Why We LOVE Lavender

Ah, lavender! That beautiful and fragrant herb that's been soothing our souls for centuries. It's no wonder that lavender is one of the most popular herbs in the world, known for its calming, relaxing, and uplifting properties. But did you know that lavender is not just a pretty plant? It's also packed with health benefits that can improve your overall well being. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of lavender, how to grow it at home, and how to incorporate it into your diet – including drinking Owl Bone Broth Elixirs.

Benefits of Lavender

1. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Lavender has a long history of use as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. The essential oil of lavender contains compounds that have a calming effect on the nervous system. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that lavender oil was effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients undergoing dental treatment.

2. Promotes Restful Sleep

Lavender is known for its sedative properties, making it an effective remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that lavender essential oil improved the quality of sleep in patients with insomnia.

3. Relieves Pain and Inflammation

Lavender has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective natural remedy for pain and inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that lavender oil had significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

4. Improves Digestion

Lavender has been used traditionally to improve digestion, relieve bloating and gas, and prevent stomach infections. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that lavender essential oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes stomach ulcers.

5. Supports Cardiovascular Health

Lavender has been shown to have cardio-protective effects, helping to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and prevent the development of atherosclerosis. A study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology found that lavender oil decreased blood pressure in animals with hypertension.

Growing Lavender at Home

Growing lavender at home is relatively easy and can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to get you started:

Choose the Right Variety

There are many different varieties of lavender, each with its unique properties and growing requirements. Some of the most popular varieties include English lavender, French lavender, and Spanish lavender. Choose the variety that's best suited to your climate and growing conditions.

Find the Right Spot

Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and has good drainage.

Plant at the Right Time

Plant lavender in the spring or fall, when the soil is moist, and temperatures are mild. If you live in a colder climate, consider planting in containers that can be moved indoors during the winter months.

Water Sparingly

Lavender is a drought-tolerant plant and does not like to be over-watered. Water sparingly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.

Prune Regularly

Prune your lavender plants regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent woody stems. Cut back the plant by about one-third in the spring, just as new growth begins.

But don't stop there! There are many creative ways to incorporate lavender into your meals. Here are some ideas:

• Lavender tea: Steep a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers in hot water for a few minutes, add some honey or lemon if you like, and enjoy a fragrant and calming cup of tea.
• Lavender lemonade: Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, honey, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Add some ice and enjoy a refreshing and floral twist on a classic summer drink.
• Lavender smoothie: Toss in a teaspoon of dried lavender flowers to your favorite smoothie recipe for a floral twist that will have your taste buds dancing!
• Lavender-infused bone broth: OWL bone broth elixirs including the chicken, beef, turkey and vegan broths have lavender infused into them and are simmer for 24 hours to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from the bones and the functional herbs. Not only will you be getting the benefits of the nutrient dense broth full of amino acids and collagen, but all the benefits of the lavender listed above.
• Lavender salad dressing: Whisk together some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Drizzle it over your favorite salad greens for a fragrant and healthy dressing that will have your taste buds singing.

Owl Bone Broth Elixirs 

OWL Bone Broth Elixirs are a game-changer in the world of bone broth. They're different from other broths because they're made with the highest-quality bones and functional herbs, and are simmered for 24 hours to extract the maximum amount of nutrients. And, they're infused with lavender, adding an extra layer of flavor and benefits.

Lavender has been traditionally used for its calming and soothing properties, and it adds a unique floral note to OWL's already delicious broths. Plus, the combination of lavender and bone broth makes for a powerhouse elixir that's packed with health benefits. OWL Bone Broth Elixirs are a great way to incorporate the benefits of lavender into your diet while also getting the benefits of bone broth.

From OWL bone broth elixirs to salad dressings, there are many creative and delicious ways to incorporate lavender into your diet. And when you combine the benefits of bone broth with the power of lavender, you've got a winning combination that's both delicious and nourishing.