Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Common Names: Lavender, English Lavender, True Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Family: Lamiaceae
Plant Type: Woody perennial
Habitat: Native to the Mediterranean, widely cultivated in the UK and Isle of Man, Lavender thrives in well-drained, sunny soil and is often found in gardens or cultivated areas. It can also be seen growing wild in certain areas.

Height: 30–90 cm (depending on variety and growing conditions)
Leaves: Narrow, silver-green leaves that are aromatic when crushed.
Flowers: Small, purple to violet flowers arranged in dense spikes at the tips of the stems, blooming in late spring to early summer.
Scent: Known for its highly fragrant, calming, and soothing aroma, lavender flowers have a distinct and recognizable scent.

Essential Oils: Rich in linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, and eucalyptol, which give lavender its calming and antiseptic properties.
Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin—flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tannins: Withstringing and mild antimicrobial effects.
Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid provide antioxidant properties.
Coumarins: Contribute to mild sedative and antispasmodic effects.

Flowers: The flowers are the primary part used in herbal medicine, rich in essential oils. Lavender flowers are often used fresh or dried in teas, oils, and tinctures.
Leaves: Less commonly used but contain similar essential oils and are sometimes included in tinctures or topical preparations.
Stem and Twigs: Sometimes used to make teas, though not as common as the flowers.
Essential Oil: Distilled from the flowers, lavender essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy and topical applications.

Calming and Relaxation: Lavender is often used to calm anxious or stressed horses. It can help with nervousness, travel anxiety, or separation anxiety.
Muscle Relaxation: Lavender has mild muscle-relaxant properties, making it useful for treating mild muscle spasms or tension in horses.
Wound Healing: Lavender's antiseptic properties can assist in minor wound healing and reducing the risk of infection.
Skin Care: Lavender essential oil is used topically to help with inflammation, dry skin, or to treat minor skin irritations and abrasions.

Lavender Oil: Dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil) and apply topically to soothe muscle tension or skin irritations.
Lavender Tea: Offer a cooled lavender tea in small amounts to promote relaxation (consult a vet for proper dosages).
Aromatherapy: Place a few drops of lavender essential oil in the horse’s stable or on their bedding to help with anxiety and create a calm environment.
Topical Application: For wounds, mix lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply directly to the affected area for its antibacterial and healing properties.

Use with caution around pregnant mares, as some essential oils may have contraindications during pregnancy.
Always dilute essential oils before applying topically to avoid skin irritation.
Consult with a veterinarian before use in horses with skin conditions or respiratory issues.

Calming and Anxiety Relief: Lavender is widely known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it useful for anxious dogs, especially those with separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms, or noise phobias.
Sleep Aid: Lavender can help promote better sleep in dogs who are restless or have difficulty settling down.
Digestive Health: Lavender has mild anti-spasmodic properties, which can help with digestive issues like bloating or nausea.
Skin Care: Lavender essential oil is often used in dilutions to help soothe itchy skin, inflammation, or minor cuts and abrasions.

Lavender Oil: For calming, add 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser to promote a relaxing environment.
Lavender Tea: A small amount of lavender tea can be offered to help with mild anxiety or digestive upset (consult a veterinarian for proper dosage).
Topical Use: Dilute lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to areas with dry skin, rashes, or insect bites. It can also be used for hot spots or to soothe minor cuts.

Dilution Required: Always dilute essential oils before applying to dogs to prevent skin irritation.
Toxicity Warning: Use lavender essential oil sparingly. High concentrations of lavender oil can be toxic to dogs, especially if ingested.
Pregnancy & Nursing Dogs: Avoid using lavender essential oil in pregnant or nursing dogs without veterinary approval.

Lavender as a Protectant: Lavender has long been used in the UK and Isle of Man as a protective herb, thought to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. It was often placed in homes to keep away misfortune and negative energies.
Healing and Purification: Lavender was used in traditional remedies for treating nervous disorders and insomnia. Its calming properties made it a staple in old herbal apothecaries and folk healing practices.
Lavender for Love and Purity: In some parts of the UK, lavender was believed to bring purity and was associated with love and protection. It was used in love charms and sometimes sewn into sachets to keep away harmful influences.
Lavender for Sleep: Lavender sprigs were placed under pillows or inside sleeping bags in the Isle of Man and the UK, believed to promote peaceful sleep and relieve nightmares.

Feature	Details
Main Uses	Calming, anxiety relief, sleep aid, muscle relaxation, skin care, wound healing
Parts Used	Flowers (primary), leaves, stems, essential oil
Equine Use	Anxiety relief, muscle relaxation, wound care, skin conditions
Canine Use	Anxiety relief, sleep aid, digestive health, skin care, wound healing
Folklore	Protective herb, used for sleep, love charms, protection against evil spirits