The medicinal plant lavender at a glance

Lavender is considered one of the most popular herbal sedatives, possessing numerous positive effects on our health, our body, and our mind, and can also significantly influence our sleep. Here, we explain 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. Overview of the positive properties of lavender
5. Use & application of lavender
6. Conclusion

1. The plant substance lavender

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

Extracts from the fragrant lavender plant are considered a versatile remedy for restlessness, anxiety, and physical and mental stress. Numerous studies prove that the plant's special aroma can demonstrably help reduce feelings of stress, alleviate nervousness and anxiety, and promote inner peace and balance – in a natural, gentle way and without dangerous side effects. We'll now explain exactly how lavender extracts can help with relaxation and also influence sleep.

2. Ingredients & effects of lavender

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

Linalyl acetate Lavender is the most important active ingredient in lavender and also provides its characteristic, distinctive scent. It has a calming effect on the central nervous system and protects it from sensory overload, which can quickly lead to stress, tension, or inner fatigue. It can alleviate strong emotions and have a relaxing effect on body and soul, improving overall well-being and leading 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 plant's oil, in particular, is often used for disinfection or the relief of 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 support the immune system and protect the cellular and nervous systems 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 return, it helps us to relax more, so that we can switch off more easily in the evening and prepare ourselves both physically and mentally for a good night's sleep.

At the same time, the pleasant scent and aroma of lavender, due to its special ingredients, also influences 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 suitable for getting in the mood for sleep in the evening, making it easier to fall asleep, and promoting healthy sleep habits.

We will show you further 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 relieve tension, nervousness and anxiety
• 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 antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects

5. Use & application of lavender

As a medicinal plant, lavender can be used in a variety of ways, 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 Fragrance through the sense of smell, as food, dietary supplement or medicine through digestion or applied externally through the skin and thus unfold their effect in our organism in many different ways.

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

Application tip for a good night’s sleep: To specifically support sleep with the calming effects of lavender extracts, a pleasant lavender scent in your sleeping environment or internal use in the form of tea or dietary supplements before bedtime can help. This can help reduce stress levels in the evening, promote inner peace and relaxation, and gently prepare your body and mind for restful 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, fragrances, teas or dietary supplements containing lavender are suitable in the evening before going to bed.