{"id":7379,"date":"2023-09-13T19:26:41","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T12:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7379"},"modified":"2023-09-13T19:26:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T12:26:41","slug":"lavender-benefits-for-health-from-a-dietitian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7379","title":{"rendered":"Lavender Benefits for Health, From a Dietitian"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">P<\/span>erhaps lavender has long been your go-to scent of choice, or maybe it\u2019s currently on your mind (and on your playlist) courtesy of Taylor Swift\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-haze-drink-recipes\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-haze-drink-recipes\/\">Lavender Haze<\/a>.\u201d In any case, did you know that the herb boasts a lot more than just a pleasant aroma and a pretty color? Lavender has been used and revered for thousands of years for its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-for-stress\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-for-stress\/\">therapeutic benefits<\/a>. Via aromatherapy, topical application, and dietary consumption, it\u2019s been lauded to aid everything from your mood and sleep quality to digestion and beyond.<\/div>\n<p>Ahead, two experts unpack a few of the key benefits of lavender. And later: discover creative ways to incorporate the herb in your next meal, snack, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-nightcap-latte\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-nightcap-latte\/\">beverage<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<div class=\"experts-in-article noskim py-[24px] px-[40px]\">\n<p>Experts In This Article<\/p>\n<ul class=\"!ml-[18px]\">\n<li> <a href=\"https:\/\/umanaidoomd.com\/pages\/home-v2\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/umanaidoomd.com\/pages\/home-v2\">Uma Naidoo, MD<\/a>, Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutritional biologist <\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>4 lavender benefits<\/h2>\n<h3>1. It helps reduce stress and anxiety<\/h3>\n<p>Lavender is famed for its abilities <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-for-stress\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-for-stress\/\">to alleviate stress<\/a> and promote a sense of inner peace. \u201cDue to its natural compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, lavender has been shown to have calming effects on the nervous system, which reduces stress levels,\u201d says Brooke Mader Ganev, MS, CNS, LDN, a functional clinical nutritionist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denmother.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.denmother.com\/\">Den Mother<\/a> in Venice, California.<\/p>\n<p>Oral consumption of lavender even shows promise to help <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21170695\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21170695\/\">alleviate anxiety<\/a>. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/umanaidoomd.com\/#about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/umanaidoomd.com\/#about\">Uma Naidoo, MD<\/a>\u2014a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef and nutritional biologist, and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/book.umanaidoomd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/book.umanaidoomd.com\/\"><em>This Is Your Brain on Food<\/em><\/a> as well as the forthcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hachettebookgroup.com\/titles\/uma-naidoo-md\/calm-your-mind-with-food\/9780316502092\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.hachettebookgroup.com\/titles\/uma-naidoo-md\/calm-your-mind-with-food\/9780316502092\/\"><em>Calm Your Mind with Food<\/em><\/a>\u2014supplementation with lavender oil is \u201cthought to help anxiety most likely due to the way it binds serotonin receptors in the brain.\u201d Similarly, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34775136\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34775136\/\">randomized controlled trials<\/a> show that lavender aromatherapy has a substantial effect in reducing anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-benefits\/\" current-title=\"Lavender Is the Inflammation-Fighting, Sleep-Enhancing Herb of This Dietitian\u2019s Dreams (and Yours)\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txp30c235a8rYl300_Small_4406153.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-03-13\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-benefits\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-benefits\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lavender-benefits\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>2. It can promote a better night\u2019s rest<\/h3>\n<p>Given its de-stressing, pro-relaxation qualities, it makes sense that lavender offers a built-in benefit of supporting your shuteye. \u201cConsuming lavender can promote better sleep quality, which can help you not only fall asleep quicker but also promote a more restful sleep,\u201d Ganev shares. Lavender tea is frequently cited as one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tea-for-sleep\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/tea-for-sleep\/\">best sleep teas<\/a> for this very reason.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Evidence backing lavender consumption for sleep in particular isn\u2019t as robust as it is for other remedies, such as chamomile tea. That said, it can still be an enjoyable component of a pre-ZZZ routine, and it may very well work for some people to drift off into dreamland with greater ease.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Evidence backing lavender consumption for sleep in particular isn\u2019t as robust as it is for other remedies, such as chamomile tea. That said, it can still be an enjoyable component of a pre-ZZZ routine, and it may very well work for some people to drift off into dreamland with greater ease.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>3. It can boost cognitive function<\/h3>\n<p>According to Ganev, the benefits of lavender go beyond combatting stress and improving sleep. \u201cResearch suggests that lavender consumption may improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration,\u201d she shares. \u201cThe herb\u2019s potential neuroprotective properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress in the brain may contribute to these cognitive benefits.\u201d Moreover, she says that the aromatic compounds of lavender have a positive influence over the limbic system, which controls emotions, behaviors, and instinctual drives.<\/p>\n<h3>4. It can be good for your gut<\/h3>\n<p>Ganev cites lavender\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties, which can work to your advantage in several ways\u2014including by alleviating digestive discomfort. \u201cIncorporating lavender tea into your daily routine can aid in reducing bloating, indigestion, and other GI issues,\u201d she explains. In addition, she notes that lavender is antimicrobial; as such, it \u201cmay aid in maintaining a healthy microbial balance in the gut.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Creative ways to enjoy culinary lavender<\/h2>\n<p>Before you head to your diffuser and add a few dabs of lavender essential oil to your tea, smoothie, or snack\u2026 don\u2019t. Dr. Naidoo cautions that not all lavender is suitable for ingestion. \u201cWhile not all lavender can be eaten, lavender tisane [i.e., lavender tea] is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it,\u201d she shares. For any food prep beyond the likes of ready-to-steep tea, be sure to seek out clearly cited <em>culinary<\/em> lavender, which typically comes from <em>Lavandula angustifolia<\/em> plants (aka English lavender). \u201cIt has less oils than an aromatic form of lavender used in a fragrance,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<p>Once you have fresh or dried culinary lavender on hand, Ganev suggests getting creative with your intake by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Infusing water overnight to add floral notes to your hydration routine<\/li>\n<li>Infusing honey with lavender buds for a few days, then drizzling it onto yogurt or into tea<\/li>\n<li>Blending lavender in a fruit smoothie (tip: Ganev says it complements blueberries, strawberries, and peaches in particular)<\/li>\n<li>Topping baked goods with edible lavender flowers<\/li>\n<li>Sprinkling fresh lavender flowers over salads, especially paired with fruit or citrus dressings<\/li>\n<li>Mixing dried lavender with sea salt, which Ganev says pairs well with roasted veggies and grilled meats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Of course, you\u2019re not limited to culinary exploration to experience the benefits of lavender for yourself. Go ahead and put that essential oil to proper use in its diffuser, or burn a lavender-scented candle. To help you unwind at night, Ganev also suggests \u201ccreating a calming and therapeutic steam bath by adding dried lavender with Epsom salts.\u201d Thereafter, you can slather on lavender-scented lotions or body oils to your heart\u2019s\u2014and (zenned out) mind\u2019s\u2014content.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Kasper S, Gastpar M, M\u00fcller WE, Volz HP, M\u00f6ller HJ, Dienel A, Schl\u00e4fke S. Efficacy and safety of silexan, a new, orally administered lavender oil preparation, in subthreshold anxiety disorder \u2013 evidence from clinical trials. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2010 Dec;160(21-22):547-56. doi: 10.1007\/s10354-010-0845-7. PMID: 21170695.            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Kim M, Nam ES, Lee Y, Kang HJ. Effects of Lavender on Anxiety, Depression, and Physiological Parameters: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci). 2021 Dec;15(5):279-290. doi: 10.1016\/j.anr.2021.11.001. Epub 2021 Nov 12. PMID: 34775136.            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Perhaps lavender has long been your go-to scent of choice, or maybe it\u2019s currently on your mind (and on your playlist) courtesy of Taylor Swift\u2019s \u201cLavender Haze.\u201d In any case, did you know that the herb boasts a lot more than just a pleasant aroma and a pretty color? Lavender has been used and revered &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7380,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7379"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7379\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7380"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7379"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}