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 the psyche and can also have a decisive influence on our sleep. Here we explain exactly how lavender can promote relaxation, reduce stress and improve sleep.

Table of Contents

1. The botanical lavender
2. Ingredients and effects of lavender
3. Lavender & Sleep
4. An overview of the positive properties of lavender
5. Use & application of lavender
6. Conclusion

1. The botanical lavender

Lavender is a widespread 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 properties on the human body and psyche. As a scent in perfumes, as a herb in the kitchen, but especially as a natural remedy in medicines, cosmetics and dietary 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 dangerous side effects. We will now clarify exactly how lavender extracts can help with relaxation and also influence sleep.

2. Ingredients and effects of lavender

Lavender contains more than 200 plant substances, which have a particularly effective effect due to their special composition. The active ingredients contained, in particular 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 heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies also report that lavender also directly affects our brain activity, boosting certain brain frequencies that are active during periods of rest and relaxation.

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 sensory overload, which can quickly lead to stress, tension or inner fatigue. It can soften strong emotions and have a relaxing effect on body and soul, which improves general well-being and leads to a healthy inner peace.

The active ingredient linalool and the contained tannins and flavonoids are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect of the lavender extracts, whereby the oil of the plant in particular also likes to help disinfecting or relieving physical ailments, against skin infections or to heal wounds. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant effects 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 the lavender extracts can reduce stress and the associated cortisol release and in return help to relax, so that we can switch off more easily in the evening and prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the night's sleep.

At the same time, the pleasant scent and aroma of lavender also have an effect on the production of the happy hormone serotonin due to the special ingredients. This has a positive effect on the mood and also promotes a healthy sleep-wake cycle by supporting the conversion of serotonin into melatonin in the evening. Lavender is therefore very well suited to get you in the mood for sleep in the evening, to fall asleep more easily and to promote healthy sleeping habits.

We will show you other herbal extracts for relaxation and a peaceful sleep in this article.

4. An overview of the positive properties of lavender

• Promotes inner peace, relaxation and balance
• Helps to release tension, nervousness and fear
• Relaxes, strengthens and protects the nervous system
• Reduces the feeling of stress and reduces the release of stress hormones
• Has a positive impact on mood and well-being
• Facilitates falling asleep, promotes sleep and supports a healthy sleep rhythm
• Has an antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect

5. Use & application of lavender

As a medicinal plant, lavender can be used in many different ways, for example as a herb and tea, in the form of aromatic oil or as a dried flower and powder. The valuable active ingredients can be absorbed by the skin as a scent via the sense of smell, as food, food supplements or medicines via the digestive system or applied externally and thus unfold their effect in our organism in many ways.

Lavender is generally well tolerated for both internal and external use and, in different doses, can help in a completely natural way to support well-being, health and sleep in the long term.

Application tip for a good night's sleep: In order 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 food supplements before going to bed can help . In this way you can reduce the stress level in the evening, ensure inner peace and relaxation and gently prepare your body and mind for a peaceful sleep.

6. Conclusion

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

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

• Lavender can support a healthy sleep pattern and help prepare you for falling asleep easily and restful sleep.

• Scents, teas or dietary supplements with lavender in the evening before going to bed are suitable for improving sleep.