10 Uses Of Lavender In The Home, Cosmetics And Medicine

Lavender, the national flower of Portugal, is known worldwide for its exquisite aroma and relaxing properties.

Lavender is a plant that has been used for various purposes. However, it is famous all over the world because it has a very pleasant aroma that invites relaxation and rest. 

It is said to be useful in cases of nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. And in the field of aromatherapy, it occupies a privileged position. Now, can this plant alleviate other discomforts? What are its true properties?

Next, we will tell you what are the 10 uses of lavender in the home, cosmetics and medicine.

Lavender, a plant with an exquisite aroma

Lavender is a very aromatic plant that belongs to the Lavandula genus and is native to the North African region and the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean.

Its showy purple flowers are used to extract an essential oil highly valued in the cosmetic industry and traditional natural medicine. This oil contains linalol, linalin, geraniol, coumarins and borneol, substances that provide it with unique properties.

Lavender properties

According to experts, this plant has the following properties:

• Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory: soothes the skin in case of insect bites and minor burns.
• Digestive: Lavender tea is said to help calm nausea, gas, and stomach aches.
• Relaxing: helps relieve anxiety, nervousness, stress and insomnia.

How to collect lavender?

According to the farmers, it is necessary to collect the mallets when the flowering period begins. Then, they should be hung upside down, in a cool, dark and dry room to let them dry and then we can use the leaves throughout the year.

In the case of flowers, they can be taken at the moment of wanting to be used.

10 uses of lavender in the home

Let’s see now what are some of the uses that this plant is given within the domestic environment.

1. To ward off mites

Closets, drawers, and other closed places can harbor mites and other undesirable insects. To avoid this, you can take a bunch of lavender leaves, tie them with a thread or place them in a cloth bag, which in turn, you must place in the spaces you prefer.

2. As a natural flavoring

This plant can perfume rooms in a completely natural way. Thus giving the home a much more pleasant and fresh aroma.

You can place a bouquet of lavender in a vase or simply add a few drops of its essential oil in the washing machine, when you have to wash the blankets and cushions.

3. As a hygiene and personal care product

Hygiene and personal care products that contain lavender contribute to the health of the skin, since they have astringent properties.

If you want to make a  handmade soap  with therapeutic properties, do not hesitate to consider the use of fresh flowers or essential oil of this plant.

4. A hair conditioner

According to popular beliefs, washing (or rinsing, as preferred) your hair with a little lavender water could be beneficial for hair health, as it helps stimulate hair growth. 

5. Refreshing skin toner

It is believed that due to its healing and antibacterial properties, lavender water can work as a natural toner to refresh and cleanse the skin of the face.

However, before you try it, it would be good to consult with your dermatologist, because even if it is a natural tonic, do not assume that your skin will tolerate it in the same way that someone else can.

6. Tranquilizer

It has been stated in numerous studies that the natural fragrance of this plant is useful for controlling disturbances of the nervous system. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is often used in aromatherapy.

According to some research, the scent of lavender oil helps promote positive states and release tension. For this reason, it is said that it can contribute to relaxation in case of stress and anxiety.

Discover: Aromatherapy to feel better

7. Natural relaxant

Continuing with what was stated in the previous point, we comment that lavender can help prevent insomnia and invites you to rest in various ways.

You can place a small sack with fresh lavender in the bedroom or also:

• You can apply a few drops of it under the pillow.

• You could also drink the lavender infusion or lemonade. It is delicious!

8. Against bad breath

According to popular wisdom, you can use lavender infusion to make mouthwashes and freshen your breath and thus eliminate halitosis or bad breath.

9. Relieve insect bites

As we mentioned at the beginning, the scent of lavender scares off insects. But it also helps to relieve the discomfort caused by their bites. Therefore, in case you have insect bites, you can apply a little lavender essential oil to relieve discomfort (inflammation, itching, etc.).

10. Treat muscle ailments

You can use lavender essential oil to give yourself relaxing massages and thus, relieve minor muscle aches. This also helps you get a good, super restorative night’s sleep.

Is it necessary to consult a dermatologist?

Yes, before using lavender directly on the skin, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist. In this way, you will avoid adverse reactions.

Keep in mind that, in several cases, it may be necessary to dilute the essential oil in an abundant amount of water before giving it any use, while in others it may be more appropriate to directly dispense with its use.

On the other hand, if you want to try lavender infusion or lemonade, try to buy this in bulk at a herbalist or health food store.