Food was a highlight of my visit to France. It was fantastic – whether at a 5-star restaurant or cooked at home. And I had a chance to try both.
But I never expected that one herb, in particular, would turn up in meal after meal. And it was delicious. From grilled lamb chops to shortbread cookies, this herb brightened up the flavor of quite a few dishes.
The herb is lavender. And the French use it alone, or in a mixture of herbs and spices called “Herbes de Provence.” The name can only be applied when the lavender is grown in its traditional home in the south of France… Provence.
Here in the U.S., we think of lavender as a pretty little flower. We use it mainly as a scent. Lavender soaps and sachets are popular. And lavender is well-known for its use in aromatherapy.
But in our food? Lavender tea is about as far as we go.
In France, lavender is a regular addition to favorite recipes. And across much of Europe, it’s still regarded as an important healing herb.
And it turns out there’s plenty of evidence that lavender deserves its European reputation. It contains several healing compounds. For example, men will especially appreciate that it contains beta-sitosterol. This potent antioxidant protects your prostate from BPH and even prostate cancer.1
Lavender also has luteolin(a flavonoid that enhances performance) which helps protect brain cells,2 boost memory and ease depression.
Ursolic acid is another powerful lavender compound. Studies show ursolic acid inhibits colon3 and breast cancer.4Animal studies suggest it may be able to help you maintain a healthy weight.5
But there is also evidence of something I only learned recently… that ursolic acid may be able to strengthen your skin and get rid of unwanted lines and wrinkles.6
Various studies show that ursolic acid strengthens your extracellular skin matrix and helps build collagen, strengthening the structural framework of your skin.7
You’ll find lavender in specialty stores. Or you can grow your own, as I do in my yard. In the south, you’ll need a shady spot… and you’ll have to water it frequently. But it’s worth the effort.
Take a little fresh or dried lavender in your hand and break it up. Then hold it under your nose and inhale deeply. The aroma gives an almost instant feeling of relaxation. It’s a great way to get rid of a headache.
You can buy lavender essential oil almost anywhere. A few drops in your bath – or as aromatherapy – have a soothing effect. You’ll also find it in many topical creams and oils. Applied to the skin, lavender helps relieve pain, aching joints and itchiness.
Health-food stores carry lavender tinctures for internal use. You’ll get the benefits from about 30 – 60 drops in your favorite drink.
Or steep one to two teaspoons of fresh lavender leaves and petals in hot water for a few minutes for a deliciously refreshing lavender tea.
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD
1 Schleich, S., et al, “Extracts from Pygeum africanum and other ethnobotanical species with antiandrogenic activity,” Planta Med. Jul 2006; 72(9): 807-813.
2 Zhu, L.H., et al, “Luteolin inhibits microglial inflammation and improves neuron survival against inflammation,” Int. J. Neurosci. June 2011; 121(6): 329-336
3 Andersson, D., et al, “Ursolic acid inhibits proliferation and stimulates apoptosis in HT29 cells…” Anticancer Res. Jul- Aug 2003; 23(4): 3317-3322.
4 Yeh, C., et al, “Ursolic acid, a naturally occurring triterpenoid, suppresses migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells…” Mol Nutr Food Res. Sep 2010; 54(9): 1285-1295.
5 Kunkel, S., et al, “Ursolic Acid Increases Skeletal Muscle and Brown Fat and Decreases Diet-Induced Obesity, Glucose Intolerance and Fatty Liver Disease,” PLoS ONE. 2012; 7(6): e39332.
6 Yarosh, D.B., et al, “Liposomal ursolic acid (merotaine) increases ceramides and collagen in human skin,” Horm Res. 2000; 54(5-6): 318-321.
7 Both, D.M., et al, “Liposome-encapsulated ursolic acid increases ceramides and collagen in human skin cells,” Arch Dermatol Res. Jan 2002;293(11):569-575.