Did you know, there is such a thing as a Lavender selfie, where women in straw hats and long dresses take pictures with gorgeous lavender blooms in the background?

From adorning the vase in your drawing space to filling up your home with it sweet and calming essence, to making its way in your wardrobe, body-oil, diffuser, handwash, body mists and becoming an indispensable ingredient in your aromatherapy collection, lavender is a versatile and exotic blessing from the planet world for your body, mind, and senses. So invigorating is its essence, legends have it that it was used to tame wild animals like bears and tigers.

Helping manage your pain; reducing anxiety; being used in aromatherapy for its highly relaxing properties; helping boost your appetite; treating infections; helping deal with sleep problems; reducing skin problems; and being an indispensable adaptogen, this French import has myriad medicinal and cosmetic uses in our modern lives. And here are some more reasons for making it a part of your skin and body care.

Believe it or not, but lavender comes from the mint family and this shrub plant with pointy leaves and purple flowers comes loaded with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antiseptic, and anxiolytic properties. The essential oil is derived from steaming the flower.

1. Reduces anxiety

When self-talk and affirmations do not help you calm yourself down, the neural pathways triggered through sensory experiences can help. A 2005 study published in Physiology and Behaviour Journal showed that participants waiting for dental treatment, when made to inhale lavender essence, reported better mood and lowered anxiety. Studies have also shown it can help reduce anxiety among women with post-partum depression.

(also read: Your body is telling you something: 5 subtle signs of stress)

2. Helps you sleep better

An essential oil aromatherapy before going to bed has been shown to help people with increasing their energy and vibrancy the following day. 2015 pivotal study from researchers at the University of Minnesota showed college-going students reported better quality sleep by taking an essential oil therapy along with some sleep hygiene practices, vis-à-vis just using sleep hygiene practices.

A popular choice for essential oil therapy among Ayurveda practitioners and therapists today is Shankara’s Aromatherapy Collection, a unique collection of Ayurveda-inspired aromatherapy oils to balance mind and emotions throughout one’s day.

Shankara's Aromatherapy collection brings together the following formulations:

Calming Essence - Grounding and centering (pacifies Vata or the air element) with essential oils of cardamom, sandalwood, and vetiver.

Soothing Essence - Cooling and soothing (pacifies Pitta or fire element) with essential oils of sandalwood, lavender, and geranium.

Energizing Essence - Stimulating and invigorating (pacifies Kapha or earth element) with essential oils of lemon, bergamot, cypress, and grapefruit.

3. French cooking

Though most of us know it for its cosmetic and medicinal applications, lavender is also used in cooking, especially cookies, bread, teas, and jams. It holds a pungent, herbaceous, and minty taste. English and Provence are the two varieties that are used for cooking purposes for their sweet taste and aroma. In French cooking, it is used as an ingredient in the herbal blend called Herbes de Provence, since its flavor goes well with herbs like oregano, sage, savory, and thyme. It is also infused with sugar to be used in baked products.

4. Lavender benefits according to Ayurveda-balances all the three doshas

In Ayurveda, lavender is said to balance all the three doshas-kapha, pitta and vata. It stimulates vata doshas and calms pitta. It is also used in Shirodhara treatment, blended with other oils, to deepen the benefits of relaxation and open up the sensory channels. Lavender is known to boost prana or life force.

5. Balancing vata-managing menstrual cramps

According to Ayurveda, lavender balances vata dosha, which is responsible for regulating menstruation in women. It can help women deal with dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain symptoms. You can have lavender tea to bring vata dosha in balance, reduce pain and menstrual cramps.

Shankara also brings for its valued readers, Vata Sample Kit, that contains the hydrating cleanser, signature moisturizer, microcrystal exfoliation treatment, Anti-age Serum and most popular Rich Repair Face oil.

6. Fights ulcers

You can topically apply lavender oil to heal mouth ulcers such as canker sores, to reduce swelling and pain. Lavender oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Reduces stress

Inhaling lavender is said to release hormones that reduce stress and increase the secretion of hormones that improve mood. It is known to be helpful in dealing with stress among women undergoing postpartum depression as well as we stated earlier.

8. Reduces colic pain

Colic pain caused by vitiated vata, bloating and gas formation, can be reduced by the use of lavender. It can also ease the pain and cramping in the stomach region, due to its antispasmodic benefits. (Also read: Say hello to vata season)

Nothing says luxury and health like lavender with its European pedigree and numerous health benefits and sensory richness. There is never a better time to gift lavender-based aromatherapy oils to your loved ones than now.