When we think of Ayurvedic medicinal plants, classic Indian herbs such as ashwagandha, brahmi or tulsi usually come to mind. Lavender, on the other hand – a plant native to the Mediterranean region – does not seem to fit into this picture at first glance. Lavender is not mentioned in the classic Ayurvedic texts – and yet it has now found a place in modern Ayurvedic practice. This is because Ayurveda is a living system: it is open to plants from all over the world, as long as their effects are in harmony with its principles.
Lavender in European healing traditions
Lavender has a long tradition in Europe. Even in Roman times, lavender flowers were added to bath water – which is where its name lavare, meaning ‘to wash’, comes from. In the Middle Ages, lavender was cultivated in monastery gardens. It was considered a protective herb that calmed the nerves and promoted restful sleep. To this day, it has a firm place in European herbal medicine as a gentle remedy for inner peace.
Lavender from an Ayurvedic perspective
Although classical Ayurvedic texts do not mention lavender, a wild form of this plant grows in the mountainous regions of India and is traditionally used by indigenous peoples for calming and healing purposes. This origin, along with European influences, has contributed to lavender now also being valued in Ayurveda for its balancing effect on all three Doshas.
Effects on the Doshas
- Vata: calming, balancing – helps with nervousness, anxiety, sleep disorders
- Pitta: strongly balancing, as it is cooling and relaxing – reduces internal heat, alleviates irritability and stress
- Kapha: only slightly effective, can mildly increase Kapha due to its dryness, but overall rather neutral
Tips for Use:
LavendER FOOT BATH
In Ayurveda, contact via the feet is considered particularly effective, as many energy channels and reflex points converge here. A foot bath with lavender oil (available in our shop) is therefore a simple but profound application to promote a gentle transition from day to night.
How-To
Add 5 drops of lavender oil to a tub of warm water and soak your feet in it for 10 minutes.
Effects
- Calms the nervous system and breath
- Releases physical tension
- Promotes restful sleep
LavendER FOOT MASSAGE
Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil with 1 tablespoon of almond or jojoba oil. Massage the feet before bed time.
>> Detailed Instructions for an Ayurvedic Foot Massage – Padabhyanga
>> High-quality lavender oil available in our Online Shop
