Many natural remedies have not been approved by the FDA yet have had success with many people. We at Healthy Living are just going to give you the treatment and claims of some of these Natural cures. In the end you have to decide whether it is right for you. Today's supplement is lavender.Lavender
The lavenders Lavandula are a genus of about 25-30 species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native from the Mediterranean region south to tropical Africa and east to India. Lavender is the name for any of several aromatic shrubs, including English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia Mill. subsp. angustifolia, and French lavender, Lavandula dentata L. English lavender, formerly classified as Lavandula delphinensis Jord ex Billot, Lavandula officinalis Chaix, Lavandula spica L., and Lavandula vera D.C., is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. The true lavender (L. officinalis) has grayish foliage and small blue or pale purplish flowers (white in one variety). It is popular for herb gardens and is cultivated commercially (chiefly in France and England) or, more commonly, gathered wild (in S Europe) for the fragrant flowers, valued for scenting linens and clothes and as the source of oil of lavender. They are lanceolate, opposite, and sessile, and grow from a branched stem. The bark is gray and flaky. The herb thrives in full sun and poor soil. Lavender is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally. The two-inch leaves are opposite and somewhat velvety and silvery gray in color with the exception of L. viridis which has green leaves. Some varieties have flowers of pale pink, dark purple, white, or magenta and are harvested toward the end of flowering season when the petals have begun to fade. Ancient Greeks and Romans used lavender blossoms to scent bath water, a common use that gave the herb its name, derived from the Latin lavare, meaning to wash.
Active constituents of lavender
The volatile oil (also called essential oil) of lavender contains many constituents, including linaloyl acetate, perillyl alcohol, linalool, b-ocimene, cineole, camphor, geraniol, borneol, camphor, pinene, limonene, sesquiterpene caryophyllene oxide, tannins, derivatives of rosmarinic acid, courmarin, flavonoids, phytosterols. Linalyl acetate, its acetic ester, has a pleasant, sweet, fruity, aroma which along with its antimicrobial properties makes lavender unique.
Medicinal uses and health benefits of lavender
Lavendar is carminative, anti-spasmodic, anti-depressant, rubefacient, emmenagoguem, and hypotensive. Lavender is a highly aromatic oil which refreshes and tones the skin, and soothes the nerves. Lavender can be quite effective in the clearing of depression, especially when they are related to stress. Aromatherapy with lavender slows the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promotes relaxation, and lifts mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. The aromatic lavender flower has natural antiseptic and astringent properties. An infusion of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Lavender oil can kill many common bacteria such as typhoid, diphtheria, streptococcus, and pneumococcus. The oil may be used as a stimulating liniment to help ease the aches and pains of rheumatism. Lavender can soothe and protect sunburned skin and possibly prevent infection in blisters that often accompany more severe sunburns. Taken internally, Lavender has been found to stimulate the production and flow of bile. It also has a mildly sedating effect, and gets rid of gas. Lavender has been long valued as a headache remedy. It can be taken in a mild infusion, or can be rubbed on the temples, or sniffed like smelling salts to provide relief from headaches caused by stress. Lavender is an adjuvant and may be used in combination with other herbs to make a tonic cordial to strengthen the nervous system.
Dosage and administration of lavender
Lavender's volatile oil is best when extracted from flowers picked before they reach maximum bloom and following a long period of hot and dry temperatures. For applications as aromatherapy, add two to four drops of lavender oil to two to three cups of boiling water, and inhale the steam once per day. When used bath additive, six drops of lavender oil or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried lavender flowers may be added to bath water. A massage oil is made by adding a little essential oil to a carrier oil and massaging into painful muscles or the temples and nape of the neck for tension headaches or the first hint of a migraine. For nervous tension and mild depression, drink a cup of lavender tea three or four times a day as needed.
Side effects, precautions, interactions
There are no known side effects or contraindications to lavender tea or oil. Although side effects are rare, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to lavender. Excessive intake (several times more than listed above) may cause drowsiness. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and chills have also been reported in some individuals following inhalation or absorption of lavender through the skin. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender, as it is a uterine stimulant. Lavender contains limonene which can cause photosensitivity, especially when perfumes and cosmetics are used containing lavender oil. Direct exposure to undiluted preparations generally should be avoided.
source: vitamin and health supplement guide
General Safety Advisory
~The information in this document does not replace medical advice.
~Before taking an herb or a botanical, consult a doctor or other health care provider-especially if you have a disease or medical condition,take any medications, are pregnant or nursing, or are planning to have an operation.
~Before treating a child with an herb or a botanical, consult with a doctor or other health care provider.
~Like drugs, herbal or botanical preparations have chemical and biological activity. They may have side effects. They may interact with certain medications. These interactions can cause problems and can even be dangerous.
~If you have any unexpected reactions to an herbal or a botanical preparation, inform your doctor or other health care provider
