Lavender is a species of mint that is grown in excess in the Mediterranean, and particularly the Provence of France. The low shrubs grow multi-stemmed purple flowers that are beneficial for both medical uses and perfumes. Lavender was an herb that was considered fashionable during the Victoria era in England among wealthy women. They carried around small batches in order to be immediately revived should they suffer from a fainting spell. It was also stuffed within pillows for those who had trouble falling asleep right away.

Today this herb is capable of many other functions beyond having an appealing odor. Firstly, two compounds found within lavender, called linalool and linalyl aldehyde assist in the prevention of pain. They allow for a higher tolerance, which makes it necessary for the stimulus to be much stronger before the user is able to feel it. Lavender can also affect the hormonal reactions that cause the occurrence of both pain and inflammation.

Like the Brits discovered previously, lavender can be used for issues with sleep. Its aroma is soothing and allows a troubled sleeper to relax enough to finally succumb to their tiredness. A study was done with nursing home residents to prove this. After two weeks of lavender oil wafting into the sleeping ward, residents found that they slept just as long and comfortably as they had through the use of drugs.

When met with a shortage of medical supplies in Russia, doctors turned to lavender for the treatment of chronic bronchitis. For thirty minutes a day patients were asked to breathe in the vapors from the herb for a number of weeks. It was reported that their symptoms significantly decreased from the new treatment.

Lavender is also a good option for skin issues such as burns. It prevents prostaglandins from causing swelling and pain where one has been burned. Furthermore, it can also stop the skin from becoming infected by bacteria. This use for lavender was discovered by pure accident. After procuring a burn, chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé quickly stuck his hand into the first liquid he could manage to find, which just happened to be lavender oil. The agony in his hand quickly ceased and there was no scarring afterwards. Lavender can also be used to treat and prevent acne and wrinkles.

Health officials in Germany have promoted lavender tea for discomfort with digestion and gas. Lavender helps to encourage blood flow and production of gastric juices within the body and sooth upset stomachs. It is also good for those with urinary disorders. Lavender stimulates the urinary tract and reduces the inflammation of the bladder.

Lastly, Lavender can prevent yeast infection. The essential oil of lavender is capable of halting the growth of fungi. Through lavender baths it can heal unbroken skin that has been tainted by fungal infection and has also been known to combat candida. However, lavender should not be used as a replacement for the douche used in vaginal yeast infections.

Lavender oil can be used through baths, compresses, and teas. It should never be taken internally. Pregnant and nursing mothers should not use lavender. Also those with gallstones should also avoid it as it can stimulate bile that is not able to be secreted through the bile duct. However, anyone who does not fit into these categories should look to lavender as more than just a pretty smell and take advantage of its uses.