Lavender (Xun Yi Cao)

Lavender (also lavandula angustifolia) was a plant with origins in the middle East and India. The name lavender, comes from the Latin 'lavare', which means "to wash". Early on, the uses of lavender were for the scent. Eventually, the ancient Romans discovered that lavender could soothe tired, sore muscles.

In ancient Greece, physicians used lavender to treat a variety of conditions, such as, sore throat, chest congestion, skin conditions, and digestive issues.

As an aromatherapy, lavender has shown benefit in reducing neuropathic pain intensity in a study on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)^[1]. Another study found a reduction in pain severity when inhaled for sufferers of primary dysmenorrhea^[2]. Interestingly, there has been some positive effects for lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety and depression^[3]. Several studies suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, neuroprotective and anti-convulsive properties for lavender.

Topically, the bioactive compounds of lavender, linalool and linalyl acetate can treat muscle spasms to induce relaxation and block pain signals. Linalool acts as a potent antispasmodic by directly interfering with muscle contraction signals. Research indicates it inhibits the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for muscle contraction, and blocks voltage-gated calcium channels required for muscle fiber shortening^[4].

Battle Balm® uses Premium Quality Organic lavender as one of its 20 key ingredients. Xun yi cao is just one of the many proven herbal compounds used to calm the nervous system, relax muscle spasms, and reduce pain so you can stay healthy and minimize time away from your training!

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References

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12906-024-04362-z (Alleviating effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and its major components on postherpetic pain: a randomized blinded controlled trial)
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5405632/ (The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on the Pain Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial)
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34775136/ (Effects of Lavender on Anxiety, Depression, and Physiological Parameters: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis)
4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279517587_Effects_of_Lavender_and_Linalool_on_Neurotransmission_and_Contraction_of_Smooth_Muscle (Effects of Lavender and Linalool on Neurotransmission and Contraction of Smooth Muscle)