With its delicate, violet flowers, lavender not only looks beautiful and smells wonderful, but when infused as a tea, it also has a variety of healthy effects on body and mind. FITBOOK explains how lavender tea tastes, which active ingredients are in the tea and how to prepare it correctly.
Already 5000 years ago lavender was used as a soothing and fragrant bath water additive. The plant is considered – then as now – in naturopathy as an effective, supportive remedy for overcoming various ailments. The diverse effects of lavender tea are said to help with psychological sensitivities, among other things.
What ailments should lavender tea help with?
The tea is mainly used as a remedy for sleep problems and restlessness. Drunk before going to bed, it should ensure a pleasant and deep sleep and have a calming effect on nervous complaints such as fears, restlessness or migraines. In addition, lavender tea has a potential antispasmodic effect that can help with stomach and intestinal problems such as bloating and constipation, as well as period cramps.
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What active ingredients are in the tea?
The healing power of lavender is mainly based on the high proportion of essential oils. The flowers contain around 1.5 percent valuable lavender oil, which is composed of, among other things, linalyl acetate, linalool, cineole and camphor. Depending on the variety and growing area, more than 40 essential oils can occur. Due to the tannins it contains, the plant has cholagogue properties, which is responsible for the digestive effect of lavender tea. In addition, the medicinal herb has a high amount of esters, monoterpenes and oxides, the mixture of which causes the relaxing effect of the tea.
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Is the effect of lavender tea scientifically proven?
Much research has focused on the effects of lavender extract and oil on the body and mind. In particular, the external use of essential lavender oil has been linked in studies to an antispasmodic effect during menstruation and faster wound healing in inflammatory skin diseases such as acne. The scent of lavender in particular seems to have a calming effect. A study of students with sleep problems showed that wearing lavender patches on the chest at night improved sleep quality and duration.1,2,3
Unfortunately, there are only a few studies examining the effects of lavender infused as a tea. However, some of these studies also came to promising results. A study with young mothers showed that the study participants who slowly drank a cup of lavender tea daily for two weeks were less tired and depressed than the comparison group who did not drink any tea.4
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Are there any possible side effects and risks?
Lavender tea is considered safe and safe to consume by most people. If you feel unwell in the form of nausea or tachycardia after consumption, you should definitely refrain from further cups. Breastfeeding and pregnant women should consult their doctor beforehand to determine whether it is recommended to take it.
How is the tea prepared and where do you get suitable lavender from?
Lavender tea can now be found in most supermarkets and drugstores. Alternatively, you can easily make the tea yourself by picking lavender flowers yourself, hanging them in a dry dark place (but not in the oven) and drying them carefully. Then pour boiling water over it. 1 to 2 teaspoons of flowers are enough for a cup of tea. After 5 to 10 minutes steeping time, the blossoms can be strained and the tea is ready to be consumed.
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How does lavender tea taste?
The lavender infusion has a very strong, tart, bitter taste that is slightly reminiscent of rosemary. The smell, on the other hand, is characterized by a very flowery and sweet note, which gives the tea its unique aroma. The infusion has a bright golden yellow color.