What is lavender?

Lavender is one of the thirty species of plants in the mint family. It is considered a beautiful flowering plant and is easily established by its sweet smell and purple color. There are three main types of lavender you can identify. Lavandula x intermedia or lavanid is a hybrid of   Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia. This type of lavender stands tall with long loose spikes, beautiful purple and gray flowers. The bloom season for this lavender occurs around the end of spring and  lasts until late summer. Then there is Lavandula stoechas or spanish lavender it is identified by its ashy sage colored stems and  bright big purple petals at the very top of the plant. The bloom time for this particular lavender occurs in the summer and ends in the winter. Finally Lavandula angustifolia or True lavender is commonly known for its high quality of lavender oil. This lavender is distinguished by its grayish green, thin pointy leaves and short compact flower spikes. The bloom time for this flower also begins in the late spring and early summer.   

What are the benefits of lavender?

When you think of lavender you immediately think about the light purple shade of its flower petals. But there is more to these flowers than what meets the eye. These flowers are well known for their sweet floral scent. This beautiful flowering plant has a variety of different uses. Lavender has always been used for its scent to freshen up areas and personal belongings. The smell of lavender is used to promote calmness and wellness. It's also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain. Although many people use lavender for its scent it is more than just a fragrance plant. Many people use lavender to make oils, essential oils, extracts, teas, supplements, soaps, lotions, and salves for beneficial uses. This flower has been used in traditional practices all around the world. lavender essential oils are used to reduce sleep insomnia, high blood pressure, heart attacks, promote respiratory health, relieve allergic inflammation, help mucus  hyperplasia, reduce menopause flashing and stimulate hair growth. Lavender essential oils diluted in water can also relieve pain on the body depending on the severity of the injury.  Lavender oil is used to treat acne, eczema,  athlete's foot, ring worm and skin inflammation. Lavender oil also prompts wound healing. 

Sources: 

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet/what-are-possible-benefits-lavender-must-know-facts-about-therapeutic-plant/

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/lavender-varieties-and-blooming-seasons

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/lavender-main-types