sábado, 2 de fevereiro de 2013

Lavandula angustifolia

Name

The genus name “Lavandula” comes from the latin verb “lavare” (to wash) because ancient romans used to scent washing waters and baths. The specific name “angustifolia” is Latin for “narrow leaf”. Previously, it was known as “Lavandula officinalis” meaning that it was the official medicinal lavender.

Also Known as:

common lavender 
true lavender 
narrow-leaved lavender 
english lavender 
Lavandula spica 
Lavandula vera 
Lavandula officinalis 

Identification 

Keys 

bushy evergreen herb 
square stalk 
height: 1-2 m 
opposite leaves 
narrow leaves, 2-6 cm long, 4-6 mm broad 
pinkish-purple (lavender color) flowers 
2-lipped flowers 
flowers grow on narrowly cylindrical spikes 2–8 cm long at the top of slender, leafless stems 10–30 cm long 
strongly scented 

Bloom Time 

June-August 

Habitat 

prefers a sunny place and light, dry, well-drained soil 
grows up to 1500 m 

Look-alikes

You can confuse Lavandula angustifolia with other plants of the same genus Lavandula.

Medicine Uses

Parts Used

Flowers

Actions

carminative, diuretic, antispasmodic, nerve tonic, analgesic, stimulant, digestive, sedative, antimicrobial, antiseptic, diaphoretic, expectorant, antidepressant, antioxidant

Systems

Digestion 

releases spasm and colic 
relieves wind 
combats bowel problems related to tension and anxiety 
used for infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea 
volatile oils active against bacteria and fungi 

Mental and emotional 

wonderful for anxiety and stress-related symptoms (headaches, migraines, neuralgia, palpitations, insomnia) 
lifts the spirits 
restores energy in tiredness and nervous exhaustion 

Respiratory system 

increases resistance to colds, coughs, chest infections, flu tonsillitis and laryngitis 
clears phlegm 
relieves asthma 

Immune system 

volatile oils are antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic 
reduces fevers taken as hot tea 
help to remove toxins via the skin and urine, taken as hot tea 

Reproductive system 

reduces pain after childbirth and speeds healing (used in baths) 

Externally 

antiseptic for inflammatory and infective skin problems such as eczema, acne, varicose ulcers and nappy rash 
stimulates tissue repair 
minimizes scar formation applying oil to burns, cuts, wounds, sores and ulcers 
repels insects 
relieves bites and stings 
soothes pain of bruises, sprains, gout, arthritis and muscle tension 

Harvesting 

gathering lavender when the flowers are full in color and they start to open 
cut flowers on a dry and sunny day. The dew needs to be off of the plants before you harvest to allow a quickly healing 
tie bundles of lavender upside down in a dark dry area with good air circulation. When dry, place in a jar and store out of light 

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