lavender
Meaning of lavender: Lavender is an aromatic flowering plant whose oil is widely used in aromatherapy and traditional preparations for its calming scent.
Definition of lavender
Lavender is a fragrant flowering plant in the mint family, most commonly the species Lavandula angustifolia, cultivated for its aromatic flowers and the essential oil extracted from them. The oil is used extensively in aromatherapy, where it is inhaled or applied to the skin in diluted form, and in soaps, lotions, and other scented products.
Traditional and folk medicine in various cultures has used lavender preparations for a range of purposes, including as a calming agent, a sleep aid, and an application for minor skin irritation, though such traditional uses are distinct from an established, proven medical therapy.
Lavender oil is also used as a natural insect repellent and is a common ingredient in complementary health products sold without requiring a prescription. As with other botanical products, the concentration and purity of lavender preparations can vary considerably between manufacturers.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
The patient reported using lavender oil diffused in the bedroom to help with sleep.
Good to know
Lavender oil is generally applied in diluted form, since the undiluted essential oil can irritate the skin, a distinction relevant when comparing aromatherapy use with more concentrated preparations.