Lavender – Uses, Types, Health Benefits, Recipes Lavender is one of the most beautiful plants in the world. Ranging from lavender essential oil to lavender soaps and scents, this vibrant lilac-colored plant never fails to make a statement. Yet, the most beloved is lavender tea known for its calming effects, which makes it an ideal bedtime tea. The best benefits of lavender tea may include relaxing the body, reducing muscle spasms, promoting healthy digestion, and aiding sleep. It might also help eliminate inflammation, balance mood, heals the skin, and soothes chronic pain. Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to India.[rx] Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also commercially for the extraction of essential oils.[rx] The most widely cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia, is often referred to as lavender, and there is a color named for the shade of the flowers of this species. Lavender has been used over centuries in traditional medicine and cosmetics, and “limited clinical trials support the therapeutic use of lavender for pain, hot flushes, and postnatal perineal discomfort.”[rx][rx ] What is Lavender Tea? Lavender tea comes from the lavender buds of the flowering plant, the small purple bundles. Scientifically found in the genus Lavandula, lavender is native to the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and Southern Europe, ranging from the Middle East to Asian countries. It comprises more than 30 species, dozens of subspecies, and plenty of hybrids and cultivars. [rx] It may have an effective concentration of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and phenolic compounds, and potent terpenes, such as linalool. These nutrients can have several notable effects on human health. Types of Lavender There are many types of lavender. The most popular and widely used ones are: Lavandula angustifolia or the common or English lavender Lavandula stoechas or the Spanish or French lavender Lavandula latifolia or the Portuguese lavender and Lavandin or Lavandula intermedia, a hybrid cross between English and Portuguese lavender[rx] Lavender Earl Grey Tea The recipe of lavender Earl Grey has a unique twist that dates back centuries. The feature of this tea is a robust and malty Ceylon Flowery Orange Pekoe and fresh lavender. It is a perfect afternoon tea that has an amazing blend of citrus with floral notes. With a combination of one-off the best herbs in nature bergamot oil and lavender to give a spicy yet sweet flavor. Its scent evokes feelings of contentment, peace, passion, and romance. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long, toilsome day. Since, lavender is popular for its soothing effect, while bergamot oil has calming and restorative properties. Both of them combined will help you fall into a natural sleep. Simply put some lavender earl grey tea into a pan of boiling water, let it simmer for 5 minutes, pour into your teacup & savor the flavorful cup of tea to a relaxing day. Chamomile Lavender Tea While chamomile tea has been around for centuries, lavender is still mostly appreciated for aromatherapy and keeping the moths away. If you never tried lavender tea before, you may expect a strong overwhelming taste. The taste of lavender is sweet, lightly and it feels relaxing after drinking lavender tea. It blends well with sweet notes of chamomile. Add a teaspoon of honey, and you will get a delicious tea. This tea will make you feel relaxed and offer you an assortment of health benefits. Chamomile lavender tea is rich in calcium and magnesium, two crucial minerals that our bodies require. This healthy tea will boost your immune system and support your digestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties will reduce inflammation within your body, helping to ward off diseases such as the common cold. We should take Chamomile Lavender tea before sleeping to enjoy sleep and also for getting relaxing feeling before sleeping. Lavender Tea Health Benefits When you drink lavender tea, it may provide relief from insomnia, high anxiety, gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, and headaches. Regardless of what ails you, the benefits of lavender tea will likely be able to help! May improve mood disorders Lavender is widely used as an aromatherapy agent and supplement to help with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Studies suggest that compounds in lavender may stimulate activity in certain areas of the brain and influence the transmission of impulses between brain cells in ways that boost mood and produce a calming effect (rx). While both the scent of lavender extract and oral lavender oil preparations have been shown to improve mood and calm the mind, it’s less clear if lavender tea can offer similar benefits (rx). One study in 80 new mothers in Taiwan found that those who drank 1 cup (250 mL) of lavender tea per day for 2 weeks while taking time to appreciate the tea’s aroma reported less fatigue and depression, compared with those who didn’t smell and drink the tea (rx). However, there were similar reports of fatigue and depression between the two groups after 4 weeks, suggesting that benefits are most helpful early on. (rx). Lavender aromatherapy and oil preparations have been shown to help calm nerves and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Some research suggests that lavender tea may have a similar effect. May boost sleep The calming effect of lavender in the body is also thought to boost sleep. There are no specific studies on lavender tea’s effect on sleep quality, but studies on other types of lavender are promising. One study in 158 new mothers in the postpartum period found that women who took 10 deep breaths of lavender fragrance 4 days a week for 8 weeks had significantly better sleep quality than those in the placebo group (rx). Another study on 79 college students who reported sleep issues showed that proper sleep hygiene and breathing in lavender improved sleep quality. Lavender patches were applied to the chest at night (rx). Based on these results, it’s possible that enjoying a cup of lavender tea to unwind before bed could help you have better sleep. This may be especially true if you take time to appreciate and breathe in the scent, as research on lavender fragrance suggests. Research suggests that the calming fragrance of lavender extract may also promote better sleep, but there have been no specific studies on the effect of lavender tea. May soothe menstrual cramping Cramping in the lower abdomen before or during a menstrual period is a common issue among women. Lavender may help with feelings of discomfort. Specifically, one study in 200 young adult women in Iran found that smelling lavender for 30 minutes per day in the first 3 days of a menstrual cycle led to significantly less painful cramping after 2 months, compared with the control group (rx). Other research suggests that massage with lavender essential oil also helps with menstrual cramping, but there have been no studies on the ingestion of lavender in tea or supplements (rx). Still, drinking lavender tea and appreciating its scent may help, though more extensive research is needed. Breathing in lavender essential oil or using it in massage may help with menstrual cramping. There have been no studies on whether drinking lavender tea has a similar effect, but it’s possible. May improve skin health Lavender oil has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects (rx, rx, rx). As a result, it’s used in topical applications to help fight acne, improve inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, and heal wounds or abrasions. One study in rats found that topical application of lavender oil every other day for 14 days significantly decreased the area of wounds, compared with the control group. This is mainly because lavender oil promoted the synthesis of the structural protein collagen (rx). These results suggest that certain forms of lavender may promote skin healing and collagen formation. Research indicates that certain types of lavender, such as oil, may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and help promote skin healing. May Reduce Stress Levels The natural soothing qualities of lavender tea and its active components make it ideal for people who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety. It can stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that offset the excess stress hormones in your body, preventing mental exhaustion. Similarly, the use of this tea may also show analgesic effects, making your body and mind less sensitive to painful stimuli. [rx] May Improve cellular metabolism The antioxidants and volatile compounds found in lavender might seek out and neutralize free radicals in the body, which are the byproducts of cellular metabolism. These free radicals can cause chronic disease, premature signs of aging, wrinkles, and inflammation, but lavender tea may help relieve those symptoms, improving your skin texture. [rx] May Reduce Inflammation Lavender tea has a long list of inflammatory conditions it might counter, including headaches, fevers, skin irritation, arthritis pain, and certain joint disorders. Inflammation can come in many different forms and lead to oxidative stress, but the active compounds in this tea may effectively stop the body’s natural responses. [rx] May Eliminate Sleep Disorders Many people prefer to drink this tea in the evening, as a pre-bedtime beverage, because it has calming properties. If you have insomnia or regular sleep disturbances, a warm cup of lavender tea may grant an undisturbed night of sleep effortlessly! [rx] Promoting hair growth Another unique benefit of lavender essential oil is promoting hair growth[rx]. Even though more studies are needed to confirm lavender’s potential in regrowing new hair, it’s considered safe. Together with some other essential oils such as mentha Piperita and rosemary, it could prove invaluable in hair loss treatments. Other Benefits Since there are limited studies available on lavender tea, here are some benefits based on the properties of lavender extract: May Improve Digestive health: The essential oils found in lavender tea may have beneficial properties to promote healthy digestion. [rx] May Relieve asthma: Research suggests that lavender essential oil might be antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It may be useful as an alternative medicine for bronchial asthma. [rx] Aromatherapy: Lavender is used in bath and beauty products and as an essential oil for its pleasant fragrance and soothing qualities. [rx] Does it Lower Blood Pressure? Recent statistics indicate that around 40% of the world’s population experience, at one time or another, high blood pressure (hypertension). Although it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, it can be serious if not treated. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease and heart attacks. While Lavender Tea benefits should NOT be seen as a “fix-all” cure, they could, at least, provide support. First and foremost, and as established previously, this Tea combats and neutralises free radicals in the body. The result is that it helps to prevent several causes of cardiovascular disease on a molecular level. When it comes to it lowering blood pressure, in particular, one study showed promising results in rodents. We nevertheless await human studies before supporting such a claim. Is it Good for Acid Reflux? Acid reflux is a condition easily recognized by a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. It occurs when acid in the stomach flows back up into the food pipe (esophagus). If this happens to an individual more than twice a week, it might be Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The question then begs: is Lavender Tea good for acid reflux? The short answer is “maybe.” The truth is, while some people swear by Lavender Tea to treat acid reflux, there is little evidence to support it. But it’s not all bad news. What we DO know is that it can help with other digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas and abdominal swelling. Its anti-inflammatory properties do most of the work here, thus making it a worthwhile choice before, during or after a meal. Lavender Tea Has any Benefits for Hair? Lavender Tea benefits for hair, unlike acid reflux, have the backing of the latest evidence. Indeed, it has recently gained attention, thanks to a 2016 animal study, for stimulating hair growth. Then there is the fact that, according to a 2014 review, it helps prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. When applied to your hair or scalp, then, it might put a stop to common hair or scalp issues such as itchiness, dandruff, and even infections. If that wasn’t enough, a 2011 project discovered that Lavender oil (again, not Tea) might reduce the risk of getting lice. Researchers concluded that Lavender oil (not Tea, admittedly) applied to mice made them grow more hair. Additionally, the rodents’ hair grew thicker and faster than average. Lavender Tea for Migraines A common misconception is that headaches and migraines are the same things. Headaches, as the name suggests, cause aching pain in the head – as well as, at times, in the face and upper neck. What’s more, they can vary in frequency and intensity. A migraine, on the other hand, is an immensely painful primary headache disorder, which is usually more debilitating than a headache. While having a headache is a symptom of migraines, others include feeling sick and sensitivity to light. Painkillers and lying in a dark room are the best treatments. Then there are Lavender Tea benefits. One study published in the Journal of European Neurology found that the inhalation of Lavender essential oils can relieve migraines. It’s a good thing, then, that Lavender Herbal Tea has the same aroma. Lavender Tea Side Effects Does Lavender Tea have side effects? Though rare, there have, indeed, been instances of it causing complications in individuals. There is one reported case, for example, of it leading to an abnormally rapid heartbeat. Due to its potential influence on the nervous system, you should also consider seeking medical consultation before drinking Lavender Tea with heart conditions or medications. Furthermore, one study indicated that prepubescent boys who used this herb developed gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue). When those children stopped consuming it, the condition went away. Other possible Lavender Tea side effects include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, constipation, increased appetite, and skin irritation. Please talk to a doctor if any complications arise. Can I Drink Lavender Tea While Pregnant? Can you drink Lavender Tea while pregnant? Possibly not. The National Institute of Health (NIH) warns against its consumption, citing a lack of evidence to its safety for the fetus. The University of Maryland Medical Center also advises against its use if you’re an expecting mother. With this in mind, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company must side with the experts. There are, however, several alternatives worth considering. Raspberry Leaf Tea is undoubtedly the most popular choice due to its well-documented pregnancy benefits (during the third trimester ONLY). Then there are options such as Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon Balm Herbal Tea. Even with these, though, you should still seek medical consultation before brewing. Can I Drink Lavender Tea While Breastfeeding? Things appear to be murkier still when it comes to answering the question, “can I drink Lavender Tea while breastfeeding?” This is because few known studies have yet made a case either for or against its use while lactating. All that seems to be clear is that the herb has no specific lactation-related benefits. It might be best, then, to err on the side of caution and avoid its use while breastfeeding. Suppose you’re looking for a galactagogue (something that increases breast milk supply). In that case, your best bet is to drink Fennel Tea. This is a Type of Herbal Tea that has been proven to improve milk volume, its fat content and infant weight gain due to its phytoestrogens. Yet we need to stress one last time that if you have any worries, reach out to a professional first. The bottom line is, play it safe. Is Lavender Tea Caffeine Free? Caffeine, as most people will know already, is a naturally occurring stimulant. It exists in over 60 plants, including Camellia sinensis (Tea), Coffea (Coffee), and Ilex Paraguariensis (Yerba Mate). Upon consumption, your body quickly absorbs it into the bloodstream, whereby it travels to the liver. Caffeine is then broken down before traveling to other organs – namely the brain. Those who experience the Effects of Caffeine in a more negative light might find solace in knowing that Lavender Leaf Tea is 100% free of it. In other words, it is a caffeine-free infusion well-suited to those who’re caffeine sensitive or who, put simply, want to cut down. If having this chemical compound in your cuppa is important, you might be better off with Black, Green, White or Oolong Tea. Lavender Tea Recipe Making lavender tea at home is a simple process, involving only fresh lavender buds and water, although some people enjoy blending the tea with honey, chamomile, or even other forms of tea such as lavender milk tea. Let us look at the recipe below: Homemade Lavender Tea Recipe Relieve your stress and anxiety by sipping a piping hot and aromatic cup of lavender tea. Methods 1 Course: Beverage Cuisine: Mediterranean, American Keyword: lavender, lavender tea Appliance: Stove Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 servings Ingredients 4 tsp of fresh lavender buds 2 cups of water (filtered) 1 tsp of honey (to taste, if desired) Methods 2 Instructions To make lavender tea, add the fresh or dried lavender buds to a teacup. Bring the water up to a boil, then remove from heat for 1 minute. Pour the water over the lavender buds and allow them to steep for 5 minutes. Place a plate over the top to keep the steam inside the mug, further infusing the tea. To make lavender tea, you can steep store-bought tea bags in hot water or brew your own. Pour 1 cup (250 mL) of water over 1/2 teaspoon of loose lavender buds, and let it steep for a few minutes. Remove the plate, add honey if you want to sweeten the flavor, and enjoy! No need to strain the lavender buds out; most will have sunk to the bottom of the cup. You can use fresh lavender buds or dried ones, depending on your availability. If you have fresh lavender and wish to dry some for the future, it is best to harvest them before they fully bloom, and cut the flowering stalks right above the leaves. Bind them into bundles and hang them upside-down in a dark, cool, and dry place. The drying process should take between 2 and 4 weeks. Then, simply brush the stalks and the lavender buds should fall off easily, to be stored and used later for tea. Possible Precautions During Making Though solid research on lavender tea is scarce, drinking a cup of this tea can be soothing and may offer some benefits. As with most herbal teas, there are some precautions to consider with lavender tea. There has been at least one case report of developing an abnormally rapid heartbeat after drinking lavender tea (rx). In terms of lavender extracts, they’re available in oil and supplement forms. There are no standardized doses for supplements, and lavender oils should be used with caution. Lavender oil shouldn’t be ingested. For topical use, mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, before rubbing it into your skin. You may also want to do a patch test to see how your skin reacts to the diluted lavender oil before using it more freely. Don’t apply undiluted lavender oil to your skin, as this can cause irritation and inflammation. It’s important to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before applying topically. To use lavender oil for aromatherapy put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and inhale. You can also use an essential oil diffuser. Due to its possible effects on the nervous system, talk to your healthcare provider before using any form of lavender if you have any heart conditions, underlying health conditions, or take medications. It’s unknown whether lavender oils or teas are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. You can easily make lavender tea at home or use lavender oils for aromatherapy and massage. However, speak with your healthcare provider before using lavender if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying health condition. https://youtu.be/ZtPox9yWWXk Step To Make Hot Lavender Tea For a complete brewing guide, full ingredients, and instructions, scroll to the bottom. Boil water – Using an electric kettle with temperature settings to boil water for tea makes it easy to get the water temperature just right. Boil more than needed since you want extra to warm up the teapot. Warm-up teapot – Pour some hot water into the teapot and swirl it around a bit. Discard the water. Put lavender tea into the teapot and add hot water. Cover teapot and steep. Strain lavender buds and pour hot tea into a teacup. This is the teapot I use to make herbal tea. With a strainer lid, it’s very easy to use and easy to clean. Step To Make Iced Lavender Tea Cold brewing tea is the best way to make iced tea since it tastes so much better than any other method. And it’s the easiest. Put lavender tea and water in a pitcher or glass container. Cover and place in refrigerator to cold brew. Use cool or room temperature filtered water. Strain lavender buds and pour tea into a cup. Cold-brewed tea is already chilled so adding ice is optional. The most important thing to remember about making lavender tea is to resist adding too much lavender buds. The taste will be too strong and won’t be pleasant to drink. Expert Tips Both hot and iced lavender tea can be had without sugar or milk but if you want to sweeten, use simple syrup which will easily dissolve into the drink. Use my quick simple syrup or lavender simple syrup recipes if you want homemade. Mix and match! Add lavender tea to Earl Grey or chamomile to make your own tea blend. Herbal teas like lavender are a lot easier to brew than other types of teas since it doesn’t get overly bitter if brewed for longer than 5 minutes. Lavender tea can be brewed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered or airtight glass container or pitcher. Loose lavender tea and tea sachets should be stored in an airtight container away from light, odors, humidity, and heat. Always use culinary-grade lavender. Warm your cup up with a swirl of hot water before pouring your tea. Don’t use too much lavender or the tea will have a bitter flavor. Store extra tea in the fridge for 5 days. You can drink it ice cold too. If you want iced lavender tea, freeze some of the tea in ice cube trays so you don’t dilute the tea with regular ice cubes. Side Effects of Lavender Tea The main side effects of lavender tea may include skin irritation, nausea, vomiting when consumed in excess, but there are other possible interactions and situations to be wary of lavender tea. Lavender tea may cause headaches, constipation, and also appetite change if not taken in moderation. Some of the side effects can be quite serious when the lavender is ingested in a toxic amount. [rx] Pregnancy: When pregnant, using lavender is not recommended, as it can stimulate menstruation, which can lead to a miscarriage or other complications in pregnant women. Low Cholesterol: Due to the cholesterol-lowering properties of this tea, if you are already taking cholesterol medicine, negative interactions may occur. Blood Thinners: This tea has anticoagulant properties, which can be good for heart health, but if you are already taking blood-thinning medication, it can be very dangerous, particularly before undergoing surgery. Sun Sensitivity: Excessive lavender tea consumption can increase the sun sensitivity of the skin, and may also cause skin irritation and rashes. If you experience any side effects, it is advisable to refrain from consuming lavender tea immediately. Also, avoid using it with sedatives as it may lead to drowsiness. If you think you may be at risk for a negative interaction with medication, speak to your doctor before adding this tea to your daily or weekly health regimen. From Where To Buy Amazon Best Seller 31,597 Reviews Bigelow Tea Lavender Chamomile Plus Probiotics Herbal Tea, Caffeine Free, 18 Count (Pack of 6), 108 Total Tea Bags Probiotic Tea: This soothing tea helps add value to a regular healthy lifestyle. The caffeine free blend combines Ganeden BC30 probiotics with relaxing Lavender, soothing Chamomile and subtle notes of honeyIndividually Wrapped: Bigelow Tea always come individually wrapped in foil pouches for peak flavor, freshness and aroma to enjoy everywhere you go! Gluten-free, calorie-free, and Kosher CertifiedTry Every Flavor: There's a tea for morning, noon, and night time relaxation. Try our English Breakfast, Vanilla Chai, antioxidant Green Tea, decaffeinated teas, organic teas and a variety of our herbal tea bagsBlended and Packaged in the USA: In 1945 Ruth Campbell Bigelow created our first tea, Constant Comment, a strong, flavorful black tea blended with aromatic orange peel and sweet warming spices. 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