How to Make English Lavender Tea

English lavender has a relaxing herbal fragrance that produces an aromatic tea. Made by steeping the dried flowers buds of the lavender plant, Lavandula angustifolia in boiling water, lavender tea has a delicate floral aroma with just a hint of initial sweetness and a slightly bitter aftertaste.  

A steaming cup of English lavender tea may help ease anxiety, improve sleep quality and relieve headaches.  The calming effects of lavender are thanks to number of chemical compounds. They include linalool, the most abundant compound in lavender oil. Linalool helps reduce stress and promote feelings of calmness. Linalyl acetate, another compound in lavender, works with linalool to enhance its calming effects. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to lavender's effectiveness in reducing headaches and tension. Rounding out this group's is apigenin, a flavonoid that can bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleepiness.

Lavender contains other calming compounds like luteolin and leucotomosins, which may contribute to its overall effect. Together, these chemicals work to influence the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of anxiety. English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia Is variety overwhelmingly used in beverages.

Even if you can't pronounce the names of the chemical compounds in lavender that make the magic happen, you can still take advantage of the relaxing and sleep inducing qualities of this remarkable herb. Here's how.

English Lavender Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp. dried English lavender flower buds (or 2 Teaspoons fresh buds)
• 1 cup boiling water
• Honey and/or lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Steep the lavender flowers in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Steeping longer results in a stronger tea.
2. Strain
3. Add honey and/or  lemon to taste (optional).

Another Option

Relaxing Lavender Blend Tea

Here is an alternative tea recipe that combines lavender with chamomile and lemon balm. All three promote relaxation and a tranquil night sleep.  In fact,  in some circles lemon balm is Referred to as herbal valium.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp. Dried English lavender flowers (1 Teaspoon fresh)
• 1/2 tsp. Dried chamomile flower (1-1/2 Teaspoons fresh)
• 1/2 tsp. Dried Lemon balm (1-1/2 Teaspoons fresh)
• 10 oz. boiling water
• Honey and/or lemon to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Steep all ingredients for 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Strain
3. Enjoy an hour before bedtime.

Although generally considered safe, side effects associated with consuming lavender might include constipation, diarrhea, and headache. 

Please, do not attempt to treat medical problems without consulting a medical professional. Herbs, even those you use in cooking, can be potentially harmful if ingested often or in high concentrations. They can also interact with other medications, like over the counter preparations and prescription drugs by amplifying, weakening or changing their effects.  Also, extra care should be taken if you are pregnant, nursing or attempting to treat a  child.