Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender
Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is a cherished perennial herb prized for its aromatic purple blooms. Renowned for its calming properties, this medicinal plant is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and soothe skin irritations, making it a cornerstone of holistic wellness traditions.
- Scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, Lavandula angustifolia is identified under the genus Lavandula.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lavandula | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Lavandula angustifolia, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 狹葉薰衣草, while in Polish, it is called Lawenda wąskolistna. Arabic speakers know it as خزامى ضيقة الأوراق, and in the Netherlands, it goes by the name spijklavendeel. Finally, in Sweden, it is simply known as Lavendel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 狹葉薰衣草 | Wikidata |
| pl | Lawenda wąskolistna | Wikidata |
| ar | خزامى ضيقة الأوراق | Wikidata |
| nl | spijklavendel | Wikidata |
| sv | Lavendel | Wikidata |
| ru | Лаванда узколистная | Wikidata |
| sr | лаванда | Wikidata |
| fi | tähkälaventeli | Wikidata |
| uk | Лаванда вузьколиста | Wikidata |
| az | Ensizyarpaq lavanda | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Lavandula angustifolia, is widely distributed across several key regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found within the landscapes of both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the center of the continent, it is commonly established in Middle Europe, specifically in Austria and Germany. Furthermore, its natural range extends into Southwestern Europe, where it thrives in the climate of France. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Baltic States | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Krym | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Lavandula angustifolia, is highly valued for its various components, particularly the aerial parts which encompass the stems and leaves. The most therapeutically significant elements are the fragrant flowers, from which the highly concentrated essential oils are extracted. This precious essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy and skincare due to its calming properties. While the seed can be produced for reproduction, it is the aromatic essence found in the upper structures that defines the plant's medicinal utility.- Total parts
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 24
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flowers | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| essential oils | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| essential oil | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant essential oils | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leafy stalks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lavender herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil extraction waste | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Lavandula angustifolia has 73 reported phytochemicals identified across 116 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linalyl acetate, linalool, Linalool, flavonoids, quercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 73
- Scientific sources
- 116
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| linalyl acetate | 15 | ★★★★★ |
| linalool | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| Linalool | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| rosmarinic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| camphor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caryophyllene | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caryophyllene oxide | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lavandula angustifolia has 21 reported activities identified across 56 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anxiolytic, Analgesic, Sedative.
- Total activities
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 56
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| Antibacterial | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Sedative | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lavandula angustifolia has 90 reported medicinal uses identified across 128 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anxiety, depression, insomnia, mood, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 90
- Scientific sources
- 128
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anxiety | 11 | ★★★★★ |
| depression | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| insomnia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| mood | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| pain | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| restlessness | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| sleep quality | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |