The medicinal plant lavender at a glance

Lavender is one of the most popular herbal sedatives, has numerous positive effects on health, our body and our psyche and can also have a decisive influence on our sleep. We explain here exactly how lavender can promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve sleep.

Table of contents

1. The plant substance lavender
2. Ingredients and Effects of Lavender
3. Lavender & Sleep
4. Positive properties of lavender at a glance
5. Use & Application of Lavender
6. Conclusion

1. The plant substance lavender

Lavender is a widely used ornamental and medicinal plant and one of the most popular herbal sedatives in natural medicine and aromatherapy. The Mediterranean shrub with the purple-blue flowers (Lavandula angustifolia) and the characteristic herbal scent blooms from July to August and has numerous positive effects on the human body and psyche. As a scent in perfumes, as a spice in the kitchen, but especially as a natural remedy in medicines, cosmetics and food supplements - lavender is used in a wide variety of applications.

The extracts of the fragrant lavender plant are considered a versatile remedy for restlessness, anxiety or physical and mental stress. Numerous studies prove that the special aroma of the plant can demonstrably help to reduce the feeling of stress, relieve nervousness and anxiety and promote inner peace and balance - in a natural, gentle way and without dangerous side effects. We will now clarify how exactly lavender extracts can help with relaxation and also influence sleep.

2. Ingredients & Effects of Lavender

Lavender contains more than 200 plant substances, which have a particularly effective effect in their special composition. The active ingredients contained, especially linalyl acetate and linalool, numerous tannins and so-called flavonoids, reduce the release of stress hormones, relax the nerves and have a calming effect on the heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies also report that lavender also directly influences our brain activity and promotes certain brain frequencies that are active during rest and relaxation phases.

linalyl acetate is the most important active ingredient in lavender and also provides the characteristic, distinctive scent. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system and protects it from overstimulation, which can quickly lead to stress, tension or inner fatigue. It can alleviate strong emotions and have a relaxing effect on the body and soul, which improves general well-being and leads to a healthy inner calm.

The active ingredient linalool as well as the included tannins and flavonoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect of lavender extracts, which is why the oil of the plant is often used for disinfection or to relieve physical ailments, against skin infections or to heal wounds. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effect in our body. This means that they help to support the immune system and protect the cell and nervous system from harmful influences.

3. Lavender & Sleep

Stress and tension of any kind are not only harmful to our health, but also to our sleep.The calming effect of lavender extracts can reduce stress and the associated cortisol release and in turn, help us to relax more, so that we can switch off more easily in the evening and prepare ourselves physically and mentally for a good night's rest.

At the same time, the pleasant scent and aroma of lavender, due to its special ingredients, also have an influence on the production of happiness hormone serotoninThis has a positive effect on the Mood and also promotes a healthy sleep-wake rhythm by stimulating the conversion of serotonin into melatonin in the evening. Lavender is therefore very good for getting in the mood for sleep in the evening, falling asleep more easily and promoting healthy sleeping habits.

We will show you more herbal extracts for relaxation and a restful sleep in this article.

4. Positive properties of lavender at a glance

• Promotes inner peace, relaxation and balance
• Helps to relieve tension, nervousness and fears
• Relaxes, strengthens and protects the nervous system
• Reduces the feeling of stress and reduces the release of stress hormones
• Has a positive influence on mood and well-being
• Makes it easier to fall asleep, promotes sleep and supports a healthy sleep rhythm
• Has anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory effects

5. Use & Application of Lavender

As a medicinal plant, lavender can be used in many different ways and can be used directly or further processed, for example as a spice and tea, in the form of aromatic oil or as dried flowers and powder. The valuable active ingredients can be used as scent through the sense of smell, as food, dietary supplement or medicine, are absorbed through the digestion or applied externally through the skin and thus exert their effect in our organism in many different ways.

Lavender is generally well tolerated both internally and externally and, in different doses, can help naturally support long-term well-being, health and sleep.

Application tip for a good night’s sleep: To specifically support sleep with the calming effect of lavender extracts, a pleasant lavender scent in your sleeping environment or internal use in the form of tea or dietary supplements before going to bed can help. This way you can reduce stress levels in the evening, ensure inner peace and relaxation and gently prepare your body and mind for a peaceful sleep.

6. Conclusion

• Lavender is a proven effective herbal remedy and helps naturally against stress, inner restlessness, anxiety or sleep disorders.

• The ingredients of lavender calm the nerves, reduce the feeling of stress and help the body and soul to find relaxation and inner peace.

• Lavender can support a healthy sleep rhythm and promote preparation for easy falling asleep and restful sleep.

• To improve sleep, you can use scents, teas or dietary supplements containing lavender in the evening before going to bed.