Do You Know What Lavandula Angustifolia Is?

From my headline, did you guess I am going to talk about lavender?

How many of you have tried lavender tea?

I’ve grown lavender in my home garden for years but didn’t start drinking it as tea until a few years ago. I used the lavender flowers and buds for other things like lavender shortbread cookies (they’re totally yummy), soap, body lotions, and sachets to put in my linen closet and pillowcases. I can tell you the scent of lavender is one of my favorite scents and is also one of the most beloved fragrances worldwide. From lavender essential oil to soaps and teas, this vibrant purple flower makes a statement.

So how does it work if you want to make lavender into tea?

Lavender tea is made from the fresh or dried buds of the lavender flower, whose Latin name is lavandula angustifolia. Tea made only with buds and flowers is an herbal tea or tisane and is naturally caffeine free. Lavender can also be added to tea from the camelia sinensis plant. In other words, black, oolong, green and white teas can have lavender added to create unique tea blends. These teas do contain caffeine, though.

While lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe and northern Africa, it is also widely grown in the United States and other countries. Some of the most amazing lavender fields are in Provence, France. This area in France is considered the best in the world to grow lavender, as the southern weather provides perfect growing conditions. It’s on my bucket list of places to visit! There are around 39 different lavender plants, but not all are edible and made for consumption.

Lavender tea has a delicate flavor and a wonderful aromatic fragrance. It is known for its calming effects, making it the perfect bedtime tea. I enjoy Lavender Lace in the evenings when I want to unwind after a long day. This tea is naturally caffeine free. I enjoy its soothing fragrance and can just feel myself relax as I sip this wonderful brew. I also know I’m getting an abundance of health benefits, making it a win/win.

If you are an Earl Grey lover, you will enjoy Lavender Earl Grey. This is the best of both worlds combining bergamot and lavender to take this Earl Grey to another level. This tea has a bold citrus flavor and is great hot or iced.

Another great choice is my store-exclusive Lovely Lavender Ceylon. I’ve blended black tea with lavender flowers and natural flavoring to bring you an amazing cup of tea. Indulge in this all-natural tea whenever the lavender urge strikes. This tea is also good hot or over ice.

So I know you’re now thinking, what are all the health benefits? Well, let’s get to it.

LAVENDER TEA HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Helps You Relax

One of the most popular benefits of lavender tea involves relaxation. The plant contains a compound called linalool, which has a sedative or soothing effect on the body. This means lavender can calm the central nervous system, making it ideal for relieving stress.

2. Helps You Sleep

As lavender tea relaxes the body, it can also help you sleep. What’s more, research has found that smelling and consuming lavender can improve the quality of sleep. This makes it an excellent drink to enjoy before bed. I also keep lavender sachets on hand that I can put in my pillowcases to help me have a good night’s sleep.

3. May Help With Anxiety and Moods

A random clinical trial study conducted in 2020 found that drinking lavender tea as an older adult can help to ease symptoms and feelings of stress and anxiety. Lavender is said to stimulate activity in certain places of the brain, sending messages and impulses between brain cells that communicate a calm demeanor and a positive mood — who among us can’t benefit from that?

4. Reduces Menstrual Pain

The lovely scent of lavender has been shown to reduce menstrual pain. According to scientists, the smell might help by affecting parts of the brain involved in pain.

5. Contains Antioxidants

Linalool, the main compound in lavender, has antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. This means it can boost your immune system. Lavender tea also contains vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients support immune health and make it easier for the human body to fight off bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

6. Reduces Inflammation

Lavender tea boasts anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and can also help alleviate pain by reducing inflammation of the muscles and joints. The soothing scent of lavender can also minimize muscle spasms.

7. Aids Respiratory Health

Lavender tea can help people with breathing problems by opening up their airways. The anti-inflammatory properties of lavender soothe inflamed muscles in the throat and chest, making breathing easier. The antibacterial properties of lavender tea also help to eliminate bacteria that can cause chest colds and congestion.

STEEPING TIPS

So now that I’ve convinced you that drinking lavender tea is good, here’s some serving information.

Both hot and iced lavender tea can be enjoyed with or without sugar or milk.

I like to steep my lavender tea for 4-5 minutes. But if life gets in the way and I accidentally over-steep it (yes, that occasionally happens to me too), it doesn’t get overly bitter.

If you’ve made your Lavender tea into an iced tea, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in your Takeya Iced Tea Maker. Of course, mine never lasts that long. If you don’t have my Takeya Iced Tea Maker to brew and keep your tea in, use a covered or airtight glass container or pitcher.

Just a note of caution: Pregnant women should be careful when drinking lavender tea because it can mimic the estrogen hormone. As always, please consult your physician before consuming herbal teas when pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, in prepubescent boys, it can encourage breast tissue growth. This will be reversed as soon as the person cuts out lavender tea. Still, I would suggest avoiding it until after puberty.

So, this has been a long newsletter, but I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I’m off now to have a cup of Lavender Lace, put my feet up and pet the dogs who’ve been patiently waiting for my attention.