This tea is made of dried lavender blossoms. Lavender is a tough plant and is extremely drought resistant. Its flowers keep their scent when dried and are also edible. If properly cared for, a lavender plant will live up to ten years.
The fragrant, pale purple flowers and flower buds are used in potpourris. Dried and sealed in pouches, they are placed among stored items of clothing to give a fresh fragrance and as a deterrent to moths. The plant is also grown commercially for extraction of lavender oil from the flowers. This oil is used as an antiseptic and for aromatherapy.
Lavender is an herb rich in history and culture. Long prized for its healing properties, written records of the use of lavender for medicinal purposes date back as far as 60AD.
Health Benefits
Historically, lavender was used as an antiseptic and for mental health purposes.
During the First World War, when modern antibiotics were sparse, lavender was used to dress wounds and helped to heal scar tissue and burns.
Lavender is renowned for its antibiotic properties. Studies have shown that the essential oil of lavender, particularly when combined with Geranium oil, is capable of killing some Staph infections. Other studies have reported that lavender is good for treating ear infections, and is mild enough to treat such symptoms in children.
Recently, four new chemicals have been isolated from lavender plants, and are believed to be beneficial for the treatment of candida. There is ongoing research into these four substances.
Lavender reduces fever and purifies the system by inducing sweating to eliminate toxins. It is a strong antiseptic and has been used to fight diphtheria, strep throat and pneumonia.
Lavender tea can ease the digestive system and relieve vomiting and diarrhoea.
Lavender tea can be used as a gargle eases sore throats and laryngitis, can also soothe toothache.
An infusion of lavender is said to soothe headaches. Lavender is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation: the infusion is a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink.
Lavender eases both anxiety and insomnia according to research. For centuries, men and women have placed lavender sprigs in their pillows for a good night’s sleep.
Beauty Benefits
Lavender tea, when applied topically, may help heal cuts, wounds, ulcers and sores.
It is often used to treat scalds, minor burns, cuts, grazes, inflammation, eczema and dermatitis.
Gentle and effective remedy for acne skin, controls sebum production, calms the skin and harmonizes its functions.
For the same reasons it is a very beneficial hair wash, cleans and balances the scalp, can be helpful against dandruff and kills head lice.
Lavender tea eye poultice calms and sooths the eyes and its delicate surrounding skin, it is suitable for all skin types.