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Ustkhudus

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.

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