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Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia

Other names: Levandule

Narrow aromatic leaves and purple flowers.

Grey-blue narrow leaves.

Family
Lamiaceae
Plant type
Subshrub
Safety level (indicative)
Generally recognised as safe
What the safety levels mean (expand legend)
  • Generally recognised as safe. Often a common herb with reasonable harvest and use; still read the specific warnings on the card.
  • Information. Primarily informational — details in the text and warnings below matter most.
  • Caution. Needs extra care (dose, duration, sensitive groups, interactions).
  • Risky. Significant risks — verify sources, contraindications and professional guidance.
  • Not for home experimentation. Not suitable to experiment with at home without knowledge and certainty.
  • High risk for internal use. Particular risk with internal use (e.g. alkaloids); avoid prolonged or irresponsible dosing.
  • Not specified. Level not filled in yet — rely on individual warnings and links below.
Levandule lékařská — habitus rostliny (Wikimedia Commons).

Fotografie na Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Plant habit

Quick overview

A practical summary; details are in the sections below.

Safety grade
Generally recognised as safe·details
Scientific sources on the card
Yes — sources are listed with claims·Science section
When and what to harvest
  • Flower — May–July
Full harvest section
Processing methods

Herbal infusion (tea), Honey macerate, Bath additive, Balm and more

All methods and recipes on the card
Topics and symptoms

Anxiety & inner restlessness, Bruises & scars (topical care), Complexion and local blemishes…

Topics section · Symptoms overview

Identification and mix-ups

Linear opposite leaves.

Possible mix-ups and risks

Distinguish from broad-leaved lavender.

Similar herbs

  • Melissa officinalis

    Aromatické byliny často spojované s večerním čajem; jiné silice a záměna s okrasnými druhy levandule.

Topics and symptoms

More topics are in the symptoms and topics overview.

Geographic occurrence

  • Czechia

    Common (expected wild occurrence in the region)

  • Austria

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • Germany

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • Hungary

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • Poland

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • Slovakia

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • France

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • Morocco

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

  • South Africa

    Occasional (garden, cultivation, or fringe of the range)

Harvest

  • FlowerMay–July

    léto

    Region: Czechia

    Notes: Harvest note (full translation pending): Kvetenstvi v suchu.

Storage

  • Drying(Leaf)

    Sušený rostlinný materiál uchovávej v uzavřené nádobě.

    Light:
    Mimo přímé UV.
    Moisture:
    Nízká relativní vlhkost.

Processing methods on this herb card

  • Herbal infusion (tea)(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Infusion or brief extraction in hot water; usually without long boiling.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    In the narrow sense, “tea” often means an infusion: you pour water just off the boil over the dried plant matter and let it steep for a few minutes. Temperature, steep time, and the herb-to-water ratio change both flavour and what dissolves into the liquid.

    Compared with a decoction, heat exposure is shorter and gentler; tender leaves and flowers are often better as an infusion than with prolonged simmering. For each herb, always follow the plant card for suitable plant part, preparation, and safety notes — general rules never replace species-level judgement.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavandula angustifolia — Herbal infusion (tea) (Flower)

    About 8 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    Extraction parameters (rough guide): 250 ml water · 90–100 °C · 5–10 min steep

    1. Place 1 teaspoon dried flowers (or fewer fresh) in a cup.
    2. Pour boiling water, cover, and steep 5–8 minutes.
    3. Strain — very aromatic; start with a shorter time if unsure.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Společný HMPC dokument hodnotí květ i silici levandule; čaj z květů je blíže květní části než esenciálnímu oleji. Silice jsou částečně těkavé — příliš dlouhé vaření je zbytečně zahubí.

    What is typically released
    Aromatické a polární frakce z květů.
    Solvent / water
    Voda.
    After preparation
    Čerstvě.

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Honey macerate(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Macerating plant material in honey (a honey conserve).

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Honey as a maceration medium creates a viscous mixture with its own biochemistry: water activity, acidity, and enzymes influence shelf life and flavour. Traditionally it is used with delicate flowers or herbs when you want aroma bound into honey.

    Infant botulism guidance for honey and honey safety in general sit outside a single herb page; maceration time, ratios, and storage must follow a vetted recipe and source, not this general overview alone.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavender flower honey

    About 30 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Fill a jar about one third with dried lavender flowers and pour honey over them; for set honey, warm gently in a water bath so it flows.
    2. Close and macerate 3–5 weeks in a warm shady place, turning occasionally.
    3. Strain through fine mesh or cloth; store sealed.

    Maceration takes weeks; very aromatic — start with a small amount in yoghurt or tea.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Bath additive(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Addition to bath water or a bath decoction; topical use.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Bath preparations transfer soluble compounds into water for short-term skin contact. Concentration and water temperature change sensation and possible irritation.

    Rinse the tub afterwards so residues from strongly coloured plants do not linger.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavender bath

    About 25 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Steep 2–3 tsp dried flowers in 500 ml boiling water under a lid for 15 minutes, then strain.
    2. Pour into a comfortably warm bath.
    3. Soak about 15–20 minutes — very aromatic; try a smaller amount if you are sensitive.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Balm(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Thicker oily blend with more aromatic components; the term varies in practice.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    A balm is often perceived as thicker than a light salve, sometimes with richer scent or a firmer skin feel. Commercial and DIY meanings differ — always read ingredients and intended use (lips, elbows, massage).

    For DIY work, watch emulsion stability and preservation per recipe.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavender and beeswax balm

    About 90 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Infuse dried flowers in warm oil (e.g. almond) in a water bath 45–60 minutes, then strain.
    2. Add beeswax to reach the firmness you want and melt while stirring.
    3. Fill tins, let set; use on intact skin and lips.

    Patch-test on the inner forearm first.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Essential oil(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Steam-distilled highly aromatic oil; requires dilution and respect for potency.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Essential oil is a highly concentrated product of steam distillation (or other approved methods). A single drop can be plenty; topical use normally requires dilution in a carrier oil using established ratios.

    Never apply strong neat oil to large areas without knowing irritancy.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: yes

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavender essential oil (commercial vs homemade)

    About 15 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Lavender EO is usually steam-distilled from flowering tops — at home you obtain a quality product from a supplier with transparent composition.
    2. Dilute in a carrier oil (often about 1–3 % on skin); do not apply neat over large areas.
    3. Steam distillation at home needs proper glassware — a macerated herbal oil is not an essential oil.

    Essential oil is not the same as a macerated plant oil.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Hydrosol (hydrolat)(Flower)Suitability: Medium suitability

    Aqueous phase from steam distillation (floral water); not the same as macerated oil.

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    A hydrosol forms alongside essential oil during distillation and contains water-soluble polar compounds plus trace volatiles. It is often used topically or as a mild cosmetic water; quality depends on plant input and equipment.

    Store cool and protected from light per product type.

    Traditional context for this method: no·Scientific context for this method: yes

    Procedure (recipe)

    Lavender flower water (hydrosol)

    About 20 min · Difficulty: Advanced

    1. Hydrosol is the water fraction from lavender distillation — usually stabilised by the producer.
    2. Home preparation needs a still and hygienic storage; otherwise buy hydrosol directly.
    3. Store refrigerated; patch-test for cosmetic use.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

  • Incense / smoke offering(Flower)Suitability: High suitability

    Burning or heating aromatic plant material (smoke, steam).

    Full method description (from the catalogue)

    Incense may be dried herb, resin blends, or preparations on charcoal. The effect is sensory and cultural; smoke can irritate airways in sensitive people.

    Ventilate the space; use non-flammable bases and heat-safe vessels.

    Traditional context for this method: yes·Scientific context for this method: no

    Procedure (recipe)

    Dried lavender for incense

    About 15 min · Difficulty: Beginner

    1. Dry inflorescences whole or coarsely broken in a thin layer.
    2. On hot charcoal or a burner use only a pinch — fragrance is intense.
    3. Ventilate the room; use caution with asthma.

    Why this way (extraction / behaviour of constituents)

    Home preparation following this recipe is mainly educational and cultural; it should not be assumed to match the extractive or safety profile of registered medicines or standardized extracts. Check specific effects, drug interactions, and contraindications on the herb card and with your clinician if you use prescription drugs.

    What is typically released
    orientační domácí extrakce — profil závisí na teplotě, čase řezu a poměrech
    Solvent / water
    mediální složení (voda, alkohol, olej, med…) viz jednotlivé kroky
    After preparation
    po přípravě uchovávej hygienicky a podle typu výrobku (chlad, světlo, alkohol)

    Extra literature for the recipe

Traditional / spiritual use

Kept separate from science — entries are cultural or symbolic, not medical advice.

Related guides in the library

  • Linen drawers and a ribbon of purple in the garden

    General

    Traditional useFolk useHerbal lore

    Lavender in recent tradition clings to scented laundry, drawers, and a violet band along the border. Household calm is a cultural picture — it does not guarantee an effect for any individual reader.

    Form:
    čaj, sušení květů, polštářky
    Claim strength:
    Tradition
    Source note:
    Modern aromatic garden culture plus older tea practice.

Scientific notes

Each claim lists a study type and a source (URL or DOI) where available. Dose notes from the literature are informational only.

How to read evidence strength and study type labels

Labels summarise how the catalogue entry is tagged — they are not a medical verdict on efficacy. For every row, read the summary, limitations and source link.

Evidence strength

Evidence level not specified
The author did not grade the record; judge from the summary, limitations and source link.
Narrative / orientational literature
Descriptive or expert literature without controlled group comparison — context rather than proof of effect.
Weak evidence
Study or conclusion with major methodological limits; treat only as a pointer for further reading.
Preliminary findings
First or smaller studies — interesting direction, not the final word on efficacy or safety.
Moderate strength of evidence
Moderate strength by study design; sample and context limits still apply.
Stronger evidence
Stronger design or consistency of results within the study’s stated limits.
Review article
A review summarises multiple sources; quality depends on review method and field.

Study type

Narrative / expert text
Expert text or overview without a classical study design.
In vitro study
Cell culture or test-tube experiment — does not show an effect in the body.
Animal study
Animal model — transfer to humans is not automatic.
Observational study
Observing groups without random treatment assignment; confounding is possible.
Clinical trial
Human clinical trial; sample size and control group matter.
Randomised controlled trial
Randomised controlled trials are among the stronger designs when well conducted.
Review study
A review aggregates multiple papers — quality depends on selection rules.
Systematic review
Systematic review with explicit search and selection methodology.
Meta-analysis
Statistical pooling of studies; outcome depends on input data and heterogeneity.
Regulatory assessment / monograph (EMA, WHO…)
Regulatory body summary for a herbal product — different context from a single RCT; often about products, not home tea.
Expert monograph (herbal preparations)
Structured literature summary for a plant or drug — quality depends on author and edition year.

  • Lavender essential oil trials often examine anxiety or sleep scores in short interventions; oral pharmacy-grade products differ from decorative garden material.

    Evidence level not specifiedNarrative / expert text

    Limitations: Concentrated oils can be neurotoxic in overdose; hormonal and drug interaction case reports exist; pregnancy and children need cautious product choice.

    Vstup do odborné literatury (orientační)

  • Evidence summary (full translation pending): EMA HMPC spolecne hodnoti kvet a silici levandule; caj z kvetu je blize kvetni casti monografie nez esencialni olej.

    Review articleRegulatory assessment / monograph (EMA, WHO…)Year: 2012

    Preparation form in the study: infusion

    Active compound / focus: silice, flavonoidy (dle dokumentu)

    Limitations: Limitations (translation pending): Nalev z rezane nate/kvetu doma nemusi odpovidat extraktum v dokumentu.

    Dose note (from literature): Dosage notes (translation pending): Viz PDF k pripravkum.

    EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) — European Medicines Agency

    EMA: Final assessment report on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, aetheroleum and flos

Images

The main photo is in the card header. More images will appear here when available.

Safety

What the warning types mean

The type on each warning helps group themes — it does not replace the separate severity badge.

Internal use
Risks from swallowing, extracts, duration of use or concentration for internal use.
Interactions / medicines
Possible effect on medicines or concurrent treatment — check sources and a professional.
Raw plant parts
Raw, unripe or poorly prepared plant parts can be dangerous.
Toxins and regulation
Toxic constituents or regulated compounds (e.g. in distillates).
Contact with the plant
Skin or mucosa irritation from contact with fresh plant or sap.
Allergy
Allergic reactions, often linked to family sensitisation.
Harvesting and contamination
Contamination, species mix-ups or harvesting from unsuitable places.

No structured safety records yet.