Can drinking lavender tea actually improve your mood and energy levels?
Lavender is a mint-family plant that is noted for its relaxing smell and medicinal capabilities. The plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has long been valued for its fragrant and therapeutic characteristics. Lavender gets its name from the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.” The ancient Romans and Greeks utilized lavender in their bathing routines and as a scent. Lavender has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including medical, culinary, and decorative functions.
In this article, we will explore the many benefits of lavender and how it can be used to boost mood and energy.
6 Mind and Body Benefits of Lavender
Believe it or not, lavender is not just a nice-smelling plant that you use for soaps. Lavender is a versatile herb that has a wide range of benefits for your mind and body. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Aromatherapy benefits: Lavender has a soothing aroma that can help relieve anxiety and encourage relaxation, which is why it’s so popular in soap!
- Mood-boosting: Lavender has been shown to have mood-boosting effects and can help alleviate depression symptoms.
- Relaxation: Lavender can aid with relaxation by lowering muscle tension and generating sensations of serenity.
- Energy-boosting: Lavender can also help boost your energy levels by reducing feelings of fatigue and increasing mental clarity.
- Skin-soothing properties: Lavender has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that can help relieve and treat skin irritations like burns, rashes, and acne.
- Respiratory benefits: Lavender naturally contains decongestants that can help ease the symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs.
6 Ways Use Lavender to Improve Your Mood and Energy
Lavender can be used in various ways to promote mood and energy. Here are some methods to try:
- Lavender drinks: Sipping on a warm cup of lavender tea or a cold cup of lavender lemonade can have a soothing effect on the body and mind. We’ll cover this in more detail in the next section.
- Essential oil diffuser: Fill a diffuser with lavender essential oil and let the aroma fill the room. This can aid in relaxation and mood enhancement.
- Lavender-scented candles: To create a peaceful environment, light a lavender-scented candle at your workspace or bedroom.
- Lavender bath soak: For a peaceful and revitalising experience, add a few drops of lavender essential oil or a handful of dried lavender buds to your bathwater.
- Lavender room spray: To freshen up any room, combine a few drops of lavender essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Lavender essential oil rollerball: Combine lavender essential oil and carrier oil in a rollerball bottle for a convenient, on-the-go solution for relaxation and mood enhancement.
Lavender Lemonade
Lavender lemonade is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of lavender. The recipe involves boiling lavender springs in water and then combining the infused water to make a simple syrup out of freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and cold water. This beverage is not only tasty but also has several health benefits. Lavender is known for its relaxing and mood-boosting properties, while lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Additionally, the combination of lavender and lemon can help to improve digestion and promote a healthy immune system. This drink is perfect for a hot summer day or as a calming evening beverage. The added benefit, it will make your house smell good!
Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is so delicious that it deserves its own section! Tea is a popular way to enjoy the therapeutic properties of lavender. It is made by steeping dried lavender flowers in hot water. Lavender tea has a nice floral scent and a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. It is caffeine-free and can be consumed at any time of day.
Benefits of Lavender Tea
Lavender tea has a relaxing impact on both the body and the mind, making it a great option for people who suffer from anxiety or insomnia. It can also help with headache relief and relaxation.
How to Make Lavender Tea
Just place 1-2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers in a tea infuser or kettle to make lavender tea. Let the flowers to steep in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Remove the flowers and serve. Lavender tea can be sipped on its own or with a dash of honey or lemon for extra taste.
Other Uses for Lavender
In addition to its mood-boosting and energy-boosting properties, lavender can also be used for:
- Skincare: Because lavender has antibacterial characteristics, it is useful in treating skin disorders such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Sleep aid: Lavender’s relaxing aroma can aid in better sleep by lowering anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Headache relief: Lavender contains natural analgesic properties that can help reduce headaches and migraines.
- Digestive aid: Lavender has been shown to provide digestive benefits, including the reduction of indigestion and bloating symptoms.
Conclusion
Lavender is a potent herb that can help raise your mood and energy, induce relaxation, reduce skin irritations, and treat respiratory issues. You can get the benefits of lavender by adding it into your daily routine in many ways.
While lavender is generally considered safe, there are some precautions and warnings to keep in mind. Some people may experience allergic reactions, skin irritation, or digestive upset when using lavender. Before putting lavender essential oil on your skin, you should always dilute it, and you should never put it near your eyes or mouth.
Research
- Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
- The effects of lavender oil inhalation on emotional states, autonomic nervous system, and brain electrical activity. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
- The effects of aromatherapy on sleep improvement: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2012.42.2.247
