Perennial semi-shrub, has numerous branched stems, forming bushes up to 60-70 cm high. Leaves are linear-obtuse with wrapped edges. The flowers are blue, collected in false rings of 6-10, which form apical discontinuous spicate inflorescences.
It grows wild on the dry mountain slopes of the Mediterranean Sea, cultivated in the Crimea, the Kuban, Moldova and Central Asia.
For medicinal purposes, the herb and flowers of the plant are used. Essential oil is found in leaves, stems and flowers, in inflorescences 0.8-1.2%.
Lavender essential oil is obtained from the inflorescences by steam distillation. It is a clear, easily movable yellowish liquid with a pleasant odor and a bitter taste. The main components of the oil are linalyl acetate (up to 60%), linalool (up to 20%), geraniol.
In folk medicine, lavender oil is used as a sedative for neurasthenia, paralysis, as well as an analgesic for sprains and bruises.
Lavender oil, obtained from another type of lavender – spikelet or spike, is recommended for headaches, bloating and nausea.
Application
Decoction: 20 g per 200 ml; 1 st. spoon 3 times every day. The same decoction is used externally as a compress or poultice.
Oil for rubbing, if not ready: 1 part of the plant to 5 parts of Provence or sunflower oil; insist for 1-2 months.