Lavender, scientifically known as Lavandula, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is renowned for its aroma and also purple flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is not just about aroma, as it possesses many medicinal properties. Thus, its essential oil is safe for consumption, though most people are likelier to use it for aromatherapy.1
Lavender essential oil, extracted from flowers, contains diverse volatile organic compounds. The major components include linalool, linalyl acetate, ocimene, terpinene-4-ol, and camphor. These compounds possess aromatic properties and are responsible for lavender’s characteristic scent.1
Lavender has long been associated with several health benefits. Its essential oil exhibits calming and soothing properties, often used in aromatherapy to alleviate stress and anxiety and improve sleep quality. It also contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial compounds. Below are some of the health benefits of lavender.
Health Benefits of Lavender
One of the reasons why lavender’s popularity in medicine has been increasing is its safety profile. It does not cause almost any side effects. Also, mood and stress-related disorders are rising globally, and lavender can help with such issues.
Helps with mood, anxiety, and depression
Mental stress and a busy lifestyle mean anxiety and depression are becoming more common. They affect every second person these days. If not treated early, a person may develop more serious disorders. Hence, early stress relief is essential. A lavender essential oil can be ingested or used as a part of aroma therapy for stress relief and improving mood.
There are many studies showings that lavender is quite good for managing mood disorders. One of the most extensive studies that analyzed data from 37 clinical studies with about 4000 participants concluded that it helps. It also found that lavender is also good for managing some other signs of mood disorders. It may even help lower blood pressure a bit.2
Improves sleep quality
Most people these days are not sleeping enough or have poor sleep quality. Insufficient sleep is not just about headaches, bad mood, and sleepiness the next day. It is also about higher risk of insulin resistance, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and more.
Aromatherapy using lavender is one of the safest ways to calm nerves. Studies show that inhaling lavender can not only help relax. It may enhance sleep architecture. It promotes sleep initiation, maintenance, and quality.3
Lavender is good for sleep and relaxation. Use it regularly to wake up refreshed and energized the next morning.
Reduces pain (Headaches)
Headaches are among the most common complaints, and there could be hundreds of reasons for it. It could be due to nervousness, poor sleep, bad nutrition, mood issues, physical ailments, and more. Pains like headaches can be quite debilitating. Moreover, they often repeat. Thus, people need to consider natural and safe remedies to manage such issues.
Studies suggest that lavender can be good for a range of headaches. It can help overcome tension headaches, help with mood boosts, and even provide relief from migraine headaches. What is good about lavender is that it works quite fast, giving comfort in minutes. It may also help prevent future headache attacks.4
May contain anti-inflammatory activity
Lavender is not just rich in antioxidants or has analgesic properties. Many of its health benefits are due to its ability to suppress inflammation. It means that lavender oil can help in a range of health conditions. Moreover, it may help prevent chronic inflammation, which causes most health issues, including heart disease.5
Supplements
Lavender is good for a mood boost and enhances sleep; one may consider other natural remedies, too. For example, Ashwagandha is the most potent adaptogen known to science. It is highly beneficial for nerves and hormonal health. Magnesium is an essential micronutrient that participates in many enzyme systems and is good for relaxing and overcoming headaches. Similarly, valerian and lemon balm improve sleep and overcome anxiety.
It is even good to use these herbs in combination. Zengko herbal mood plus supplement contains all these ingredients. Thus, it positively impacts mood, helps overcome anxiety, enhances sleep, prevents body aches and headaches, reduces inflammation and fatigue, and is rich in antioxidants.
People who live with mood issues and stress may benefit from consistent and prolonged use of such supplements. Moreover, supplements like Zengko herbal mood plus are safe for prolonged use. Additionally, one must remember that poor sleep and anxiety are some of the root causes of various physical ailments. Thus, start using such supplements early to prevent the worsening of health.
References
- Guo X, Wang P. Aroma Characteristics of Lavender Extract and Essential Oil from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Molecules. 2020;25(23):5541. doi:10.3390/molecules25235541
- Donelli D, Antonelli M, Bellinazzi C, Gensini GF, Firenzuoli F. Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine. 2019;65:153099. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153099
- Fismer KL, Pilkington K. Lavender and sleep: A systematic review of the evidence. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2012;4(4):e436-e447. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2012.08.001
- Sasannejad P, Saeedi M, Shoeibi A, Gorji A, Abbasi M, Foroughipour M. Lavender Essential Oil in the Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. European Neurology. 2012;67(5):288-291. doi:10.1159/000335249
- Silva GLD, Luft C, Lunardelli A, et al. Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. An Acad Bras Ciênc. 2015;87:1397-1408. doi:10.1590/0001-3765201520150056