Lavender Tea

Also Known As: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis, English Lavender, French lavender, and Xun Yi Cao.

A short shrub that grows to about two feet in height, the lavender plant has gray-green narrow leaves and blue-violet flowers covering the heavily branched shrub.

Native to Mediterranean mountain zones, the lavender now grows prolifically throughout Australia, Europe, and the United States.

There are many species of lavender plants, but medicinally the most commonly used type is English Lavender, which can be used in tea. French lavender is also used to make lavender tea.

It has a light floral flavor and is often mixed with other teas for its distinctive aroma and taste. The perennial lavender plants have aromatic purple flowers and can be grown in gardens throughout the world.

What is Lavender Tea? Lavender Tea is made from fresh or dried Lavender flowers. English Lavender or Lavandula angustifolia is the one suggested for culinary and medicinal use. Other varieties of lavender may taste more camphor-y.

Lavender Tea Preparations:

Fresh Flower Tea:

• 1 teaspoon of Lavender flowers
• 1 cup of boiling water

Add lavender to water then cover and steep for 10 minutes. For multiple infusions, steep longer each time.

Dried Flower Tea:

• 1-2 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers
• 1 cup boiling water

Add lavender to water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, then sweeten to taste or add other herbs or flavoring to vary medicinal benefits.

Home Remedies Using Lavender Tea:

Benefits of Lavender Tea:

Historically lavender tea has been used as an antiseptic wash, and internally to treat mental health issues including depression and stress.

Today Lavender tea is used to relieve stress, reduce fatigue, and help treat headaches. It is also utilized to detoxify the kidneys, calm nerves and emotions, and treat insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and depression.

Other uses for Lavender tea include calming an upset stomach, ease digestive spasms, and stop hair loss. It can be used to treat migraines, for certain respiratory problems and to sooth the nervous system.

Lavender tea can also be used topically as a local anesthetic, applied as a compress it sooths cuts, bruises or sprains. It can also be used on bee stings to ease pain and swelling.

Side Effects of Lavender Tea:

The side effects of lavender tea can be headache, changes in appetite, and constipation. Lavender tea taken with sedative medications may increase drowsiness.

It is suggested that consumption of lavender be restricted to 0.1763 oz of the herb daily.