Let’s talk Lavender.
Lavender -- Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis is a shrub known for its pleasant aroma and bright purple flowers. It is native to the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated throughout the world, particularly in the United States, Australia and southern Europe.
The floral flavor and bluish purple color of lavender tea sooth your senses while its plant compounds may provide additional health benefits.
Drinking lavender tea is calming. Drinking tea with lavender may relieve symptoms of both anxiety and depression, such as restlessness, insomnia and irritability. Its calming effect also extends to your digestive tract, where it may reduce intestinal gas. Try Bluffton Tea’s Earl Grey and Lavender blend, organic black tea, bergamot oil and lavender or our new blend, Lavender, Chamomile & Mint .
Some of the lavender’s purported health benefits include:
Anxiety Relief
Drinking lavender tea may help calm your nerves and leave you feeling more relaxed alleviating anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that even the smell of lavender may relieve agitation. According to a study published in February of 2010 in the journal "Phytomedicine," ingesting lavender oil relieves the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, which include constant worrying, fatigue, irritability, tension, trembling and trouble sleeping. Note: lavender oil is more potent than lavender tea and no scientific studies have been conducted specifically on the effectiveness of drinking lavender tea for anxiety. (1)
Treatment of Indigestion
Drinking lavender tea may relieve annoying and uncomfortable intestinal gas, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Lavender is a type of carminative herb, also called a digestive tonic or bitter. Ingesting carminatives may lessen spasms that occur in the muscles of your intestinal tract, which contribute to indigestion and gas. (2)
Antidepressant
Consuming lavender regularly may help relieve mild feelings of sadness, frustration, lack of energy and insomnia, but more research is needed to fully understand lavender's potential role in treating depression. The journal "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry" published results of a study on tincture of lavender and depression in February 2003. However, it should be noted that tincture of lavender is stronger than that of a lavender tea. (3)
Consuming Lavender Tea
Steep your Bluffton Tea Earl Grey & Lavender or Lavender, Chamomile & Mint for 3 to 5 minutes using boiling water. Adding a small amount of sweeter such as raw honey will enhance the floral lavender notes.
However, all good things should be used in moderations. The University of Michigan Health System recommends to limit your daily lavender tea ingestion to 3 cups of lavender tea or less. One possible lavender side effect may be nausea if large amounts of lavender oil are ingested.
Data sources: (1,2,3) Erica Kannall, Demand Media published on azcentral.com http://www.livestrong.com/article/252384-what-are-the-benefits-of-lavender-tea/#sthash.MEuT7PF3.dpuf