Lavender Tea Benefits: Does This Floral Tea Have Health Benefits?

Lavender Tea Benefits: Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of This Floral Herbal Tea

With its sweet floral aroma and delicate purple blossoms, lavender is a beloved plant. But did you know that lavender may also provide a variety of health benefits when enjoyed as a tea?

Lavender tea is made from the fragrant purple flowers of the lavender plant. It has long been used in folk medicine to help relieve anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain.

Modern research is now backing up some of the traditional uses of lavender tea. Studies indicate it may have beneficial effects for stress relief, chronic pain, heart health, and more.

Lets take a look at some of the top lavender tea benefits, along with how to make lavender tea at home.

How Lavender Tea Is Made

Lavender tea is an herbal tea made by steeping dried or fresh lavender flowers in hot water. Its caffeine-free and contains no tea leaves.

To make lavender tea from dried flowers, use about 1-2 teaspoons per 8 oz of hot water. Allow it to steep for 5-7 minutes before straining out the flowers. Fresh lavender flowers can also be used at a ratio of about 2 tablespoons per 8 oz of water.

Lavender tea can be enjoyed plain or enhanced with other herbs like chamomile or lemon balm. It can be sweetened with honey if desired. Lavender pairs well with mint, which helps balance its strong floral flavor.

Relieving Stress and Anxiety

One of the most well-known benefits of lavender tea is its ability to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. Multiple studies have found evidence supporting lavendersrelaxing properties:

• A 2010 study found lavender tea helped reduce symptoms of anxiety disorder and improved sleep quality.
• A small 2015 study showed lavender tea helped lower stress levels and blood pressure in postpartum women.
• A larger 2016 study confirmed lavenders anti-anxiety and sedative effects, especially for anxiety related to medical procedures.

Researchers believe lavenders calming effects may come from its ability to raise levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.

If you struggle with stress or anxiety, sipping on a warm cup of lavender tea in the evenings may help you relax and get better sleep.

Relieving Chronic Pain

Several studies indicate that lavender tea may help relieve chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, migraines, and postoperative pain.

A 2016 study showed that topically applying lavender oil relieved pain from osteoarthritis of the knee. Drinking lavender tea may also benefit osteoarthritis pain through similar anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

For chronic headaches like migraines, lavender teas ability to relax muscles may help relieve head tension and pain. One small trial in 2012 found lavender oil reduced migraine pain intensity and symptoms.

Postoperative pain after surgeries like hysterectomies or caesarian sections may also be reduced through lavender teas sedative and painkilling effects, according to some studies.

If you live with ongoing pain from arthritis, headaches, injuries or menstrual cramps, drinking lavender tea daily may help provide some natural pain relief.

Improving Sleep Quality

Many people struggle getting adequate deep sleep on a regular basis. Fortunately, multiple studies indicate drinking lavender tea may help.

We already discussed how lavender tea can promote relaxation and relieve anxiety, which can directly improve sleep. But lavender may also increase time spent in deep, slow wave sleep.

Slow wave sleep is critical for muscle regeneration, memory consolidation, immunity and hormone regulation. A small 2012 study found people who took lavender capsules spent more time in slow wave sleep.

If you have insomnia or often feel drowsy and fatigued even after a full nights sleep, sipping lavender tea before bedtime could help increase your deep sleep. This may leave you feeling more refreshed in the mornings.

Supporting Brain Health

Some early animal research indicates that lavender tea may help support brain health by protecting against neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.

One 2013 study showed that lavender extracts improved cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimers disease. The lavender also reduced oxidative stress in the brain.

Another mouse study in 2014 revealed that lavender essential oil improved cognitive function and protected against neurotoxicity. The antioxidant compounds in lavender, like rosmarinic acid, may play a role in these neuroprotective effects.

While human studies are still needed, this preliminary research on lavender is exciting. Drinking lavender tea regularly may help support healthy brain aging and prevent cognitive decline.

May Benefit Skin Health

Applying lavender essential oil directly to the skin has been shown to help with wound healing, eczema, and psoriasis. But did you know that drinking lavender tea may also benefit your skin?

Compounds in lavender like rosmarinic acid and polyphenols act as antioxidants in the body. This helps protect against damage from free radicals and inflammation.

By combating oxidative stress, lavender tea may help reduce the risk factors that contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis. The relaxing properties of lavender tea may also help alleviate stress-related skin issues.

Enjoying a cup of this floral herbal tea daily can support overall skin health and radiance from the inside out.

May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Some research indicates that regularly drinking lavender tea may help lower blood pressure.

One study in 2016 found that lavender tea reduced blood pressure after open heart surgery. Another study in 2015 showed both lavender tea and inhaling lavender oil lowered blood pressure in pregnant women.

Researchers believe the natural sedative effects of lavender cause arteries to dilate, which lowers resistance to blood flow. Improving sleep through lavender tea may also regulate blood pressure levels.

Adding a cup of this fragrant tea to your daily routine may be a gentle way to help manage or prevent high blood pressure.

Can Soothe Digestive Issues

Traditionally, lavender has been used to help soothe digestive problems like upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and indigestion.

Modern research has found evidence supporting lavender teas antispasmodic effects. It may help relax intestinal smooth muscle to relieve painful spasms, colic and constipation.

A large 2016 review of over 100 studies found lavender essential oil reduced the severity of nausea and vomiting after surgery. Lavender tea may provide similar effects against nausea.

Sipping on a warm cup of lavender tea after meals may aid digestion and relieve occasional stomach upset when consumed regularly.

Antimicrobial Properties

In addition to its multitude of other benefits, lavender tea may help fight infections and boost immunity.

Studies show lavender oil exhibits antibacterial effects against many strains of bacteria. Some test tube research even found it combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Other studies indicate lavender may fight fungal infections as well. Lavender oil was active against strains of candida that commonly infect skin and nails.

While more research is needed, lavender teas antimicrobial effects could potentially help prevent and treat minor infections, boost immunity and support respiratory health.

How to Make Lavender Tea at Home

Want to start enjoying lavender tea for its amazing benefits? Here is a simple recipe to make lavender tea at home using dried lavender flowers:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tsp dried organic lavender flowers
• 8 oz hot water
• Honey or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

1. Bring 8 oz water to a boil. Let cool slightly.
2. Place lavender flowers in a mug or teapot.
3. Pour hot water over lavender flowers.
4. Let steep for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain out flowers before drinking if needed.
6. Flavor with honey or lemon if desired.

You can also make larger batches of lavender tea concentrate by steeping 1/4 cup lavender flowers in 4 cups hot water for 30 minutes. Store leftover tea in the fridge and reheat as needed.

How to Grow Your Own Lavender

In addition to buying dried lavender flowers, consider growing your own lavender at home. Not only will this provide you with fresh blossoms for tea, it can also help repel insects and add beauty to your garden.

Lavender is easy to grow in most climates. It thrives best in full sun and well-drained soil. After planting lavender from seed or nursery starts, be sure not to overwater the plants.

Harvest lavender flowers as they open by cutting the stems just above the leaves. Bundle and hang upside down to dry. Once fully dried, you can store the flowers in glass jars to use for up to a year.

Having your own lavender plant is a great way to enjoy fresh blossoms for tea whenever you want. Watching it grow will add charm and fragrance to your outdoor space.

Possible Side Effects of Lavender Tea

For most people, lavender tea is generally well tolerated and safe in moderation. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• Allergic reactions - those with sensitivities to lavender may experience headaches, nausea or difficulty breathing.
• Hormone effects - lavender may act like estrogen in the body, so avoid excessive use if you have hormone-sensitive conditions.
• Pregnancy safety - not enough research exists on lavender intake during pregnancy, so err on the side of caution.
• Medication interactions - sedative effects may be dangerous combining with anxiety medications or sedatives.

Talk to your doctor before drinking lavender tea if you take any medications or have underlying health conditions. Otherwise, enjoy this soothing herbal tea in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

With its sweet floral taste and aromatic scent, lavender has much more to offer than just its beauty. The potential health benefits of lavender tea make it a therapeutic beverage to add to your wellness routine.

Modern science is confirming what herbalists have known for centuries - sipping lavender tea may help soothe anxiety, improve sleep, relieve pain, and more. Its antimicrobial effects and antioxidant content provide added immune-boosting benefits.

Brewing up a hot cup of lavender tea can be an easy way to unwind after a stressful day. So sip and savor this floral solution for better health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.