True lavender: benefits, origin and use as a dietary supplement
True lavender, also known as lavender officinalis or fine lavender, is a plant native to the Mediterranean basin, particularly France, Spain and Italy. It is highly prized for its many medicinal and cosmetic properties. Its use as a food supplement is also becoming increasingly popular. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of true lavender, its origin and how it can be used as a dietary supplement.
Origin of true lavender
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It has long stems that can reach 60 cm in height and narrow green leaves. Its flowers are blue-purple and highly fragrant.
True lavender has been cultivated since ancient times, mainly in regions with a Mediterranean climate. It was used for its medicinal properties, particularly to relieve headaches and burns. Over time, it has become increasingly popular for its cosmetic and aromatherapy benefits.
Today, France is one of the world's leading producers of true lavender, particularly in the Provence, Drôme and Vaucluse regions.
The benefits of true lavender
True lavender has many beneficial properties for health and beauty. Here are just a few of them:
- Soothing and relaxing: True lavender essential oil is renowned for its relaxing properties. It is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety and promote good quality sleep.
- Healing : Applied to the skin, True lavender essential oil can help heal minor wounds, burns and insect bites.
- Relieves muscle and joint pain: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, True lavender essential oil can help relieve muscle and joint pain, particularly in cases of arthritis or rheumatism.
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal: True lavender has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an ideal ally in the fight against microbial skin infections such as acne and eczema.
- Strengthens the immune system : True lavender is rich in antioxidants and active ingredients that boost the immune system and help fight infection.
Use as a food supplement
As well as its use in aromatherapy and cosmetics, true lavender can also be used as a dietary supplement. It is generally available in capsule or tablet form, and can be taken daily.
As a dietary supplement, true lavender can help to :
- Regulating sleep : Thanks to its relaxing properties, True lavender can promote good quality sleep and help regulate sleep disorders.
- Improve digestion: By promoting muscle relaxation, True lavender can also help to regulate digestive problems such as gas, bloating and intestinal cramps.
- Mood regulation : True lavender can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, depression or emotional stress, helping to calm the mind and reduce discomfort.
- Relieving pain: By acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, True lavender can help relieve joint pain, headaches and muscle tension.
- Preventing infections: Thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, True lavender can help boost the immune system and prevent microbial infections.
However, it is important to note that true lavender cannot be used as a medical treatment and it is always preferable to consult a health professional before taking any dietary supplements.
Conclusion
True lavender is a plant with many virtues, both for health and beauty. Its use as a dietary supplement is becoming increasingly widespread, and can provide a number of benefits, including promoting good sleep and boosting the immune system. Thanks to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help relieve pain and regulate mood. However, it is always important to seek advice from a health professional before using any real lavender-based dietary supplement.
