The Health, Nutrition and Wellness site
3 Oct
Article written by Joy.
Well known and a herbal delight, lavender plants find a space in almost every garden. Lavender was used extensively by the Romans and others as a perfume for their baths, explaining the meaning of the latin, ‘lavare’ – to wash. During festivals lavender was strewn on floors, it was also an ingredient of ‘Four Thieves’ vinegar in the Middle Ages and country folk used the herb for dressing wounds, pains in the head as perfume for clothes and linen.
Cultivation of lavender in England is mentioned as far back as 1568 and the Pilgrim Fathers took lavender plants to America.
Popular uses of lavender today include Essential oil, fresh flowers, potpourri and a variety of uses in the perfume and beauty industry.
Originally from the Mediterannean countries, lavender is cultivated worldwide today. The Lavendula species are evergreen perennials and shrubs which need dry and well-drained soil in full sun. It is easily propagated through cuttings and the modern gardner has a wide choice in foliage and flower colour. The following are a few of the more distinctive Lavendula species:
Lavendula angustifolia: Also called English Lavender and is the crop most predominantly grown for the production of Essential oil. Flowers appear on long spikes in the Summer season.
Lavendula dentata: Also called French Lavender, the plants have a distinctive toothed leaf and short thick flower heads, which flower continously. French Lavender makes excellent cut flowers and is used extensively in potpourris and various fragrant bath and beauty products. The plant lends itself to be pruned into sphere shapes.
Lavendula stoechas: Also called Spanish Lavender, its distinctive dark purple flower head is topped by ‘rabbits ears’. The shrub is bushy and can grow between 30 and 90 cms high. The stoechas also have varieties with yellow, brown or white flowers.
Lavendula allardi: Also called Dutch or Hedge Lavender, the plant hardly ever flowers and has large fragrant leaves which may be smooth or toothed, used as greenery. It can grow to 1,5 metres high and is easily clipped into a hedge or topiary.
Lavender Essential oil is extracted from the flowertops and leaves of Lavendula augustifolia, Lavendula lactifolia and Lavendula hybrida through the process of steam distillation. Essential oils are highly concentrated, chemically very complex and should be used with care. Essential oils dissolve easily in plant oils and in alcohol. The therapeutic properties of Lavender Essential oil(the main chemical constituents being esters and alcohols) has been extensively researched, starting with Gattefosse’s observation of the dramatic healing effect of the essential oil on burns and Dr Valnet’s use of Lavender oil for serious war injuries.
Lavender Essential oil has properties ranging from analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-septic, bacteriacidal and hypotensive to a sedative for the heart. It is also a cell regenerator and good for help against fungal infections. Lavender Essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, thus relieving anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Lavender Essential oil is typically used in the proportion of 2 drops per 5ml(1tsp) base oil, water or alcohol. Used in proper dilution, the oil is safe for babies, children and pets.
This versatile Essential oil is available from most Health shops and pharmacies in 10ml or 22ml bottles and is a valuable addition to any home First Aid box.
17 Apr
Also known as flaxseed or linseed oil, flax oil is an important source of Omega-3 fatty acid or alpha-linolenic acid(LNA) which is essential to the body and is the precursor to other important Omega-3 oils, EPA and DHA.
Flax oil is the best oil for people with an omega-3 deficiency as it contains the largest amount of LNA, which is the strongest dispersing essential fatty acid. It is also suitable for vegetarians who may not wish to take fish oils. LNA helps to break up saturated fat deposits and cholesterol but must be taken with caution as if it is taken for too long it can actually start to cause Omega-6 deficiency.
Flax oil may contain a substance which resemble the prostaglandins which regulate blood pressure, kidney, arterial, platelet and immune function. In fresh or unrefined flax oil one can find lecithin and other phospholipids which help to emulsify fats and oils to make them easier to digest. It plays a role in calcium and energy metabolism and is useful for treating fatty degenaration in diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Flax seeds contain easily digestible protein which contains all the amino acids essential to human health. Flax seeds are also an excellent source of fiber which amongst other things, helps keep our digestive tract clean and moving, free from mucus and toxic materials. Fiber also prevents bile acids and cholesterol from being reabsorbed into our body from our intestine, it softens stools, maintains regularity and prevents constipation.
Flax Oil can be helpful in treating dry skin, eczema and dandruff, it has been known to help in relieving some allergies and cases of asthma and may be useful in the treatment of depression.
It has been found to be helpful in relieving some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and also in the relief of conditions which involve edema.
Flax Oil helps to make the skin soft, hair shiny and nails strong and can shorten the healing time for bruizes as well as increase energy and a feeling of vitality.
Flax oil is best stored in a cool environment (preferable a fridge) in a dark glass bottle to prevent exposure to light and oxygen which destroy the health giving properties of flax oil.
Flax Oil is best taken with protein, Johanna Budwig, a researcher in the field of oils, recommends taking flax oil with cottage cheese for best absorption. It can be used in salad dressings and over steamed vegetables.
Flax seeds make a good addition to mueslis and baking or stir-fries. The nutty flavour can enhance many dishes.
According to Udo Erasmus, author of Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, Flax oil should be a part of the intake of most of the population.
Bibliography: Flax oil as a true aid against arthritis, heart infarction, cancer and other diseases – Dr. Johanna Budwig.
Fats that heal, Fats that kill – Udo Erasmus
Staying Healthy with Nutrition – Elson Haas, MD.