Lavender cotton not only loves the Mediterranean sunny climate, but it is also a promising substance for preserving clothes; since putting its flower bouquets into the wardrobe, it repels moths and other insects.
Lavender Cotton Scientific Facts
- Other names: Ground-cypress.
- French: Santoline.
- Spanish: Abrotano hembra.
- Environment: Plant native to the Mediterranean countries, where it grows in rocky calcareous soils. It is also cultivated in gardens.
- Description: Vivacious plant of the Compositae family, growing from 20 to 50 cm high, with hairy, finely divided leaves resembling those of cypress. Its flowers are golden yellow, growing in terminal heads, with a strong aroma and sour flavor.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The seeds and the flower heads.
Healing Properties and Indications
The whole plant, especially its flower heads, contains up to 1 percent of essence, composed of a ketone (santolinone) and an phenolic ester. Other components are tannin, resin, and a bitter component. Its properties are similar to those of the camomile plant.
- Stomachic tonic, digestive, and antispasmodic: This is an ideal plant to ease digestion for those people suffering from stomach disorders.
- Vermifuge: Very useful against intestinal parasites, which children usually have, such as oxyuridae and ascarides.
- Mild emmenagogue: It produces menstruation.
- When externally applied in the bathwater, lavender cotton produces a pleasant emollient effect (reduces skin inflammation) and has relaxing and soothing properties.
How to use Lavender Cotton
As a digestive and emmenagogue substance:
- Infusion with six or seven flower heads per cup of water. Drink a cup after each meal.
- Essence: The recommended dose is 3-5 drops, three times a day.
As a vermifuge:
- Infusion with a teaspoonful of seeds per cup of water. Drink a cup every morning for a week. After one month, repeat the intakes.
- Seeds powder: 2-4g, mixed with honey or fruit juice.
- Hot baths: Pour two liters of infusion into the bathtub, made with a big handful of flower heads or 10-20 drops of the essence.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 470. Print.
