Lavender tea - useful properties and recipes for a fragrant drink. Lavender: useful and medicinal properties, contraindications Herbal tea with lavender detailed recipe

The lavender species belongs to the family of the lamines, which gave us many medicinal plants. The ancient Romans named this herb from the word “lava,” meaning “to wash,” reflecting its use in ancient times. Indeed, the plant was added to the bath water and thrown on the floor in a thermal bath to scent the room. In the Middle Ages, alchemists learned to sublimate the essential oil of a plant, and it became widespread in medicine, cosmetology, and everyday life.

Benefits of lavender

To date, 2 plants of this species are of interest - broad-leaved lavender and medicinal lavender. Both are used both in everyday life and in medicine. Broadleaf lavender is popular in southern France. Essential oil is also prepared there.

The essential oil of this plant has soothing and mild hypnotic properties. It is used both in lamps and in the form of a solution of a few drops of oil in a glass of fat milk. The mixture is poured into a warm bath, which only enhances the soothing and relaxing properties of this plant. They take lavender baths for insomnia, stress, overload of the nervous system due to active training.

A 1 to 1 mixture of lavender and olive oil is used for minor sunburn. The oils should be mixed, cooled and lightly applied to the skin.

Often, bruises and sore joints are rubbed with lavender essential oil. The product improves local blood circulation, helps relieve pain.

In cosmetology, lavender essential oil is used in creams to relieve puffiness, and some anti-aging compositions. It is also used in compositions for the body, in particular in creams that improve blood circulation - anti-cellulite, tightening the skin.

In home cosmetology, lavender oil is sometimes added to anti-cellulite masks with other ingredients. The following recipe is known: 1 glass of blue clay, 3-4 drops of juniper essential oil, 2 drops of lavender oil. A glass of milk. Essential oils are dissolved in milk, mixed with clay, and the composition is applied to problem areas, covering the top with cling film. The mask is kept for 20-30 minutes, the procedure is carried out every other day, before bedtime.

Lavender sprigs together with flowers, fresh or dried, are brewed like tea. A drink made from 1 tablespoon of dry raw materials, infused with 300 ml of hot, but not boiling water, has antispasmodic, antipyretic and immunomodulatory properties. Lavender tea is used for colds. In folk medicine, it is often used for various pains in the joints and muscles.

Lavender is also added to industrial green tea. This drink has a powerful antioxidant effect, its use can balance blood sugar levels and calm the nervous system. Recommended for anyone trying to control weight and appetite, lavender tea also has mild diuretic properties.

Green lavender leaves are used as a general antiseptic in cooking. They are used to shift pickled apples so as not to sour, they are sometimes added to cabbage after it is fermented. As a spice, lavender leaves are used in the preparation of lamb.

In addition, clothes and underwear are poured with dried flowers or just a sachet with grass to protect things from moths.

The plant can cause allergies, including if it is simply stored in a closet with bedding. Lavender essential oil is very volatile and stays well on clothes.

Lavender oil has choleretic properties and the ability to increase the acidity of gastric juice. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it for diseases associated with increased acidity of gastric juice, and some diseases of the gallbladder.

Taking lavender tea, oil, and banal food with this product as a seasoning can provoke acid reflux or heartburn, so it is not recommended for those who have already had such reactions.

Lavender oil is considered safe for children, but only when used topically. Baths and rubbing with mixtures of oils are allowed, but ingestion is not recommended.

It is known that the combined use of iron and iodine preparations with lavender oil reduces the effectiveness of minerals. Therefore, you should not drink the vitamin and mineral complex at the same time as tea based on or with the addition of lavender. The interval between doses of two products should be at least 3-4 hours.

Lavender oil is not recommended under reduced pressure, and vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type. The course of these diseases will only become more complicated if you add to food a product that provides diuretic and pressure-reducing properties. For the rest, moderation should be present, the lavender broth of lamb cooked with herbs should not be seized, and pressure surges can be avoided.

Especially for - fitness trainer Elena Selivanova.

Lavender is a plant that has been known since ancient times for its beneficial properties. It is widely used in cosmetology, added to essential oils, household chemicals. The delicate scent of purple flowers cannot be compared with anything, and probably everyone will recognize it. However, not everyone knows that lavender can also serve as an ingredient in tea. Such a drink not only has a unique taste, but is also a medicine.

Features of culture

The name "lavender" came to us from the Latin language and means "wash, wash". The history of the plant began with the ancient Romans, who loved to take lavender baths. Lavender was also highly regarded by Catholics as a sacred plant. Many people preferred to always have several flowers with them or hung bunches near the front doors, thereby driving away evil entities.

The real homeland of lavender is France and Spain, it was there that it was first cultivated and used in various industries. Gradually, the culture spread to other parts of the world: Africa, Europe, North America. Lavender usually does not exceed 80 cm in height, but there are also hybrid varieties that can grow up to 2 meters. The flowers of the plant are easily recognizable: lilac or purple, they have a delicate characteristic aroma.

Lavender leaves contain a light silvery bloom, and the inflorescences are spiky. The main method of propagation of the culture is cuttings, less often seeds. Lavender blooms in July, but planting usually begins in early spring, acquiring already adult plants for this. Saplings prefer well-lit places, but in general they are quite unpretentious. Due to its unusual colors, lavender is widely used to decorate flower beds and alpine slides.

Advantages and health benefits

Lavender tea is a popular drink since ancient times. It has tremendous health benefits and is excellent in the treatment and prevention of many ailments.

For insomnia

Brewed lavender is an excellent sedative. Many esotericists claim that the lilac color has a beneficial effect on the psyche, calms, restores mental balance. A fragrant drink copes well with all this - sleep will be long, healthy and strong.

Under stress

Each of us knows how hard the body tolerates stress: all sorts of diseases arise, memory worsens, constant nervousness appears.

Lavender tea helps to recover, improves brain function, relieves depression and anxiety.

With a headache

If you suffer from persistent and prolonged headaches, lavender tea is a good way to get rid of them once and for all. Experts recommend using the drink in combination with inhalation of essential oils. Tea has antispasmodic properties and helps to relax muscles. The infusion will also help those who have noticed an ocular nervous tic.

For disorders of the digestive system

With cardiovascular diseases

Doctors highly recommend lavender tea for those with heart disease or a predisposition to it. The antioxidants found in lavender strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve blood circulation. They also significantly reduce the risk of serious pathologies such as heart attack or stroke.

For painful periods

Every woman knows how unsettling aching pains in the lower abdomen can unsettle. Lavender tea is good for relaxing muscles, relieves pain and nausea.

It also helps to recover, improves overall mood and relieves irritability and anxiety.

Contraindications for admission

Lavender is a medicinal herb that, when used correctly, will only provide benefits. However, uncontrolled and careless drinking of tea will not only not cure diseases, but can also be harmful. It is especially worthwhile to give it to children - it is recommended that you first consult a doctor.

The most common side effect of lavender tea is an allergic reaction. This means that your body does not perceive the drink, and it is better to refuse it and replace it with something else. Allergies can manifest themselves in a red rash, swelling of the sinuses, redness of the face and neck. In more severe cases, nausea and vomiting occur.

Overuse of tea can cause stomach upset. It must be remembered that lavender is still a medicine, and not ordinary black tea, which we are used to drinking at any time of the day. Despite the excellent taste, an extra cup is quite capable of provoking abdominal cramps and colic. In addition, many people take other medications, the composition of which will not always interact positively with lavender broth.

Often, young nursing mothers are also interested in whether they can drink lavender tea. Doctors categorically do not recommend doing this, because bitter substances will get into milk. And this, in turn, will cause allergies in the baby and his refusal to breast. You can not experience the healing properties of tea and pregnant girls. Taking a drink during pregnancy, there is a risk of severe toxicosis, up to deep fainting.

It is very carefully advised to drink lavender tea for people suffering from low blood pressure. The components that are contained in the flowers soothe and lower the pressure well, which is contraindicated in this case.

Cooking methods

There are several ways to make an aromatic lavender tea. This can be done in different ways: combine with other herbs or simply make a pure broth.

Classic tea

This is the easiest way and doesn't require you to search for different ingredients. Take a few teaspoons of lavender and 500 ml of boiling water.

Pour the flowers into a teapot and add boiling water. After the broth has stood for about 15 minutes, sweeten it a little with sugar or honey - and the drink is ready. When brewing, it is recommended to use a glass teapot with a tight lid. This is to prevent the tea from fading and losing valuable essential antioxidants.

Hibiscus tea

Take as much black tea as you usually brew for yourself. As a rule, for 500 ml of boiling water, this will be 1-2 teaspoons. Additional ingredients will be a teaspoon of hibiscus and a couple of lavender sprigs.

First, hibiscus is added to black tea and left for 10 minutes. The lid should fit well to the teapot. After the time has elapsed, it is necessary to sweeten the infusion with sugar, and even better - honey or syrup. The drink is usually not drunk right away, it must stand for at least 12 hours in a cool place for the aroma and taste to appear well. The drink is delicious both cold and hot.

If you don't want to wait, and the desire to drink aromatic tea is irresistible, you can use another brewing method. It is impossible to describe the taste of hibiscus without trying it, and black tea does not always set it off well.

In this recipe, it is enough to take one teaspoon of hibiscus and lavender and add the resulting mixture to boiling water. You can drink the infusion after 10 minutes.

Chamomile tea

If you have a hard and busy day behind you, then lavender tea with chamomile is the best way to help you find balance and relieve fatigue. To do this, you will need a glass of boiling water, chamomile and lavender in equal proportions - one teaspoon each.

Preparing a drink is simple: dry herbs are poured with hot water and infused for about 10 minutes. When the broth is ready, add a little honey to it for flavor.

Fennel tea

Fennel is an excellent remedy for people with indigestion. A drink with this miraculous plant will help to quickly normalize intestinal function, cleanse the microflora. With regular use, it relieves fennel and extra pounds, accelerating metabolism and removing toxins from the body. To get a delicious fennel tea, you will need 500 ml of boiling water, half a teaspoon of fennel seeds and lavender flowers.

The first step is to fry the fennel seeds a little (for this, use a skillet without oil and water). When the seeds turn yellow, add them to the lavender. The resulting mixture is poured with boiling water and left for 10-15 minutes. They drink the drink both hot and cold.

Of course, many people prefer to buy lavender, especially since it is always available. You can buy dried flowers at a pharmacy, herbal shops, or buy on the Internet. If you live in a private house, it will not be difficult to grow a culture either: lavender is extremely unpretentious to care for. Those who visited Crimea or Europe often saw huge lavender fields, which no one looked after, and the plant spread on its own.

But in order to properly collect and dry flowers, you need to remember a few tips. The fragrant essential oils contained in the culture are found not only in the flowers, but also in the stem. Cutting the lavender along with the stem will help maintain its beneficial properties. It is best to do this when the plant has almost bloomed and the cups have begun to wilt. The optimal time is early morning or afternoon.

Dry lavender in a cool, dark place. Gather the stems and flowers into bouquets and hang them so that the flowers are at the bottom. It will take 3-4 weeks to completely dry the bouquets. The room must be ventilated, but there should be no high humidity. You can also dry the plant in the sun: the flowers will be pale, but they will not lose their benefits.

After the lavender has dried, it is stored in regular plastic bags or paper bags. Flowers and twigs are completely ready for use, now they can be added to teas and infusions, as well as inhaled.

See the following video for the benefits of lavender.

Lavender is a delicate and aromatic flower that is widely cultivated for its aromatic essential oil. It is actively used in the perfumery and cosmetic industry. Landscape designers also love lavender - in areas where it does not freeze out in harsh winters, spectacular borders and flower beds are arranged from it.

But there is another area of \u200b\u200bapplication for lavender that not all people are aware of. This is the use of the plant to create aromatic, delicious and healing teas.

Properties and composition of lavender

The scent of lavender relaxes, calms, relieves stress and confers a calm, sweet sleep. This property of lavender essential oil is actively used in perfumery and cosmetics. The use of lavender in shower gels and body creams gives tenderness and serenity. These properties also make it possible to use lavender to flavor tea. The flowers can be added to regular or for flavoring, or used in pure form, with the addition of other beneficial and aromatic herbs, such as mint and lemon balm.

Lavender tea helps you relax and sleep. It can be used for abdominal pain, stomach cramps and painful periods.

Lavender flowers have not only an antispasmodic effect, but also the ability to improve blood circulation, relieve headache and swelling, treat depression, colds and bronchitis, bronchial asthma, migraine, neurasthenia, dizziness and heart palpitations.

Applying lavender tea

Lavender tea is good for people with stressful lifestyles who often suffer from sleep disorders, increased anxiety, irritability, or a tendency to become depressed.

For a variety of digestive problems, lavender helps relieve cramps by reducing soreness and increasing acidity.
Colds can be cured faster with hot lavender tea with honey. The same remedy works well for palpitations, headaches, cramps and dizziness.

The light, fragrant drink can be drunk as a delicious mild sedative for increased anxiety, poor sleep, or anxiety before an important meeting or event. Lavender works very delicately, without causing drowsiness or hindering the thought process.

Recipes

Lavender tea is very easy to make. You need to take 2 teaspoons of plant flowers and pour half a liter of boiling water over them. For brewing, you need to use glass or porcelain dishes, tightly closed with a lid. This is necessary so that the drink does not lose its aroma and beneficial properties along with the evaporating essential oils.

For the same purpose, lavender is brewed not with steep boiling water, but like green tea - with "white key".

A drink made from lavender alone is very light and slightly sweet. You can enrich its taste and aroma by adding other useful herbs, for example, mint, lemon balm, chamomile. In case of a cold, it is good to add a spoonful of natural honey to such a drink, best of all linden or acacia.

Lavender is a plant that everyone has heard of at least once in their life. It is widely used for medicinal purposes, in cosmetology and the culinary industry. But few people know what the true benefits and harms of lavender are.

What does lavender look like and where does it grow?

The plant can be found in large quantities in India, the Mediterranean countries, and the Canary Islands. The plant was brought to Europe by the ancient Romans. The most famous lavender fields grow in France, in the Provencal regions. But it is grown in other countries as well: in Russia, Ukraine, Italy, Moldova.

If we talk about the regions of Russia, lavender fields can be found in abundance in the Crimea. Bakhchisarai, the vicinity of Sevastopol, Cape Tarkhankut are famous for them.

Lavender is a very beautiful plant with a delicate aroma. It grows in bushes with green stems and flowers at the ends. Despite the apparent fragility from the outside, the roots of the shrubs penetrate deep into the ground. The bushes can reach a height of 60-70 cm.

The leaves of the plant are oblong. The inflorescences are located on the peripheral part of the stem, where the leaves are gone. The color of the flowers ranges from pale blue to purple. The photo below shows how beautiful the lavender fields are.

The chemical composition of lavender

The beneficial properties of a plant are determined by its unique chemical composition. It is rich in, which are contained in all its parts. The largest percentage of oils accumulates in inflorescences - from 0.8 to 1.2%. The main component of the oil is the esters of the alcohol I-linalol and several acids:

• oil;
• nylon;
• valerian;
• acetic.

The benefits of lavender flowers are due to the presence of elements such as coumarin and ursolic acid in it.

How is lavender useful for the body?

The benefits and harms of lavender for the body have been known since ancient times. Traditional healers have long used it as a sedative. It was used to treat headaches, with a diuretic and choleretic purpose. But the benefits of the plant are not limited to the medical industry. Lavender improves the condition of hair and skin, thanks to which it has become widespread in cosmetology.

Below are just the most pronounced effects of this plant:

• diuretic;
• pain reliever;
• antimicrobial;
• hypotensive (lowers blood pressure);
• hypolipidemic (reduces the amount of cholesterol and fats in the blood);
• hemostatic (stops minor bleeding);
• promotes intestinal peristalsis;
• calming;
• deodorizing (eliminates unpleasant odors).

For women

More than one article can be written about the benefits of lavender for a woman's body. Girls are prone to sudden mood swings, nervous breakdowns. Not to take everything to heart, a unique plant will help to endure unfavorable situations. It has a sedative effect, relieves anxiety, and prevents the development of aggression. The plant benefits the nervous system due to its high antioxidant content.

More than half of women have had cystitis at least once in their lives. For many, it occurs repeatedly or becomes chronic. Regular intake of infusions or decoctions with lavender will help to heal and prevent relapse.

Since lavender has a pronounced analgesic effect, its benefits are great for women during PMS, menopause. The plant reduces the severity of unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the girl becomes less irritable, aggressive.

For men

A strong half of the population is most susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases. This is due to a high percentage of the spread of bad habits (alcohol abuse and smoking), high blood cholesterol levels. For mild disease, lavender will help. Its benefits for the heart and blood vessels are undeniable. The plant contains a large amount of antioxidants. They help lower blood pressure, relax the vascular wall. Regular intake of lavender by mouth is an effective prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke.

Medicinal properties of lavender for men with prostate adenoma or hyperplasia, urethritis are undeniable. The plant has a pronounced diuretic effect. Therefore, lavender tea is recommended for men with urological diseases. A useful plant not only facilitates urination, but also reduces painful sensations, inhibits the inflammatory process.

For children

Lavender has amazing healing properties when it comes to children. Its benefits lie in preventing insomnia, eliminating digestive disorders. Inhalations with the plant are prescribed for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, runny nose. Mild colds and respiratory viral diseases are also cured by inhaling lavender vapor.

Important! Before starting any procedures, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician, as complications and allergic reactions may develop.

Can lavender be pregnant and lactating

Pregnant women will also appreciate the beneficial properties of lavender herb. An ointment based on it eliminates stretch marks and tones the skin. It improves its elasticity and nourishes with nutrients.

Pregnant women are allowed to take small amounts of lavender honey. It has a calming effect and improves general condition during colds. The essential oil prevents varicose veins, which plagues many expectant mothers.

But taking lavender orally during pregnancy is necessary only according to the testimony of a doctor and in minimal quantities. The plant increases the tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can provoke a miscarriage. Then the harm done will far exceed the benefit. Therefore, before using lavender, consultation with an obstetrician-gynecologist is required!

Traditional medicine recipes based on lavender

As noted earlier, healers have been using lavender essential oils for medicinal purposes for a long time. And now the plant is widely used in folk medicine. Essential oils are used to make a variety of dosage forms:

• infusion;
• tincture;
• compress;
• syrup;
• baths.

Lavender tea

Lavender tea will bring many benefits to people with a busy lifestyle. It will help those who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, and have a tendency to depressive disorders. Hot tea with lavender and honey warms the body, boosts immunity and helps to cope with colds faster.

The benefits and harms of lavender tea are incomparable, and it will not be difficult to prepare it. This will require the flowers of the plant and boiling water. 2 tsp flowers are poured with 500 ml of boiling water. But he shouldn't be cool. On the contrary, the water must cool down to 90 ° C. So that the essential oils do not evaporate and the drink does not lose its useful properties, it is brewed in a teapot with a tight lid.

Attention! The effect of the plant is cumulative, that is, it does not appear immediately.

Tea with oils should be drunk at least 2 times a day for a week to see the first results. To improve the taste and increase the healing effect, add honey, chamomile, mint or lemon balm.

Infusion of lavender for sleep

Infusion of lavender flowers lowers blood pressure, improves memory, blood circulation in the brain, contributing to its more intense activity. But the greatest benefit is shown by lavender infusion in the fight against insomnia. Reception 1 tbsp. l. infusion in the evening will provide a sound, healthy sleep.

An infusion of lavender is prepared similarly to tea. The only difference is that the broth should stand for 20-30 minutes. The vessel must be closed. Add honey if desired.

Lavender tincture

The benefits of lavender tincture with alcohol are good antiseptic properties. Due to the content of ethyl alcohol, it inhibits the reproduction of pathogenic microbes and cleanses the body. The tincture is suitable for external and internal use.

It is prepared as follows:

1. 5 tbsp. l. plant flowers are poured with 500 ml of medical alcohol.
2. In its absence, you can use strong alcoholic drinks: vodka, moonshine.
3. The mixture is sealed.
4. Store in a dark place out of direct sunlight, shaking the container 2 times a day.
5. Before use, the solution is filtered through a cheesecloth folded several times.

The tincture is drunk in 20-30 drops 2-3 times a day with a glass of water.

Compresses and turundas

The beneficial properties of lavender flowers in warm compresses will be appreciated by patients with rheumatism, arthritis, osteoarthritis and other joint diseases. The plant reduces the severity of the inflammatory process and relieves pain. Cold compresses will benefit people with thermal skin burns, ulcers and purulent inflammation of the skin (abscesses, phlegmon).

To prepare a warm compress or turunda, take 5 to 7 drops of undiluted lavender essential oil. And for a cold compress, pure oil will not work. 1 drop should be mixed with 10 drops of other vegetable oil. Healing oil is applied to gauze, which is applied to the affected area. Wrap with foil on top. The procedure is repeated 2-3 times a day until the desired effect is achieved.

Lavender syrup

Healthy syrup is widely used in cooking. It gives the baked goods an amazing aroma and pleasant color. But it is worth noting that lavender flowers do not have a bright pigment, so the color of the syrup will be golden yellow. To achieve a beautiful purple color, you need to add a natural lavender-based dye. All of the previously listed beneficial properties of the plant are preserved after the preparation of the syrup.

Both dried and fresh flowers are suitable:

1. Take 7-8 tbsp. l. inflorescences, add them to a mixture of 1 liter of water and 0.5 kg of sugar after heating and complete dissolution of the latter.
2. Reduce heat and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
3. Cover the pan with a lid and let it brew for 60 minutes.
4. The mixture is filtered and put back on the fire.
5. Cook until the desired thickness is obtained.
6. Food coloring can be added at this stage if desired.
7. The syrup is poured into sealed bottles.
8. In a dry, dark place, it can be stored for up to 2 years.

Lavender baths

The benefits of a lavender bath lie in its pronounced choleretic, diuretic effects. Therefore, it is effective in the complex therapy of urolithiasis, pyelonephritis (inflammatory lesions of the renal pelvis). Baths also have a calming effect, which is why they are indicated for people with a tendency to depressive and anxiety disorders. The magical properties of lavender are revealed after adding 5-6 drops of pure essential oil to a general bath.

The use of lavender in cosmetology

On the basis of the plant, masks are made for the skin, and its decoctions are used to improve the condition of the hair. The beneficial essential oil contains organic acids that have a rejuvenating effect. Tannins have an anti-inflammatory effect.

For skin and face

Masks from the plant will not harm either oily or dry skin. On the contrary, a face mask made from lavender infusion perfectly softens dry skin.

To prepare it:

1. Take 2-3 tbsp. l. a mixture of this plant and 1 tbsp. l. starch.
2. Mix thoroughly.
3. The mask is kept on the face for 10-15 minutes, rinsing off afterwards with warm water.

Essential oil masks are more suitable for people with oily, problem skin. To prepare a healing mixture, you will need:

• 2-3 drops of oil;
• 1 egg yolk;
• a couple of drops of tea tree oil.

All ingredients are well mixed and kept on the skin for 10-15 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Decoction for hair

The benefits of hair masks with lavender will be appreciated by people with problematic scalp, with damaged, brittle hair. The mask stimulates their growth, eliminates dandruff, and makes hair shiny.

Making a mask is as easy as shelling pears:

1. To do this, mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil and 1.5 tbsp. l. any other vegetable oil.
2. The mixture is rubbed into the scalp with massaging movements.
3. The head is wrapped in a towel and kept for up to 1 hour.
4. After that, rinse well with shampoo.

How lavender is used in cooking

Lavender has more than just a host of medicinal properties. It has a very delicate pleasant aroma and beautiful color, which is why it is widely used in cooking. Dried flowers are added to meat dishes, as a decoration and for flavor. They are even added to vinegar.

But it is most widely used as a spice in cooking. Syrup is added to baked goods, sweet dishes, ice cream. Lavender jam is of great benefit. It helps to cope with migraine pains, improves overall well-being and boosts immunity.

Harm of lavender and contraindications

It has already been said about the healing effects of the plant. The health benefits and harms of lavender are incomparable. But there are diseases in which it is not recommended to take it inside.

A pronounced choleretic effect in some cases will bring one harm. Violation of gallbladder motility, blockage of the bile ducts with a stone - drinking any choleretic drugs in these conditions is prohibited. It is not recommended to drink lavender for people with high acidity of gastric juice. The essential oils of this spice can provoke an even greater increase and heartburn.

Important! In people who are hypersensitive to lavender, it can lead to an allergic reaction.

The benefits of lavender in an apartment are really great. Everyone knows that it is convenient to store inflorescences in a bag, because they have a calming effect. But essential oils are very volatile. Even when stored in a closet, allergies can occur.

People with low blood pressure need to take oil with caution, as it can provoke a state of shock. The patient will develop unpleasant symptoms:

• nausea;
• dizziness;
• fatigue;
• the person may faint.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of lavender have been known for centuries. The plant reduces pressure, improves urination, soothes. But it is necessary to be treated with it only in the absence of contraindications and in a reasonable dose. For people with hypotension, gastritis with high acidity, allergies, it will only harm. Lavender should be taken wisely, then it will only benefit.

Today, on supermarket shelves, you can observe a variety of very different tea compositions: with different properties, taste, aroma. However, not all of them have the same range of beneficial properties that lavender tea has.

Even Ancient healers noticed the healing effect of this drink, often recommended it to patients as an additional aid during therapy for most diseases. In ancient Rome, lavender flowers were also used for bathing - they were thrown into the baptismal font to rejuvenate the codi and aromatize the baths.

In nature, the plant reaches a height of eighty centimeters, has medium-sized flower stalks, it is from them that you can brew lavender tea or a decoction. The natural growing environment for culture is the Mediterranean of Spain and France.

Over time, the culture took root in North America, Africa, in most parts of Europe. As a tea, lavender is used quite often, however, due to the fact that the plant contains tannin, bitterness, minerals, essential oil, the culture is popular in cosmetology. Lavender oil is a part of most cosmetic products and perfumes. Also, lavender is used for the manufacture of medicines, for example, for the treatment of gynecological problems.

Beneficial features

Besides the fact that lavender tea is a fragrant and tasty drink, the plant is often used as an additional remedy in the treatment of diseases. The medicinal properties of tea or lavender broth are shown with such pathologies:

• chronic stress;
• migraine;
• insomnia;
• pain during menstruation;
• indigestion;
• arterial hypertension;
• respiratory diseases;
• hyperthermia of the body;
• aggressive states.

Lavender flowers are used for chronic stress conditions, anxiety, irritability. Also, a herbal drink is drunk for depressive conditions - it helps to improve overall well-being, reduces aggressiveness, and helps to concentrate. Traditional medicine uses a decoction to eliminate headaches - both a one-time case and from migraines. At the same time, the broth helps with headaches caused by nervous disorders. The plant has a calming effect on the manifestations of a nervous tic.

Insomnia is a sign of a pathological nervous disorder, and not only sleep is disturbed, but also the general condition of a sick person. Doctors recommend drinking lavender tea every day, the benefits of which have been proven and there will be no harm from daily tea drinking. Arterial hypertension in some way is also one of the side symptoms of nervous tension or stress. In such cases, the use of decoctions in the morning and evening is recommended.

Lavender helps cure respiratory ailments. In such a case, it increases immunity, reduces body hyperthermia. Herbal tea contributes to an overall improvement in the condition if aches and muscle pains are noted. Often, such a remedy is used to stabilize hormonal levels during puberty. However, in this case, the use should be strictly normalized in order to avoid overdose, which can lead to new hormonal disorders.

Contraindications and harm

The main circumstance, implying a ban on the use of drinks, or any other drugs and means that contain a plant, is individual sensitivity. It can be intolerance to essential oil or any other component that the culture contains. Signs accompanying allergies - nausea, rash, vomiting, headache, chills. Also, do not consume lavender tea in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• arterial hypotension;
• when breastfeeding;
• children under the age of ten;
• in large quantities.

During pregnancy, the use of lavender in food, or as a cosmetic product can cause side effects in the form of progressive toxicosis - up to loss of consciousness. In addition, tannin can cause abortion. When breastfeeding, lavender broth will add bitterness to breast milk, which will provoke an allergic reaction in the baby. In the best case, the baby's refusal to breastfeed.

Collection and storage

The plant should be cut only during flowering, while it is important that more than half of the open peduncles are recorded on the inflorescence in full disclosure. This is not only a condition for obtaining the maximum amount of nutrients, but also allows you to subsequently get a new flowering for the next harvest. The optimal harvest time is spring, when the flowering period has just begun.

Next, lavender is collected from bunches. The size of one bunch should be such that the stems fit as freely as possible in the palm of your hand. When cutting a plant, an important rule must be observed - only cut off green shoots, do not touch the woody part. You can use a pruner or a garden knife to collect. Do not pick lavender before dew has fallen - the stems must be slightly damp to retain the oils.

When forming a bundle for further storage, it is necessary to remove all damaged or diseased parts of the plant. You can also dry lavender in bunches - hang it in a semi-dark dry room or can be laid out on a net in the open sun. Drying in the open sun will cause the flowers to burn out, but this will not affect the quality. After drying the flowers, store the lavender inside a dark, ventilated room.

Lavender tea recipes

You can brew lavender as a tea by combining it with other tea varieties or adding medicinal plants to it. Based on the composition of the raw materials used, the positive effect of such herbal tea will also differ.

1. The first recipe is to combine. To do this, take water (250 ml), black classic tea (1 tsp), hibiscus color (0.5 tsp), three lavender branches, two teaspoons of sugar. Brewed for 15 minutes.
2. The second way involves adding fennel. This requires water (600 ml), fennel seeds - 0.5 teaspoon, half a teaspoon of lavender flower. Seeds are fried in a dry frying pan, mixed with peduncles, filled with boiling water, left for 10 minutes.
3. The third method of brewing is the most versatile, since it involves the addition of chamomile as an auxiliary medicine. You should take one teaspoon of chamomile, one teaspoon of lavender flowers, pour boiling water (250 ml), leave for 10 minutes.

In conclusion, we suggest you watch an interesting video about the beneficial properties of lavender: