In the realm of herbal teas, lavender flower tea stands out not only for its unique flavor but also for its myriad health benefits. Known for its calming properties and fragrant aroma, lavender flower tea has been cherished for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. This soothing beverage, made by infusing dried lavender flowers in hot water, offers a caffeine-free alternative to traditional black and green teas. In this article, we delve into the origins, benefits, and best practices for incorporating lavender flower tea into your daily routine, exploring how this herbal infusion can significantly enhance your well-being.
What Is Lavender Flower Tea?
Chamomile or lavender is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family that looks like a daisy. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat a wide range of health problems. Embrace chamomile tea with hot water infused with dried flowers. Its earthy, slightly sweet taste makes lavender flower tea a popular caffeine-free alternative to black and green tea. Aside from its antioxidant properties, lavender flower tea may contribute to lowering heart disease and cancer risk.
What Type of Lavender Can Be Used For Tea?
Generally, lavenders (and hybrids) make good tea, but some, such as Spanish Lavender (stoechas: the ones with the pineapple-shaped flowers with bunny ears at the top) are too strong.
Benefits of Lavender Flower Tea
Besides being a popular drink, lavender flower tea offers many health benefits as well.
- Improves Sleep Quality
There is an antioxidant in it called apigenin that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia, i.e. chronic inability to sleep. An experiment found that postpartum women who drank lavender flower tea regularly for two weeks slept better than those who did not. Moreover, they were less likely to suffer from depression, which is often linked to sleep problems.
In another study, people who consumed 270 mg of chamomile extract twice daily for 28 days slept 15 minutes longer and awoke 1/3 less at night.
- Promotes Digestion
Your overall health depends heavily on proper digestion. Limited research suggests lavender flower tea can reduce the risk of certain gastrointestinal disorders by promoting better digestion. In mice, chamomile extract has been shown to protect against diarrhea. As a result, it has pain-relieving effects.
According to another study in rats, lavender flower tea may help prevent stomach ulcers by reducing stomach acidity and inhibiting bacteria that cause them.
- Cancer-Preventive
Lavender flower tea contains antioxidants that lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Apigenin is an antioxidant found in chamomile. Researchers have shown that apigenin fights cancer cells in test tubes, especially those of the breast, digestive tract, skin, prostate, and uterus. Another study of 537 people found that those who drank lavender flower tea 2–6 times per week had a significantly lower risk of thyroid cancer than those who didn’t.
- Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Lavender flower tea may lower blood sugar levels. Chronic hyperglycemia may damage pancreatic cells due to its anti-inflammatory properties. A healthy pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that removes sugar from the bloodstream. One study of 64 diabetics found that lavender flower tea consumed daily with meals resulted in significantly lower blood sugar levels than water.
Additionally, several animal studies indicate that lavender flower tea may be useful for preventing blood sugar spikes after eating and lowering fasting blood sugar levels.
- May Improve Heart Health
The flavones in lavender flower tea act as antioxidants. Several studies have shown that flavonoids can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. A study of 64 diabetics found that drinking chamomile tea with meals significantly improved total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.
Lavender flower tea‘s role in overall health is still under investigation, but it’s certainly worth trying.
Understanding Butterfly Pea Flower and Lavender difference
Butterfly Pea Flower
- Appearance: Butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea) are vibrant blue flowers native to Southeast Asia.
- Usage: Its striking blue hue and mild, earthy flavor make it a popular herbal tea.
- Benefits: High in antioxidants, it aids digestion and promotes relaxation.
- Culinary Uses: Butterfly pea flowers are used in tea, desserts, and cocktails.
Lavender
- Appearance: Lavender (Lavandula spp.) is a fragrant purple flower native to the Mediterranean region.
- Usage: Lavender is popular in herbal teas, aromatherapy, and culinary dishes because of its calming aroma.
- Benefits: Lavender tea is known for its calming properties, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Culinary Uses: It contributes a delicate floral flavor to savory dishes, teas, and baked goods.
Can I Drink Lavender Tea Every Day?
Although lavender tea is generally safe when consumed in moderation, it should not be consumed every day. It contains compounds that calm the body, including linalool and linalyl acetate. Some individuals may experience digestive issues or allergic reactions due to excessive consumption.
Who Should Not Drink Lavender Tea?
While lavender tea is considered safe for most people, certain groups should exercise caution or avoid it altogether:
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People with allergies
- Those on medication.
- Children
The antioxidants in chamomile tea may reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. There aren’t enough studies on chamomile tea to conclude its health benefits. Studies on chamomile tea have been done on animals and in test tubes. However, chamomile is very safe to drink, and many people like its taste and smell. Alternatively, you can drink lavender rose tea.