Botanical name – Lavandula stoechas Linn.
Family name – Labiatae
Identification No. – SDACH/HG/206
Vernacular names – Hindi: Urdu/Arabic: Ustukhuddus; Tamil: Lavangapattai; Unani: Ustukhuddus; English: Lavender, Spanish:Lavender
Synonyms – Lavandula stoechas var. pedunculata; Ustukhuddus
Habitat & Distribution – Native to the Mediterranean region including Spain, France, and North Africa. Cultivated in temperate regions including parts of India (Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir). Prefers sunny, well-drained habitats.
Morphology – Aromatic perennial shrub with narrow, gray-green, lanceolate leaves. Flowers are purple to violet, held on short stalks with distinct tufted bracts resembling butterfly wings. Strong, pleasant, camphoraceous aroma.
Varieties –
- L. stoechas var. pedunculata
- L. stoechas subsp. luisieri
- Other cultivars under ornamental and medicinal classifications
Substitute/ Adulterant – Substituted with Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis in formulations; adulteration with synthetic lavender oil or camphor is common
Phytochemicals – Linalool, Linalyl acetate, Camphor, 1,8-Cineole, Borneol, Flavonoids, Tannins, Rosmarinic acid
Raspanchaka –
Rasa: Tikta, Katu
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu
Prabhava: Medhya
Dosha Shamakta, Vatahara
Karma (Rogaghnata) –
Medhya (brain tonic), Nidrakaraka (sedative), Kasahara (cough reliever), Shirovirechana (nasal decongestant), Krimighna (antimicrobial), Hridya (cardiotonic), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Mansavardhaka (muscle tonic)
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses –
External –
- Essential oil used in aromatherapy for insomnia, anxiety, and stress
- Applied topically for skin infections, burns, insect bites, and muscular pain
Internal –
- Used for headache, cold, catarrh, epilepsy, hysteria, digestive issues
- Acts as a nervine tonic, mild laxative, and expectorant
Part used – Flowers, leaves
Dose –
Powder: 3-6 g
Yoga/Formulations –
- Sharbat
- Arka
IUCN Status – Least Concern
Research updates –
Dababneh BF, et al. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Lavandula stoechas essential oil. J Ethnopharmacol. 120(2):223–229.
Sayyah M, et al. Anti-convulsant and anti-anxiety effects of Lavandula stoechas extract. Phytomedicine. 13(6):410–416.
Benabdelkader T, et al. Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Lavandula stoechas essential oil. Ind Crops Prod. 61:212–218.
