Lavender Tea for External Use
When we think of a relaxing cup of tea, we may imagine a tranquil environment, perhaps curling up with a good book or simply taking time away from the busy noise of life, aided by that soothing, steaming cup of tea. Yet tea may be far more therapeutic than simply providing a relaxing atmosphere. Many people are familiar with herbal teas that may support digestion, immune health, respiratory function and other things. Yet how many people would think of using tea on their face, or in their hair? While this use may seem unconventional, many of the herbs that are often used to make herbal tea actually offer external benefits as well as internal, and lavender tea is a prime example of this.
The Importance of Healthy Skin
We are often concerned with the health of our skin as it applies to our appearance. The common desire is for skin to look young, full, flushed, and free of blemishes – in other words, healthy. Yet the health of our skin is far more important than simply meeting beauty standards. Our skin is the body’s first and most important line of defense against things that would cause harm to the body. When skin shows unhealthy qualities, it serves as a sign that the skin has been negatively affected, either by external or internal factors. Our skin health is thus often an indicator of our health overall, and for this reason, should be taken seriously.
The External Benefits of Lavender Tea
Lavender tea offers several benefits for skin health, and may promote healthy hair as well. The mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of lavender have been found highly useful on skin ailments. Studies have shown that the application of lavender tea may help to shorten the healing time of wounds, abrasions, and skin ailments such as acne, eczema and topical allergic reactions such as rashes. It may also promote quicker healing of sunburns. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of lavender may help to reduce the risk of skin infection in wounds. Another potential application of lavender tea is used to promote healthy hair growth. Used as a hair rinse, lavender tea may help to stimulate the growth of hair, and may also reduce the appearance of dandruff.
How to Use Lavender Tea Externally
Preparing lavender tea used for external purposes may differ from that prepared to be taken internally. When used on wounds (note: we do not advise using on open wounds), acne, or other skin ailments, the tea may be prepared normally, then the tea bag may be placed on the affected area and allowed to rest for several minutes. Time and duration may vary depending on the issue. For a hair rinse, or a more concentrated effect, more than one tea bag may be used and steeped as long as 30-60 minutes. This concentration is considered too strong for drinking, but may be beneficial for external use.