Lavendula officinalis, the medicinal type of Lavender, is a plant from the Lamiaceae family with deep blueish purple flowers that grow in terminal spikes. While it was initially discovered in the Mediterranean, it can now be seen worldwide. The flowers are collected for their medicinal benefits in summer, right before blooming, and are subsequently dried and stored in a dark and dry place until required.
ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS
The compounds or chemicals within a plant which have a medicinal effect on the body are referred to as the active constituents, for Lavendula officinalis the active constituents of interest are the volatile oils. Fresh Lavender flowers can contain up to 0.5% volatile oils, which include Linalyl acetate, Linalol, Geraniol, Cineole, Limonene, and Sesquiterpenes, among other constituents.
Volatile oil
When you come into contact with a plant in the garden and are enveloped by its strong scent, you are encountering volatile oils, which are fragrant oily particles created by a plant and dispersed into the air to attract or deter organisms. These volatile oils are often extracted as essential oils, but for pets, these extracts are deemed dangerous due to their high toxicity levels. In their original plant-based or diluted state, however, they can have therapeutic benefits, with Lavender being a popular choice for culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS and MEDICINAL USES
Lavender is a general tonic which strengthens the nervous system, excellent for relieving stress, anxiety, depression and general restlessness it can restore natural sleep, relieve stress related headaches, and even function as an anti depressant. Additionally, lavender has a positive impact on the digestive system by acting as a carminative or antispasmodic agent. It proves especially beneficial for stress-related abdominal issues like colic caused by anxiety or digestive problems linked to depression.
Application for Humans only
Essential oil
Lavender essential oil is commonly used for various human conditions in different ways. It can be applied directly on the skin as a pain-relieving liniment, particularly for rheumatic issues, as it not only alleviates pain but also enhances circulation. Adding a few drops of oil to boiling water, whether in a basin or bath, and inhaling the steam is beneficial for reducing stress and improving sleep. Moreover, the oil can be massaged onto the skin as it acts as an excellent rubefacient and local anesthetic, enhancing circulation and relieving pain precisely where needed. While these applications are safe and effective for humans, they are not recommended for pets due to toxicity concerns. It is crucial to dilute oils properly for pets, and essential oils should never be used on or near pets.
Applications for pets
Infusion
Using a basic infusion can be an effective remedy for topical mites or inflammatory skin conditions, although in this diluted form, it is more likely to alleviate rather than completely cure the issue. When ingested, the same infusion can help soothe the digestive system, reduce spasms, alleviate pain, and strengthen the central nervous system to gently improve mood disturbances. To prepare, add 5-30g of dried flowers to 1 cup of boiling water, cover, and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes. Remember that covering the infusion helps retain its medicinal properties instead of allowing them to evaporate.
Cream or Salve
Infuse the flowers in a carrier oil suitable for food, such as Organic olive oil, to make a cream or salve. This mixture can be applied externally for various purposes, ranging from common skin irritations to topical mites, when you require a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory stimulation. By using top-quality food-grade ingredients in your preparation, you can avoid any toxicity concerns in case your pet licks the treated area, as pets tend to do.
Dried herb
Integrating dried herbs into the diet is an easy and convenient choice, but it's essential to use the right medicinal variety, ensure its quality (color is a good quality indicator), and follow the correct dosage. When used in this manner, Lavendula officinalis serves as a beneficial tonic for the central nervous system, making it ideal for addressing various anxiety or stress-related issues, especially those related to digestive problems caused by stress.
Concentrated extracts
Concentrated extracts are available in different forms and offer the same internal benefits as infusions or dried herbs, but in a highly concentrated and easily absorbable format. The most popular form is tinctures, where alcohol is utilized to extract and preserve the medicinal properties of a plant. While this can be an excellent option for humans due to the small amount needed and quick absorption for fast relief, it is not suitable for pets that cannot metabolize alcohol. Some may consider the minimal alcohol content in tinctures as negligible, but for those who wish to avoid any potential risks, there are alternatives. One option is to mix the necessary tincture drops with boiling water to allow the alcohol to evaporate before consumption. Another approach is to opt for a glycerine-based preparation instead.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
While lavender is generally safe when used in the correct preparation and dosage, it is important to note that essential oils in their concentrated form are not considered safe for pets.
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REFERENCES
Hoffman, D. 2003. Holistic Herbal: A safe and practical guide to making and using herbal remedies. London, England: Thorsons. Pp 57, 59, 65, 71, 72, 74, 88, 116, 143, 146, 159, 177, 210.
Wynn, S. G. & Fougere, B. J. 2007. Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Missouri, USA: Mosby, Elsevier. Pp, 201t, 331, 350, 352, 354, 355, 376, 588-590.
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