, a large review article from 2019 concluded that anxiety sufferers who take a capsule containing 160 milligrams of lavender oil experienced a significant reduction in anxiety after just 2 weeks of use.

The anxiolytic, or anxiety-reducing properties of lavender seem to work on the spot too, as shown in a study where participants were exposed to the smell of lavender in a waiting room right before a dentist appointment. A similar calming effect was also observed in seniors at a coronary intensive care unit. The experimenters noted that patients exposed to lavender essential oil were calmer and slept better.

Finally, the National Cancer Institute suggests that lavender aromatherapy may reduce anxiety about cancer procedures. Therefore, the anxiolytic properties of lavender aromatherapy seem not to be limited to a specific age or underlying medical conditions.

4. Helps depression

The evidence that lavender is beneficial for depression may not be as plentiful as the studies about anxiety, but newer research is definitely encouraging. 

One of the first human studies that linked depression relief and the use of lavender was published in 2015. The study was conducted among patients undergoing hemodialysis, a procedure where a machine is used to clean your blood. During the treatment, patients inhaled lavender, which helped them reduce their levels of both stress and depression. Similar findings were observed in postpartum women in a 2016 research article. Finally, a study from 2020 showed that seniors who drank lavender tea 2 times a day for 14 days experienced had experienced less anxiety and depression than their peers in the control group.
 

5. Promotes hair growth

People who suffer from a condition called alopecia areata, which makes you lose hair in patches, may benefit from applying a solution of lavender oil on the affected area. A 1998 experiment in patients suffering from this type of hair loss found that the essential oil was capable of promoting hair growth by as much as 44% after 7 months of use. A more recent study, albeit in mice, also supported these findings - increased hair growth was observed in mice after 28 days of treatment.

6. Heals burns and reduces acne and other skin conditions

 Lavender is a famous traditional remedy for burns. Applying diluted lavender oil on the affected area can reduce the chance of developing an infection after a burn, says a 2009 study. As for the use of essential oils for skin conditions, it has been debated in the past because some people seem to be sensitive to them.

However, when used carefully and sparingly, lavender oil seems to improve several skin conditions. For these concerns, we recommend that you always dilute lavender oil in a neutral oil or a bland moisturizer and patch test before using it directly on a visible area on the skin. 

Lavender oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, so it can help heal acne faster. The oil can kill germs that cause acne - according to a 2013 study. Patients suffering from skin itching and skin rashes also feel that applying lavender brings relief to their symptoms, found a 2020 research article.

7. Promotes wound healing

Not just burns and pimples, but any kind of wound can be healed faster with a drop of lavender oil. This was a conclusion of a research paper published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine that looked at the effects of several complementary wound healing treatments. 

A meta-analysis published in 2020 also suggests that lavender boosts the rate of tissue regeneration and the growth of collagen. Continue reading to find out how to use lavender oil to reap all of these health benefits.

How to use lavender oil

Lavender begins as a purple flower, but it is available in multiple forms, such as: 

Fresh or dried flowers 

Essential oil 

Tea 

Capsules 

Scented candle 

Bath salt 

Various hair and beauty products. 

Manufactured products, such as candles, capsules, and teas are pretty simple to use and merely require you to follow the instructions on the packaging. Using fresh lavender or lavender oil may be a bit trickier, so here are a few useful tips for beginners.

Fresh lavender  

If you grow lavender flowers in your garden or have access to fresh lavender, you can use fresh flowers and leaves can be used in cooking, much like you would use fresh rosemary. Lavender can be added to meat marinades, salads, or baked goods. 

You can also use dried lavender in your cooking, in potpourri, to steep some tea, or to add to your linen closet to imbue your bed sheets and towels with a relaxing smell.

Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is best used in aromatherapy. There are various ways to do so: 

1. Hold a bottle of lavender oil close to your nose and smell it for several minutes. 

2. Add 5-7 drops of lavender oil into a diffuser and let the relaxing smell spread through the room. 

3. Mix together 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol, and 10 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle. Use the mixture to spray the bedsheets before bedtime or spray around the room anytime for a calming boost.

4. Add 3-5 drops of lavender oil to a warm bath.

You can also use lavender essential oil directly on your skin, but make sure to always dilute it in a carrier oil beforehand to prevent irritation. Use one drop of essential oil for 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or moisturizer. Examples of carrier oil are grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc. 

When purchasing lavender essential oil, we recommend going for oils packaged in dark glass bottles, ideally from a reputable brand. This way, you will get the highest quality oil and don’t have to worry about it losing its potency. Unlike the plant itself, lavender essential oil can be toxic when ingested and may cause stomach cramps, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Avoid consuming lavender essential oil.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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8 Secret Herbs the Native Americans Used to Cure

The Cherokee Nation is a Native American tribe hailing from Oklahoma and the surrounding American states. The Cherokees believe that they were given herbs and plants by their Creator. They saw them as gifts which allowed them to treat and cure illnesses and ailments. These plants were used to heal various illnesses. Their extensive knowledge of the healing properties of regional herbs and plants was handed down from one generation to another. Unfortunately, many of the herbs and plants used by the tribe have become scarce due to over-consumption and damage to the land. In taking these herbs, be gentle and selective, and always consult a licensed naturopath.

1. Buckbrush 

 

This herb was traditionally used as a medicinal substance with diuretic properties. Traditionally, it was used to stimulate proper kidney function. Members of the same plant family have also been used to treat mouth and throat ailments, inflammation, as well as cysts and tumors. Specific health issues, such as inflamed tonsils, childbirth aftercare, hemorrhoids, swollen spleens and swollen lymph nodes are also treated by such herbs. Consume as a tea by bringing water to boil, then steeping the roots and bark in water for about five minutes. Drink immediately.

2. Mint 

Mint is often used in cooking, but what most people don't know is that it is a powerful antioxidant that contains vitamins A and C, as well as phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium. The Cherokee drank mint tea to stimulate the digestive system as well as to lower blood pressure. Mint leaves are crushed to create salves and ointments and are also used in baths to relieve rashes and itching. 

 

3. Yarrow 

 

 

One of its best-known properties lies in its ability to reduce blood clots, which can help a minor wound to form a scab and heal. When ingested with water, yarrow can help reduce tissue inflammation in the intestines and digestive tract. The Cherokee used yarrows for these ailments and more. They prepared it as a tea and used a concoction of leaves and stems (applied topically) to treat skin conditions, including dry skin and acne. 

 

4. Wild Ginger 

 

Many Native American tribes have used wild ginger for medicinal purposes. The Cherokee tribe used the herb to stimulate digestion. It was used by the tribe to help with ailments such as colic, intestinal bloating and gas, as well as stomach aches and cramps. Wild ginger was also used to rid the lungs of excess mucus.

5. Smilax Bona-Nox 

This plant was used as a blood purifier and a mild diuretic. Used in the form of tea, this herb was also found to treat arthritis, using its roots. The leaves and bark of the plant can be mixed with lard to create a salve that will help treat minor burns, cuts, scrapes and sores. 

 

6. Blackberries 

Blackberries have long been deemed a potent health supplement. The tribe used them to sooth stomach issues. The roots of the blackberry plant were sweetened with honey and this concoction was used to soothe sore throats, coughs, bleeding gums and mouth sores. The root also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and improve joint mobility. 

 

7. Curly Dock 

Used as an ingredient in salads, curly dock has a sweet yet sour taste and is packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. It was also believed to contain a rich source of iron. The herb was also believed to have laxative properties. The Cherokee ground up and mixed it with beeswax, and a bit of oil. The salve was used as an ointment for minor cuts, sores, rashes and other skin irritations. 

 

8. Mullein 

This traditional herb could help with lung and respiratory problems. The Cherokee burned the mullein roots and inhaled the smoke which they believed opened up the airways and eased inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the respiratory tract. The flowers can be used to prepare a sedative tea to treat joint pain as well as migraine headaches. 

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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11 Tasty Foods for Good Gut Health

When your gut is healthy, the rest will follow. Understanding what the best foods for gut health are has become an essential form of modern self-care. Take it from Emily English, a nutritionist and founder of the gut health supplement Epetõme.

“What you eat is the biggest day-to-day influence on your gut microbiome,” English says. “If you’re eating a diet rich in plants and a mix of fermented foods, you’re feeding the right bacteria. If your diet’s low in fiber and high in ultra-processed foods, you’re doing the opposite.”

 

In short, some foods are more gut-nurturing than others. These are 11 of the best foods for gut health, handpicked by experts who know how to keep their microbiome in check.

Why is gut health important?

Your gut can influence everything from how well you sleep to how frequent your bathroom breaks are. “Your gut is basically the control center for so much more than digestion,” English says. “It’s where you break down food, absorb nutrients, and it’s home to about 70% of your immune system. The trillions of bacteria living there help keep inflammation in check, support your hormones, and even influence your mood.”

An unhappy gut manifests through the usual suspects: bloating and constipation, but Rachel Gargano, chief registered dietitian at the supplement company Live it Up, says that, “additional symptoms include unintentional weight changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, skin conditions like psoriasis, or food intolerances.” While these symptoms could have other root causes, fueling your gut with the right stuff is always a pragmatic first step.

The best food types for gut health

Building a gut-friendly diet hinges on two essentials: understanding the role of different food groups and keeping variety on your plate. In terms of said groups, English advises starting with high-fiber plant foods such as vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. “They are what your gut bacteria feed on,” she says. Then start introducing “fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and live yogurt that bring in live culture that can help with diversity.”

Next in line? “Polyphenol-rich foods such as berries, olive oil, herbs and spices which your bacteria also use in a way that benefits you,” adds English. And mixing things up is key. “Different bacteria eat different things, so the more variety you give them, the more diverse your microbiome will be. I always say to aim for 30 different plant foods a week.”

Those who suffer with IBS, intolerance, or active inflammation should remember that “jumping in with big portions of high-fiber or fermented foods can backfire and make symptoms worse,” English says. “It’s better to go slowly and build up.”

Prebiotics vs probiotics: What’s the difference?

Knowing the scoop on these two will come in handy when figuring out what’s best to eat. Indeed, they both support your gut, but go about it in different ways.

Prebiotic foods, as explained by Dr. Wuraola Adeyemo, GP and founder of the UK supplement company Seazenal, “contain live beneficial microorganisms that can help maintain or restore a healthy gut microbiome.” Probiotics, in contrast, “are the types of dietary fiber or plant compounds that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut.” Simply put, probiotics are the good bacteria and prebiotics are the food for the good bacteria.

Both yield their own benefits in building our gut microbiome, but Gargano emphasizes that probiotics may be harder to get from foods alone, and the benefits are much more subtle. Which is why doctors might sometimes encourage their patients to consume probiotics supplements after taking antibiotics. “We simply can’t get enough [from food] to have the impact your gut may need if it’s out of balance.”

 

Prebiotic foods, as explained by Dr. Wuraola Adeyemo, GP and founder of the UK supplement company Seazenal, “contain live beneficial microorganisms that can help maintain or restore a healthy gut microbiome.” Probiotics, in contrast, “are the types of dietary fiber or plant compounds that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut.” Simply put, probiotics are the good bacteria and prebiotics are the food for the good bacteria.

Both yield their own benefits in building our gut microbiome, but Gargano emphasizes that probiotics may be harder to get from foods alone, and the benefits are much more subtle. Which is why doctors might sometimes encourage their patients to consume probiotics supplements after taking antibiotics. “We simply can’t get enough [from food] to have the impact your gut may need if it’s out of balance.”

Side note: All beans and legumes are great for your gut health—kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts—your pick. “Not only are they high in prebiotic fiber and resistant starch, they are also rich sources of antioxidants,” Gargano says.

Bananas

“Bananas feed your gut bacteria, with the added benefit of being soothing for the digestive system and helping support regular bowel movements, especially useful if you’re prone to constipation,” says Dr. Gill, adding that the brownness affects its specific benefits. “Slightly underripe bananas have more prebiotic benefit, but ripe bananas are better tolerated for those with constipation.”

Kiwis

“Kiwi fruit is well known for its effects on constipation,” Dr. Gill says, explaining that “the fruit’s high-water holding capacity can help bulk out stool” and “improve gut mobility due to the action of the enzyme called actinidin.” What’s more, “two skin-on kiwis contain around 6g of fibre and nearly 200mg of vitamin C (up to three times the content of an orange).” Vitamin C is believed to support gut health, though there's limited research to support that claim.

Raspberries

Raspberries are the highest-fiber fruit, English says. “With around 8g per cup, [raspberries contain] mostly soluble fiber that feeds beneficial bacteria and supports healthy digestion. They’re also rich in polyphenols, which your gut turns into anti-inflammatory compounds.”

Salmon

Oily fish contain essential omega-3s, which “can reshape gut microbiome composition and function,” Dr Gill says. “What’s more, regularly eating fish is linked with a lower risk of cognitive decline via the gut-brain axis—the two-way communication between the gut and the brain.”

Chia seeds

“Chia seeds are especially high in fiber, providing around 10g per tablespoon which equates to one third of your daily fiber needs (30g a day),” Dr. Gill says. “They are also a rich source of alphalinolenic acid (ALA), an essential plant-based omega-3 and supply an abundance of polyphenols.” Given their capacity to absorb water, “the fiber part of chia seeds can hold around 15 times their weight, so it’s thought that they may have a laxative effect.”

Yogurt (with live cultures)

“Yogurt is a fermented food, meaning specific bacteria were added to produce its specific flavor and texture,” Gargano says. However, not all yogurts are made with probiotics. Her tip is to look for the phrase ‘contains live and active cultures’ on the label, and you’re golden.

Kefir

Kefir is also part of the fermented foods group which introduces “beneficial bacteria that can help restore microbial diversity in the gut.” For the best results, English suggests looking for it “in the fridge aisle, with no added sugar, and not heat-treated, so the bacteria are still alive.”

Kimchi

Although unique in the sensory department, kimchi is a wonderful addition to your gut health repertoire. Dr. Adeyemo says that, like other fermented vegetables, kimchi “contains natural probiotics which can help increase the variety of good bacteria in your gut and support healthy digestion.”

What’s the deal with gut health supplements?

It's always best to try and fuel your body with whole foods, but a well-chosen supplement can occasionally support your gut health.

“If your diet is limited, you travel a lot, you’re under stress, or you’ve had an illness that’s knocked your gut out of balance, the right supplement can help bridge the gap,” English says.

As mentioned, the difference between prebiotics and probiotics is important here. When choosing supplements, Dr. Adeyemo shares that “probiotics may help maintain microbial diversity, especially after antibiotics, illness or disrupted routines,” while prebiotics are “helpful in nourishing the good bacteria already in the gut”.

Research shows that synbiotics, which blend the two, “tend to work better than probiotics alone at supporting a balanced microbiome”.

Be sure to speak to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have pre-existing troubles with your immune system.

 

 This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs