Lavenders, Their Phytochemical Properties, and Their Uses for Medical and Cosmetic Purposes

Lavender products have been used for centuries as a therapeutic and aromatic herb in traditional medicine due to its carminative, sedative, and antidepressant properties, and has gained popularity in the aromatic herb industry for its flavor and scent. The strong and pleasant scent of its flowers is considered one of the highly beneficial essential oils, and lavender oil is popularly used in aromatherapy. Phytochemically, lavender sp. contains alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, beta-ocimene, camphene, camphor, limonene, pcymene, sabinene, terpinenes as the main monoterpenes that they known biological important chemicals. Lavender is a generally accepted herb for use in skin care and beauty products. It is also widely used in shampoos and other beauty products to cleanse the skin and impart an aromatic scent.

In different societies, the plant has been used for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases, from dizziness to hair loss. Preparations from the plant have been used to increase bile flow, treat varicose ulcers, and relieve carpal tunnel syndrome. To date, the main mechanism of action of lavender essential ooils and its components has not been determined fully; but studies suggest that their activity is due to their effects on serotonergic neurotransmission and ionotrophic y-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. So far, lavender is not approved for medical use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it should not be used as a substitute for approved and prescribed drugs.