Lavender
Lavender is a perennial evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean countries, including France, Spain, Andorra, and Italy [1].
Lavender was used in traditional medicine in Asia, Europe, ancient Greece, and Rome and was mentioned in the Bible and in ancient Hebrew texts. The name lavender comes from the Latin verb "lavare" which means "I wash" [1]. Lavender (LEO; Lavandula angustifolia) is said to be antibacterial, antifungal, anti-anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic), as well as having beneficial immunomodulatory effects in wound healing [4]. Lavender tea contains linalyl acetate and linalool, which reduce depression and insomnia, calm the mind, and relieve stress [4].
Consumption of Lavender can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
A clinical study in patients with mild to moderate depression showed that consumption of lavender tincture appears to be slightly less effective than antidepressant treatment [2]. Similarly, a clinical study in adults with mild to moderate depression not treated with conventional antidepressants showed that consuming lavender tea twice daily for 14 days moderately reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to any medication or non-medication.
Inhalation of lavender can improve sleep quality
Lavender essential oils have also been shown to improve sleep quality in healthy men and women. Inhaling lavender oil twice a week for twenty minutes each day helped study participants calm down and improve their sleep quality by fighting insomnia.