Lavender is one of the most popular herbs used in essential oils, skincare and mostly topical products. Most people usually associate this gorgeous flower with two specific traits, the fragrance and the color. But you may not know that Lavandula (Lavender) has been used for more than just aromatherapy. Here are 5 facts you may not know about the beloved lavender!
1. Lavender has been used to treat many health issues in history. The Latin root for this word is "lavare", which means "to wash" and the earliest recorded use of lavender dates back to ancient Egypt where they used this herb for mummification. Lavender started to gain popularity in other parts of the world including Persia, Greece and Rome and has been used to treat ailments including insomnia, anxiety, headaches, acne and toothaches.
2. Did you know that studies have shown lavender oil can help treat alopecia (hair loss in different areas of the body)? In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, people used a mix of essential oils including lavender oil and rubbed it on patches where their hair had fallen out. Some people experienced hair regrowth! Lavender has also been used to help aid in discomforts in eczema, acne, sunburns and even diaper rash.
3. Did you know you can actually consume lavender orally?
Lavender buds can be used in brewed tea to add a complimentary treatment to help anxiety and depression.
For all the ladies, lavender tea may also be a great addition to your diet when the monthly Shark week attacks, there has been evidence supporting lavender helping reduce discomfort due to menstrual cramps. Some studies also suggest that consuming lavender as a tea can help digestive issues and alleviate nausea, gas and upset stomach!
Here's an amazing lavender tea recipe to try:
A cup of loose chamomile tea
1/2 cup of loose dried culinary lavender buds
Mix these 2 ingredients together, scoop mix in tea bags or pouches -you can purchase them here
Seep in hot water for 3-5 minutes, serve with some honey and lemon and enjoy!
(If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult with your doctor first)
4. Lavender oil is not just used for it's beautiful floral notes in aromatherapy, in fact, lavender has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that's great for acne, psoriasis and wound healing. In a study, researchers applied lavender oil to rats daily for 2 weeks and their wound sizes decreased. This is because lavender oil sped up collagen produced in the skin to heal the wounds.
5. Lavender is a great essential oil to use to prevent or get rid of pests such as fleas, moths, flies, mosquitoes and more. Most pests just cannot tolerate the smell of lavender, so plant them in your garden and use them fresh or dry to hang around the house or put some in a sachet, place it in with your clothes to keep bugs out! (You should note though that bees are highly attracted to lavender!)
What are some lavender hacks you've tried? We would love to know, comment below! Check out our Lavender Goat Milk Soap here if you haven't, all our soaps are handmade using raw goat milk from our herd of goats and filled with therapeutic grade lavender essential oil, it's just magical in the shower! 
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