LEMON GRASS: A Culinary and Medicinal Herb

 Lemongrass is an important aromatic herb that has been cultivated for centuries in many Asian countries due to its culinary and medicinal properties. It is an integral part of many popular cuisines in Thailand. Scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, it belongs to the Grass family (Poaceae, erstwhile Graminae). Although it is native to India and Sri Lanka, it has been introduced to many other countries of the world due to its culinary and medicinal value. Lemongrass tea is relished all over the globe for its unique lemony aroma and health benefits. It is colloquially known as Cochin grass as 90% of its global export is from Cochin port in India.

Names in India

Hindi: गंधत्रिण Gandhatrina • Sanskrit: Bhustrina • Bengali: Gandhabena • Gujarati: Lilicha • Marathi: Olecha • Konkani: Oli-cha • Kannada: Majjigehullu • Tamil: Karppurappul • Malayalam: Vasana Pullu • Telugu: Nimmagaddi

 

MORPHOLOGY

Lemongrass is a perennial rhizomatous grass that usually grows in clumps. The culms are robust and can attain a height of approximately 1.5 meters. Leaves are made up of two parts: leaf sheath and blade. Leaf blades can be up to 90 cm long, 2 cm wide, rough in texture and have sharp edges. Inflorescence is a large, lax, spathate, panicle (compound raceme), up to 50 cm long. Spikelets in panicle (compound raceme) are sessile, linear-lanceolate. Most of the cultivars of lemongrass do not bear flowers. 

CHEMICAAL CONSTITIENTS

Lemongrass essential oil contains a large number of bioactive compounds such as citral (mixture of geranial and neral), isoneral, isogeranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellal, citronellol, germacrene-D, elemol, etc. In addition to essential oils, it also contains phytosterols, anthocyanin, amino acids, organic acid, phenolic compounds, volatile components, fatty acids, fumesol, flavonoids, isovaleranic aldehyde, methylheptenone, valeric esters, L-linanool, furfurol, isopulegol and  p-coumaric acid.

MEDICINAL USES

1.   Anti-Hypertensive Effect

Essential oils especially citral present in lemongrass have been reported to have anti-hypertensive activity expressed through endothelium-independent vaso-relaxation by blockaging of Ca²⁺ influx and prostacyclins channel.

2.   Anti-Diabetic Activity

Lemon grass has been considered to maintain healthy blood glucose levels through the regulation of insulin. It also regulates the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels.

3.   Anti-Obesity Activity

Lemon grass has traditionally been used to control obesity in many herbal systems of medicines.

4.   Antioxidant Activity

Lemon grass is rich in many natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids, chlorogenic acids, phenolic acids, etc., which reduce the oxidation of lipids in the membranes. Oxidative stress and free radicals are responsible for many diseases (cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, etc.) and premature ageing in human beings.

5.   Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Chronic inflammation is linked with many diseases, such as cancer. Citral present in lemongrass is reported to inhibit the secretion of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, nitric oxide, cytokines, etc.) responsible for inflammation.

6.   Good Analgesic

Essential oils present in lemongrass are reported to suppress the cramps and pains by lowering the expression of pain mediators.

7.   Anti-Bacterial Activity

Lemongrass has found its prominent role in folk medicine for combating bacterial infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, cellulitis and food poisoning. This activity is attributed to the presence of essential oils such as α-citral (geranial) and β-citral (neral) present in this plant.

8.   Anti-Fungal Activity

Lemongrass essential oils have been reported to have anti-fungal activity against ringworm, jock itch, yeast infections and athlete's foot.

9.   Antimalarial Activity

Experimental studies have shown that citral, myrcene and citronellal have considerable antimalarial activity against Plasmodium species.

10.  Cardioprotective Activity

Experimental studies on various animal models have reported that lemongrass is useful in maintaining a healthy lipid profile. Dyslipidaemia is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease. Lemongrass phytochemicals were reported to decrease the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and HMG-CoA reductase, while simultaneously increasing HDL levels in a dose-dependent manner.

11.  Protection of Kidney

Some antimicrobial drugs are toxic to the kidneys. Scientific studies on rabbit models have shown that when these antibiotics were administered along with lemongrass phytochemicals, kidney damage was negated considerably.

12.  Antitussive Activity

Experimental studies on animal models have reported that lemongrass phytochemicals reduce violent coughing in a dose-dependent manner.

13.  Anticancer Activity

Lemongrass essential oils are reported to initiate cancer cell death by increasing intracellular ROS, altering mitochondrial membranes and initiating apoptosis in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), human lung carcinoma (A549) cell line and squamous (ME-180) cell lines in laboratory culture conditions.

14.  Hepatoprotective Activity

Lemongrass essential oils are found to be useful in protecting the liver by reducing the levels of hepatotoxicity-induced serum liver markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γGT) considerably in mice with paracetamol-induced acute liver injury.

15.  Healing of Gastric Ulcers

Geraniol and citral present in lemongrass are reported to prevent gastric injury and heal gastric ulcers.

CAUTION

Citronella (Cymbopogon spp.) is a similar-looking grass, which can be confused with lemongrass. Citronella oil finds its use in mosquito repellent creams. Citronella oil is reported to be toxic and causes lung damage. 

Citronella (Cymbopogon spp.)

Experimental studies on healthy human beings using lemongrass for two weeks have shown it to be safe in moderate quantities. Lemongrass oil, where alfa and beta citral are major components, was reported to be safe in a recent experimental study recent experimental study even at dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight after a single dose of oral administration to female Sprague Dawley rats. It is not advised to use lemongrass essential oils during pregnancy since they may stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, increasing the risk of miscarriage.

REFERENCES

• Ekpenyong, C.E., Akpan, E.E. and Daniel, N.E. 2014. Phytochemical Constituents, Therapeutic Applications and Toxicological Profile of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf (DC) Leaf Extract. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 3(1):133–41.
• Medical News Today. 2024. What are the health benefits of lemongrass tea?. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321969
• Oladeji, O.S., Adelowo, F.E., Ayodele, D.T. and Odelade, K.A. 2019. Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon citratus: A review. Scientific African 6: e00137
• Shah, G., Shri, R.,  Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B. and Mann, A.A. 2011. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). J. Adv. Pharm. Technol. Res. 2(1): 3–8.
• Sinha, S., Jothiramajayam, M., Ghosh, M. and Mukherjee, A. 2014. Evaluation of toxicity of essential oils palmarosa, citronella, lemongrass and vetiver in human lymphocytes. Food and Chemical Toxicology: 68: 71-77.
• University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Lemongrass. Retrieved from: https://www.uwsp.edu/sbcb/tropical-conservatory/lemongrass/
• WebMD. 2024. Lemongrass - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-719/lemongrass

• Xavier, A., Rani, S.S., Shankar, R., Nisha, A.R., Sujith, S. and Uma, R. 2022. Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of lemon grass oil and citral in albino rats. J. Phytopharmacology 11(4):281-285.

 

 

MILK THISTLE: A Western Herbal for Liver Ailments

 

Milk thistle (also known as blessed milk thistle, Marian thistle, Saint Mary's thistle, Mediterranean milk thistle, variegated thistle, or Scotch thistle) is one of the best remedies for liver ailments in the Western herbal medicine. Botanically known as Silybum marianum, it belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus name Silybum is derived from the Greek word silybon for some thistle-like plant and the specific epithet applies to plants with mottled leaves. Due to its mottled leaves with white areas around the veins, it is called as dudhpattra in Dogri language.

DISTRIBUTION

Milk thistle is a native to the much of Europe, Central Asia, and India. It was introduced as a medicinal herb in many countries such as North America, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Colombia. However, it has naturalised in many parts of the world outside it natural range and become a highly invasive weed there. More recently, it has widely spread in many parts of Himachal Pradesh as an obnoxious weed.

MORPHOLOGY

Milk thistle is an upright herbaceous annual or biennial that can grow to a height of up to 2 m with nearly conical canopy architecture. The stem is shallowly grooved and is covered with fine cottony fuzz. The leaves are up to 60 cm long, pinnately lobed, and have spiny edges like in most of the thistles. The leaves are shiny pale green with milky white veins which gives it a name ‘milk thistle.’ The inflorescence is a red-purple coloured capitulum (head) up to 12 cm in size. The flower head is surround by large-sized triangular bracts terminating into a sharp spine. The fruits are black-coloured achenes with white pappus that acts as a parachute for long distance seed dispersal by wind.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Milk thistle seeds chiefly contain polyphenolic flavonolignans. Seven closely related flavonolignans (silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, isosilychristin, silydianin) which are collectively known as silymarin, are principal bioactive constituents in milk thistle. Taxifolin (flavonoid), betaine, apigenin and silybonol also occur in the seeds.

MEDICINAL USES

Milk thistle has been used in the western countries for more than 2,000 years as an herbal treatment for liver and kidney ailments. The medicinal uses of milk thistle are discussed below:

1. Hepatoprotective Function

Milk thistle seeds are reported to have hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties. It recommended in complimentary western herbal medicine to restore the normal liver parameters.

2. Remedy for Liver Disease

Milk thistle is widely used for treating liver degenerative necrosis, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It can help in repairing liver by growing new cells. It is often recommended to treating liver conditions associated with alcohol damage.

3. Useful in Viral Hepatitis

Milk thistle is recommended for the treatment of viral hepatitis especially hepatitis C.

4. Antidote to Mushroom Poisoning

Milk thistle is used as an antidote to poisoning caused by death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides). It is reported to counteract the harmful effects of toxins like amatoxin present in poisonous mushrooms and significantly reduces the risk of liver damage and death in animal models.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties

Silymarin present in seeds of milk thistle is reported to have anti-cancer properties in lab studies. It is reported to inhibit cell division in cancer cells and to reduce blood supply to tumours.

6. Useful in Diabetes

Some reports consider milk thistle useful in lowering blood sugar level in with type 2 diabetes. A recent study on animal model has shown that milk thistle can help to reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.

7. Good for Skin Health

Research on animal models have shown that milk thistle oil helps to improve inflammatory skin conditions when applied topically. It has antioxidant and anti-aging effects on human skin cells in a laboratory environment.

8. Reduces Cholesterol

Some researchers have reported that milk thistle can lower blood cholesterol levels and is good for heart health.

9. Improves Asthma Symptoms

Various studies on animal models have shown that silymarin present in milk thistle seeds helps to protect against inflammation in the airways of mice with allergic asthma by regulating immune responses.

10. Improves Cognition

Milk thistle is reported to increase resistance to oxidative stress in animal studies. Oxidative stress is a major cause of degenerative conditions and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is required to prove its benefits on human beings.

CAUTION

Milk thistle seeds are highly prone to fungal infestation and may accumulate high concentration of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are harmful to human beings. Milk thistle is reported to be toxic to cattle due to the presence of potassium nitrate. Bacteria living in the stomach of ruminants break down this chemical and produce nitrite ions which later combine with haemoglobin and block the transport of oxygen.

NIRGUNDI: A Wholesome Plant

 For thousands of years, we have been using plants for curing different ailments and protection from diseases. Many of those medicinal plants have become an integral part of the culture and folklore with time. Himalayas have been blessed with hundreds of plant species with medicinal value. Many lyrical proverbs on the significance of plants can be heard in our villages. One of the famous proverbs about plants in Himachal Pradesh is:

Jithee Banah, Basuti, varya                              जिथी बना, बसूटी, वरया,
Uthee Aadmi Bemaut Kadi Ni Marya                  ऊथी आदमी बेमौत कदी नी मरया

(Meaning: Where the chaste tree (Vitex negundo; Nirgundi), Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda; Adusa, Vasaka), and sweet flag (Acorus calamus; Vach) occur, no one can die of diseases).

I am introducing the readers to the first plant of this proverb, i.e., the Nirgundi. The medicinal value of this plant can be judged even from its Sanskrit-Hindi name ‘Nirgundi’, which itself literally means “protects the body from diseases”. Scientifically known as Vitex negundo, nirgundi belongs to the Verbena family (Verbenaceae) of flowering plants. It is extensively used in local healing traditions and Ayurveda.

 

NAMES IN INDIA

English: Chaste tree, Chinese chaste tree, Indian privet Hindi: Samhalu, Saubhalu, Nirgandi Sanskrit: Nirgundi, Nirgunda, Nirgundika, Nisinda, Nilika, Nilapushpi, Indrani, Indranika, Renuka, Sinduka, Sindhuvara, Sindhuvaram, Sinduya, Shephali, Sugandhika, Surasa, Shveta Sephalika, Suvaha Punjabi: Bana Assamese: Pasutia, Aggla-Chita, Pochatia, Aslok Bengali: Nisinda, Samalu, Nirgundi, Sinduari, Beguna, Nishinda, Nishinde Gujarati: Nagoda, Nagaol, Nirgari Kannada: Bile-Nekki Malayalam: Indrani Siddha: Noohi Tamil: Nirkunnchi, Nallanochi Telugu: Nallavalli, Vavilli, Tellavavilli Urdu: Sambhalu, Panjangusht (Source: Ahuja, SC, Ahuja, S. and Ahuja, U. (2015): Nirgundi (Vitex negundo): Nature’s Gift to Mankind. Asian Agri-History 19(1): 5–32.

DISTRIBUTION

India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.

MORPHOLOGY

Nirgundi is a medium-sized shrub growing to a height of up to 5 meters. Leaves are 3-5-foliolate with the upper side light green and the lower side slightly greyish white in colour. The leaflets are lanceolate or ovate with leaflet base cuneate, margin entire or with 1-3 teeth along the apical region. The central leaflet is 4-13 × 1-4 cm in size. Flowers are mauve to light blue in colour and are borne on a 10-25 cm long inflorescences axis. Flowering occurs during April-June. 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Flowering twigs contain volatile oils (viridiflorol, p-caryophylene, 4-terpineol, linalool, globulol, elemol, farnesene and aromadendrene), alkaloids (nishindine), lignans, flavonoids, iridoids, terpenes (triterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes), and steroids.  

MEDICINAL USES

 1. Remedy for Joint Pain

The bark and leaf paste when applied as a poultice on joints and sprained areas, provides relief from pain, spasms and inflammation caused by arthritis and sprains. Leaf powder can also be taken orally in doses of 2-3 g twice a day for these conditions. This property of nirgundi is due to the presence of an alkaloid nishindine.

2. Prevents Premature Greying of Hair

Nirgundi oil prevents premature greying of hair when applied on scalp.

3. Allays Chest Congestion

Nirgundi oil when applied to the nose, neck and chest, allays nose and chest congestion in those suffering from asthma. 1-2 gram powder when taken orally with lukewarm water, it eases the asthma symptoms and decongests the chest. Nirgundi leaves are boiled in water and the vapors are inhaled to get relief from respiratory diseases and chest congestion.

4. Anti-Allergic Property

Nirgundi leaves have anti-histamine and anti-allergic properties. Leaf powder is effective in managing bronchitis and breathing difficulties associated with nasal and bronchial allergies.

5. Relief from Menstrual Cramps

The nirgundi fruits help in easing the discomfort associated with menstrual cramps and uterine fibroids due to the presence of terpenoids. It reduces the breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome.

6. Relieves Anxiety

Nirgundi fruits are reported to uplift mood and reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression and insomnia.

7. Anti-Pyretic Property

Boiled leaf and root extract of nirgundi is reported to control high fever when taken orally.

8. Anti-Microbial Activity

Studies have reported that nirgundi plants are effective in combating bacterial and fungal infections.

9. Remedies Epilepsy Symptoms

Nirgundi is also considered to be useful in managing epileptic seizures and convulsions. 

10. Controls Diarrhoea

Dried fruit powder when taken orally with honey, it controls diarrhoea.

11. Good for Oral Health

Country toothbrushes made up of nirgundi stems help in maintaining oral health due to its anti-microbial properties. It is also useful in treating bleeding gums. Leaf decoction can also be used as gargling for curing sore throat.

12. Useful in Earache

Nirgundi leaves when boiled in oil and 2-3 drops of this oil put in ear, it relieves earache. 

13. Healing of Wounds

The leaf decoction of nirgundi is used for washing wounds and for their quick healing.

14. Anti-Fertility Property

The leaves and seeds of nirgundi have been reported to have anti-androgenic activity. 

15. Natural Laxative

Consumption of nirgundi leaves promotes regular bowel movement and is a natural laxative.

16. Cardioprotective Activity

Studies on animal models have shown that nirgundi is a potential protective and therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases and related pathologies such as inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. 

17. Anthelmintic Property

The powdered root of nirgundi can help in expelling parasitic worms from the body.

18. Good for the Liver

Nirgundi is reported to reduce the serum levels of liver enzymes, such as aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase and improve liver function and health.

19. Relief from Headache 

Nirgundi leaves are crushed to make a paste. This paste is applied on the forehead to alleviate headaches.

NIRGUNDI IN SACRED TRADITIONS

The nirgundi plant is believed to have originated from the abdomen of Lord Ganesha in Hindu mythology. Its leaves are offered as a symbol of devotion to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati during Somavara Vrata.

CAUTION

Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as stomach upset or diarrhoea, when using nirgundi in large doses. Women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer or endometriosis, are advised to consult a registered medical practitioner before using nirgundi. It may interact with medications such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, and anti-diabetic drugs. 

RELATED SPECIES

Lilac chaste tree, Agnus Castus or Monk's Pepper (Vitex agnus-castus)

Monk's Pepper (Vitex agnus-castus)

ROSEMARY: CURES WITH ITS AROMA

 

Rosemary plant in flowering

Aroma, with its ethereal allure, has captivated humanity ever since the evolution of human beings. It is and was a part of rituals and traditions in many cultures of the world. Not an enticing attraction just human beings, it is equally enchanting in the animal world as well. The world of aroma is highly diverse. Many plant species and animals produce aromatic or fragrant molecules through biological pathways operating inside them. One such plant, a source of highly aromatic essential oil, is rosemary. Shakespeare mentions the use of rosemary for remembrance in Hamlet, that's why it is also known as a ‘herb of remembrance’. There are a wide variety of uses for rosemary essential oil, ranging from aromatherapy to cooking and more. Rosemary, botanically known as Salvia rosmarinus (synonym Rosmarinus officinalis), belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae.

 

DISTRIBUTION

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region (Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Island, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Libya, Morocco, Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Yugoslavia). However, it is cultivated throughout the world for the extraction of essential oils.

 

Rosemary bush

MORPHOLOGY

Rosemary is a highly aromatic, hardy, and evergreen shrub that can live for up to 35 years.  It can grow to a height of up to 1.5 m. The leaves are evergreen, needle-shaped, 2–4 cm × 2–5 mm in size, green above, and whitish below due to the presence of dense, short, and woolly hair. Generally, flowering occurs in spring and summer in temperate areas, but the plants can be in constant bloom in relatively warm climates. My plants, cultivated in pots, start flowering in October and continue till February in Shimla. The flowers are purple, white, pink, or even deep blue.

 

Rosemary flowers

 

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

The major chemical constituents in the leaves and flower tops are 1,8-Cineole, α-Pinene, and borneol, which account for nearly 50% of all the constituents. Other minor constituents reported from this plant are camphene, limonene, and triterpene alcohols such as β-sitosterol.

 

USES

I. CULINARY USES

Rosemary is a versatile herb that finds uses in many culinary cultures of the world. It is used to give a delightful flavour and aroma to a wide range of culinary dishes such as soups, baked products, potatoes, meats, vegetables, marinades, sauces, and drinks.

II. IN PERFUMERY

Rosemary oil is considered a versatile ingredient in perfumery. It is used in perfumes, soaps, deodorants, talcum powders, incense sticks, etc.

III. AS AN ORNAMENTAL PLANT

Rosemary plants are grown in the western gardens as decorative and fragrant elements.

IV. MAGICAL USES

Rosemary leaves are burned to purify the area to get rid of negativity in Western magical traditions. Rosemary ensures good sleep and is supposed to drive away nightmares when placed beneath the pillow. Rosemary is burned on charcoal and the smoke is smelled to get knowledge and answers to a question. Scott Cunningham mentions that before collecting an herb for a specific magical purpose, the role of that plant in fulfilling  a specific need should be mentioned before that plant like this:

I gather you, rosemary, herb of the Sun, 

to increase my mental powers and concentration.

V. MEDICINAL USES

1. Aromatherapy

Rosemary oil is widely used in aromatherapy due to its invigorating aroma and therapeutic benefits. It is reported to alleviate fatigue and stress, soothe nerves, and enhance mood. 

Rosemary essential oil (Photo source: essanciaonline.com)

2. Immune Support
Rosemary is reported to have immune-boosting properties.  It helps in strengthening the body's natural defence mechanism.
3. Anti-Microbial Properties
Rosemary oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It is commonly used for wound healing in traditional Western medicine.
4. Good for Digestive Health
Rosemary leaves have been traditionally used to aid in digestion and soothe the gastrointestinal tract in the Mediterranean region for ages. It stimulates the production of digestive juices, reduces gas and bloating, and alleviates symptoms of indigestion.
5. Anti-inflammatory Properties
The essential oils found in rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce inflammation in the body. It can also be used topically to relieve joint pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism.
6. Soothes Nerves
Rosemary oil is believed to soothe the nerves and help in improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
7. Good for Respiratory Health
Inhalation of rosemary essential oils helps in alleviating nasal blockage, sinusitis, lung congestion, and coughing and therefore helps in easy breathing.
8. Promotes Hair Growth
Rosemary oil improves blood circulation to the scalp, strengthens hair follicles, and prevents dandruff and hair loss. It is commonly used in hair care products such as hair oils and shampoos.
 

 

 REFERENCES

Cunningham, S. 2008. Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury, Minnesota.

Daniel, M. 2013. Useful Herbs of Planet Earth. Scientific Publisher, Jodhpur.

Kunkele, U and Lohmeyer, T.R. 2010. Herbs for Healthy Living: Recognition, Use and Effect. Paragon Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Noida.

Lucas, J. 2021. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Herbs for Health and Healing.

LAVENDER: A BLEND OF BEAUTY & BENEFITS

 

Lavender flowers

Lavender or English Lavender, botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia (previously Lavandula officinalis), is an evergreen perennial plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae of flowering plants. It is native to the mountainous area of Mediterranean region where it grows on sunny slopes. It is cultivated throughout the world in cooler regions as an ornamental plant for its pinkish-purple-coloured beautiful flowers or for the distillation of economically important essential oils that are used in perfumery and medicine.

A lavender feild in Bhaderwah in J&K

MORPHOLOGY

Lavender is an evergreen, sweetly aromatic and herbaceous perennial with a semi-woody growth habit. It can grow to a height of up to 1 metres under favourable conditions of the environment. The leaves measure 2-6 cm in length and 4-6 mm in width. They are light evergreen in colour and covered with whitish bloom. It usually flowers once in a year during the summer season. The flowers, which are pinkish-purple or lavender-coloured, are arranged on 2-8 cm long spikes present on 10–30 cm long leafless stems.

A lavender nursery raised by Sh. Rajat Raina in Bhaderwah in J&K

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

Lavender is known for the essential oils it contains in abundance (0.8-2%). It contains more than 100 phytochemicals, which contribute to the physicochemical and biological properties of its essential oil. The phytochemical composition of the essential oil is determined by a plant genotype, environmental factors, cultivation practices and post-harvest processing. The major constituents are linalool, linalyl acetate and geraniol. Other constituents such as terpinene-4-ol, lavandulyl acetate, lavandulol, esters of butyric and valeric acids, sesquiterpene, and eucalyptol (1,8-cineol) are present in moderate quantities.

A beautiful landscape of lavender field

USES

1. USE IN PERFUMERY AND TOILETRY

Lavender oil is widely used in perfumes, deo-sprays, creams, room fresheners, talcum powders, shampoos, and soaps.

2. AS AN ORNAMENTAL

Lavender can be cultivated as an ornamental plant in cooler areas for its beautiful pinkish-purple-coloured flowers present in compact spikes.

3. MEDICINAL USES

Dried lavender spikes ready for sale in the market

i. IMPROVES MOOD AND RELIEF IN INSOMNIA

Many scientific studies have shown that lavender’s aroma can improve mood. Aromatherapy (used in steam and inhaled) with essential oils of lavender has shown a positive effect on the quality of sleep as well.

ii. HELPFUL IN ANXIETY

Lavender essential oils have anxiety-alleviating effects on human beings when taken internally in low doses such as in tea or in other forms (infusion) and have the potential to treat depression.

Lavender essential oil (Photo source: essanciaonline.com)

iii. EFFECTIVE IN CONTROLLING HAIR LOSS

The use of lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil (coconut or other oils) is effective in promoting hair growth and controlling dandruff and hair fall. Topical use of lavender oil in alopecia areata was found to be quite effective in different experimental studies.

iv. USEFUL IN HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE

Lavender oil is reported to be useful in controlling headaches or migraine when inhaled or used as aromatherapy.

v. ANTI-MICROBIAL PROPERTIES

Lavender oil has anti-microbial properties. It can be used topically along with jojoba/almond oil for wound healing and curing acne.

vi. FOR TREATING BURNS

Lavender has long been used as a traditional treatment for burns and other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, itching, etc.

vii. SOFTENS AND MOISTURIZES SKIN

Lavender oil mixed with jojoba/almond oil is an excellent moisturizer that softens the skin. It is reported to remove the age spots and wrinkles on the face. It can also be used as a lip balm.

viii. PROTECTION FROM HARMFUL OXIDIZING AGENTS 

Lavender oil when inhaled can induce the anti-oxidant enzyme system consisting of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. 

Young plants growing in a field in Bhaderwah

(NOTE: All the photographs used in this Blog on Lavender were provided by Sh. Rajat Raina from Bhaderwah in J&K. He can be contacted for guidance on lavender cultivation and for procuring planting material)