Is Lavandula the same as lavender?
Extremely popular, Lavender (Lavandula) includes about 47 species, which are cultivated in temperate climates either as ornamental plants for the landscape or for the extraction of essential oils. Sun lover, this perennial or herb thrives in well-drained soil, is drought tolerant, and is pest or disease-resistant. Lavenders thrive in an open site in full sun, in a free-draining, neutral to alkaline soil (if you have acid soil, try French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, instead). It copes well with drought conditions but will suffer in wet, heavy soils, particularly over winter.Lavender requires plenty of sunlight to thrive indoors: Sunlight Needs: Place your lavender near a south or west-facing window where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to supplement.Lavender (or Lavandula) is one of our top-selling plants for a good reason. Its fragrant foliage and flowers are delightful additions to pollinator, cut flower, herb, or even children’s gardens. Better yet – lavender is drought tolerant, heat tolerant, and resistant to pests.Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ (Lavender) Lavandula x intermedia ‘Grosso’ is a robust Lavender variety known for its intense fragrance. It showcases striking deep violet flower spikes, reaching up to 6 inches in length (15 cm), earning it the nickname ‘Fat Lavender’.
How does Lavandula help with sleep?
A 2019 study suggested that lavender may improve your body’s melatonin level, which may improve overall sleep, Dr. Kaji said. Ease anxiety: Lavender may reduce stress and help calm your mind and nervous system, according to a meta-analysis published in 2019. Improve sleep: With lavender, you may find it easier to unwind before bed, fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply and feel more rested. A 2019 study suggested that lavender may improve your body’s melatonin level, which may improve overall sleep, Dr. Kaji said.Lavender essential oil is a proven, gentle way to fall into a relaxing sleep. It can be used in a variety of different ways, including putting a few drops on your temples or spraying it on your pillow as pillow mist. Lavandula Angustifolia is the best type of lavender oil to use to help you fall asleep.Aromatherapy for relaxation and sleep Some controlled trials and pilot studies have shown that lavender’s scent can promote calm and lower anxiety, making it a popular choice for diffusers and relaxation practices.Rather than purifying the air in your bedroom, it’s the smell of French Lavender that helps you drift off to sleep – reducing your heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels, making it a great bedroom plant. See, lavender wakes up the parts of your brain associated with sleep and memories, relaxation and emotion.Lavender might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking lavender with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
How do you look after Lavandula?
Lavender plants prefer dry soil, including chalky soils. Avoid heavy clay soil or soil that will become waterlogged during the wetter seasons. Take care for Lavender hedging by watering when necessary. If you’re growing potted lavender, you should water when the soil is bone dry. When you water, you want to water thoroughly so that the roots are saturated, then let the soil dry out between watering. For established plants, you only need to water every two weeks.Not all lavender plants are hardy, which makes containers a great option for growing types that might not thrive in your garden’s climate. While any lavender can be grown in a pot and shaped into decorative balls or cones, some varieties are particularly well-suited for container gardening.Lavender is happiest with full sun. It is NOT tolerant of shade or overcrowding from other plants. It is an easy keeper and does not need fertilizing, staking or mulching. Mature lavender plants are drought tolerant and can develop root rot and fungal disease with overwatering.When & Where to Plant Lavender. Light: Lavender needs full sun and well-drained soil to grow best. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade may help them thrive. Soil: Lavender grows best in low to moderately-fertile soils, so don’t amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
What is Lavandula used for?
Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Some studies have found that it is considered safe as it offers minimal risk of toxicity [7]. The quality that sets Lavandula Angustifolia apart from all other varieties of lavender is that it may be used for food flavouring. Given the nickname True Lavender, Angustifolia is a complete culinary lavender that may be used in food, drinks, baking and desserts*.Full sun all the way Lavender loves the sun—the more, the better! For optimal growth, plant your lavender in a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. Lavender can tolerate partial shade or dappled sunlight for a few hours each day, especially in hot summer climates.Left to their own devices, lavender can become woody and ungainly, so to keep plants compact and attractive, it’s best to trim them annually in late summer, just after flowering has finished. Remove any spent flower stalks and about 2.Every spring, apply a slow-release, microbial, mineral-rich feed such as seaweed/kelp, shellfish, blood meal, or bone meal, which will provide all the fertilization lavender needs. Excess fertilizer can become toxic to the lavender’s root system.If you’re using lavender oil in topical form, trying out teas and supplements, or exploring aromatherapy, it may be best to do so 30 minutes to one hour before bed to see the benefits.
What are the benefits of Lavandula plant?
Medicinal uses may include helping with mood, anxiety, and depression. Lavender is also grown for the production of its essential oil, which comes from the distillation of the flower spikes of certain lavender species. The oil has cosmetic uses, and many people believe it has medicinal uses. Lavender oil can be safely used as aromatherapy or a topical treatment. But for some people, it might cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction. Try a patch test if you’ve never used lavender essential oil.Lavender oil can help fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation, making it a popular choice for skin brightening. Whether you’re looking for lavender oil for skin whitening or a way to achieve a more uniform complexion, this essential oil delivers noticeable results over time.The Bottom Line. Lavender oil is an essential oil used by inhalation for anxiety and sleep disturbances and on the skin to heal wounds. It is generally safe but can cause allergic skin reactions and photosensitivity. If it gets in the eye, irritation and burning occur.Yes, lavender oil is often used in anti-aging skincare. It’s rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce free radical damage. These free radicals can negatively impact skin tone and create dark spots.
Does Lavandula induce sleep?
Single-blind randomized studies investigated the effectiveness of lavender odor on quality of sleep showed that lavender improved the mean scores of sleep quality in fifteen healthy students [74], in sixty-four ischemic heart disease patients [75], and in thirty-four midlife women with insomnia [76]. Lavender is more than just a pretty flower — it’s a plant with many health benefits. Its calming scent can help reduce stress and improve sleep. If you’re looking to improve your mood or sleep, using lavender-infused essential oils and teas may help you feel better.Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Not only does lavender add a soothing aroma to your bedroom, but it also releases oxygen during the night. Its calming scent can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a favorite among those looking for restful nights.The strong fragrance of lavender is known to deter deer, making it a natural option for protecting your garden.Lavender scares away moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes. For centuries, this lilac-colored plant has been used to add a sweet and pleasant fragrance to homes and clothing drawers. And while the vast majority of humans love the smell of lavender, mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects hate it.
What are the side effects of Lavandula?
It is likely safe to consume lavender in the amounts typically used in foods. Oral lavender products might be safe in the short-term and in the amounts tested in studies of anxiety or other conditions. However, some people may experience adverse effects such as diarrhea, headache, nausea, or burping. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and gently massage it onto your temples, neck, and wrists.Directly on your skin Place 2-3 drops on your temples or on the soles of your feet. Generally speaking, lavender is safe to use directly on your skin, however, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult with your doctor. Never ingest lavender oil, put it in your eyes or on broken skin.Rub 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, then use deep inhalations to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala gland, the emotional warehouse in your brain, to calm the mind. Then, rub your feet, temples, wrists (or anywhere) for an immediate calming effect on the whole body.