Lavender Flower Extract

lavender

Lavender is a delicate light purple flower native to northern Africa and the Mediterranean that's widely known today for its soothing aroma. Found in numerous beauty and personal care products, lavender is more than just another pleasant-smelling ingredient; it also has powerful healing properties.

What Does Lavender Do?

Rich in vitamins and minerals, lavender can be used in recipes to add a unique flowery note. Packed with vitamin A, great for helping to maintain healthy eyes and soft supple skin, lavender is also a wonderful source of the calcium your body needs for strong bones, as well as iron, vital for maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the blood.

Aside from its nutritional value, lavender has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties that make it a great topical remedy for burns, skin irritation, bug bites, cuts, scrapes, and even dandruff. When taken internally, lavender contains weak estrogenic components that may contribute to hormonal balance. Lavender also helps to soothe anxiety and stress while promoting a healthy mood.

Lavender Studies

A review of seven previous lavender studies published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice concluded that lavender could help reduce anxiety in those who suffer from general anxiety. Lavender oil was also found to help address other symptoms that can go hand-in-hand with anxiety, for example difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, while increasing feelings of well-being.

In a Japanese study, lavender was shown to help alleviate some of the emotional symptoms that accompany PMS (premenstrual syndrome). A Korean study examining lavender's effect on college students showed that it also helped maintain a healthy mood.