Lavender
BotanicalLavandula angustifoliaAlso calledEnglish lavender, True lavender
Purple buds with a clean, floral scent that softens tension, quiets busy thoughts and makes a lovely bedtime ritual.
Lavender grows wild on the dry, sunny hills of the Mediterranean. Its name likely comes from the Latin word for washing, and for centuries people have tucked it into linens and bathwater. It is not part of the classical Ayurvedic pharmacy, but modern Ayurvedic teachers use it often.
The scent is the first thing you meet. Clean, floral and a little sharp. As a tea it is strong, so a small pinch goes a long way. Ayurveda reads lavender as aromatic and gently cooling, a herb that helps the mind loosen its grip at the end of the day.
Ayurvedic Properties
Not described in classical Ayurveda; modern Ayurvedic writers describe it as pungent and bitter in taste and slightly cooling, with a pungent post-digestive effect (Frawley and Lad, The Yoga of Herbs, and other modern Ayurvedic teachers).
- RasaTastes
- ViryaHeating or cooling
- Slightly cooling
- VipakaPost-digestive effect
- Pungent
- AgniEffect on digestion
- Gently supports agni
Aromatic and mildly bitter, it can ease a nervous stomach.
- GunaQualities
- TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Vata: decreases, in moderation
- Pitta: decreases
- Kapha: decreases
- ↓decreases (calms that dosha)
- ↑increases (can aggravate it)
- =neutral or balancing
- ?not known
- V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha
Lavender is mild enough to suit most people in small amounts. It eases pitta intensity and lifts kapha heaviness, while vata types do best with it warm, blended with sweeter herbs, or used as a scent rather than a strong tea.
Traditional Uses
- Traditionally used to support a calm mind and restful sleep.
- Traditionally used to support ease and relaxation after a tense day.
- Traditionally used to support comfortable digestion when nerves upset the belly.
- Traditionally used to support a peaceful mood through its scent.
How People Use It
- TeaUse a light hand. Steep about 1 teaspoon of dried buds per cup, covered, for 5 minutes. It blends well with chamomile or lemon balm.
- TopicalAdd a small cloth bag of buds to a warm bath, or fill a cotton eye pillow with lavender and flaxseed for savasana. Patch test any skin contact first.
- HoneyWarm a jar of honey gently (never hot), add a spoonful of buds, let it sit a week, then strain. A small spoon in evening tea is lovely.
Lavender Savasana Eye Pillow
A simple ritual to end your home practice or your day.
- 1 small cotton or silk pouch (about 4 by 9 inches)
- 1 cup whole flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
- Mix the flaxseed and lavender in a bowl.
- Fill the pouch about two thirds full so it drapes softly, then sew or tie it closed.
- Lie down, close your eyes and rest the pillow lightly across them.
- Breathe slowly for five minutes. Refresh the lavender every few months.
Pairs Well With
Cautions
- Little is known about lavender's safety in medicinal amounts during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Food and light tea amounts are likely fine, but check with your midwife or doctor.
- Lavender may add to the effect of sedative medicines or other relaxing herbs. Mention it to your doctor, especially before surgery.
- Topical lavender can cause skin reactions in some people. Patch test first, and use extra care with children.
- Lavender tea can cause nausea, headache or loose stools in some people. Do not swallow lavender essential oil.
- Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using it regularly, especially if you take any medication.
In Our Shop
Organic Lavender Flower, from $4.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.
Shop Lavender →From the Journal
Sources and Further Reading
This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.