Herbs & Spices

Culinary Lavender

Health
ScoreA

Culinary lavender is an intensely aromatic flower used in tea and baking, rich in the relaxing terpene linalool and antioxidant polyphenols.

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Why Culinary Lavender scores 86

Nutrient density20

Protein quality5

Fiber content10

Healthy fats4

Bioactive compounds14

Glycemic impact10

Top nutrients

% Daily Value per a pinch (2 g)

Magnesium 0.4%Calcium 0.3%Potassium 0.3%Iron 0.2%Vitamin C 0.1%

Nutrition

per_100g

280

Calories

Protein

60g

Carbs

Fat

40g

Fiber

Health benefits

Promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety

moderate evidence

Linalool and linalyl acetate modulate GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission and inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels, producing a calming, anxiolytic effect demonstrated for oral and inhaled lavender oil

Supports sleep onset and quality

moderate evidence

The same terpenes lower autonomic arousal and sympathetic tone, easing the transition to sleep when taken as an evening infusion

Provides antioxidant protection

limited evidence

Rosmarinic acid and related polyphenols scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation

Pairs well with

·Pair with honey and lemon because their sweetness and acidity balance lavender's perfumed intensity and prevent a soapy note
·Combine with chamomile in a tea blend because both contribute calming bioactives for an evening infusion
·Use with berries and vanilla because their fruity sweetness complements the floral terpenes in baking

Practical tips

·Best timing: evening
·Use only a pinch; food-grade English lavender turns soapy quickly when overdone
·Cover the cup while steeping to trap the volatile linalool that drives the calming effect
·Store buds airtight away from light and heat to preserve the aromatic oils