Lavender is a type of plant or herb found in the genus of flowering plants in the Lamiaceae family (mint). Lavender is native to the Mediterranean. Lavender has health benefits and has been used as a home remedy, homeopathic medicine, alternative medicine, natural remedy, and herbal dietary supplement for a variety of health purposes as a result. Historically Lavender was used in ancient Egypt as a mummifying agent. Other names for lavender include: English Lavender, Common Lavender, French Lavender, Spike Lavender, Spanish Lavender, Garden Lavender, Lavender Essential Oil and True Lavender.
Lavender is most popularly used as a bath additive. It also has culinary uses as well. Lavender flowers are sometimes candied and used to decorate pastries. Traditionally, lavender was used as a home remedy or natural medicine to treat mental problems and as an antiseptic.
People often use the English lavender to produce an essential oil which is used in a multitude of commercial products such as cosmetics, perfumes, and topical products like balms and salves. The essential oil from the lavender is often times used as an anti-inflammatory. Historically, lavender was used as a natural health product to disinfect hospitals in the early 20th century.
Health Benefits of Lavender
Lavender can also be used as a home remedy or naturopathic medicine when used topically on burns, insect bites, and headaches. Lavender may also be a natural treatment for acne.
In addition, lavender is said to have health benefits when used as a holistic or alternative medicine to mental problems such as restlessness, depression, nervousness, and insomnia. Lavender has been purported to be useful as a home remedy for flatulence, vomiting, stomach conditions, and other digestive maladies.
Some use it as a homeopathic remedy for pain (natural painkiller) for toothaches, sores, pain in the joints, and sprains. Some also say that it is helpful medically for cancer and menstrual problems. It has also been suggested that it may be effective in the fight against hair loss and be useful as an insect repellant as well.
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