Lavandula Stoechas – Ustukhddos: Overview
Introduction
Lavandula stoechas, commonly known as French lavender or Spanish lavender, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, particularly the Iberian Peninsula, it is renowned for its distinctive and aromatic flowers, which have a characteristic “rabbit ear” shape at the top of each spike.The plant produces dense, cone-shaped inflorescences topped with purple, pink, or white bracts that resemble rabbit ears. The leaves are gray-green, narrow, and lance-shaped, often with a silvery appearance due to fine hairs. Typically grows to about 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) in height and width.
Botanical Name:
Lavandula stoechas Linn,.
Family:
Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Urdu Name:
Ustu Khuddos, Dharo, Jarob-Dimagh
English Name:
Stoechados, True Lavender, French Lavender
Parts Used:
Above ground parts.
Temperament:
Hot + Dry
Order:
2nd order.
Geographical Source:
Spain, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Greece.
Organoleptic Evaluation:
Color: Pale green to greenish brown.
Odor: Characteristics, aromatic and camphoraceous.
Taste: Bitter and pungent.
Texture: Fine and powdery ( in dried form)
Pharmacological Actions / Functions:
- Cephalic
- Nervine (tonic)
- Deobstruent
- Carminative,
- Resolvent
- Expectorant,
- Stimulant
- Antispasmodic
- Antiphlogistic,
- Emmenagogue
- Oil fragrant with agreeable aromatic odour, used frequently in perfumery.
Specific Action:
- Cephalic
- Nervine,
- useful against chronic catarrh and
- Headache
- Antiphlegmatic for intellectual faculties and
- Respiratory tract.
Chemical Constituents:
Camphor
Lavandulol
α-pinene
β-pinene
Sabinene
Linalool oxide
Limonene
Linalyl acetate
Fenchone
Camphene
Terpinen
Geraniol
Mode of Action:
1-Anti-diarrheal:
Geraniol ( active constituent of ustukhudus) reduces diarrhea by slowing out gut motility and increasing water absorption. Geraniol has been shown to inhibit the antibacterial effect of essential oil and Azadirecta indica constituent has been shown to have significant antibacterial activity against V.Cholerase and inhibit fluid secretion in mouse intestines. It inhibits the adenylate cyclase reduces the cyclic adenosine monophosphate ( cAMP) levels, which decreases intestinal secretion and motility. Ustukhudus has antidiarrheal effects, reducing intestinal inflammation and improving absorption.
2-Anti-ulcer activity:
It protects the gut lining, preventing ulcer formation. LIMONENE exerts marked protection of gastric mucosa and has cytoprotective action. Inhibition of LOX ( lipooxygenase) reduces leukotriene production which contributes to inflammation and ulceration. It activates the catalase enzyme which enhances antioxidant defenses, protecting gastric mucosa from oxidative damage.
Medicinal Uses:
- The dried plant and flowers both of Lavandula stoechas Linn. are medicinal. Prescribed in flatulence, colic, chest affections, for relieving biliousness and nervous headaches.
- Given to relieve rheumatic and neuralgic pains.
- Considered to have preservative properties for the intellectual faculties of the bodytherefore its compounds (like Itrifal Ustukhudus) are administered for counteracting persistent cold (particularly in cephalic region) and for retaining the original hair Colour through long-term regular use.
- Regarded as broom of the brain (Jarob-Dimagh) for its activity of removing crudities from the brain and assist the retentive power.
- Its (flowers) decoction is specifically regarded as effective against rheumatism, cirrhosis of the liver and dropsy. It is a non-toxic crude herbal drug with properties approaching to an alexiteric (antidote).
Compound Preparations:
- Itrifal Ustukhudus
- Itrifal Ghadudi
- Itrifal Mulayyin
- Tiryaq Faruq
- Sherbet Ahmad Shah
- Sherbet Ustukhudus
- Sherbet
- Gaozaban
- Sherbet Mushil
- Arq Faulad
- Qurs Mulayyin
- Ma’jun Khadar
- Ma’jun Zabib
- Ma’jun Murrawehul Arwah
- Ma’jun Najah
- Ayarij Fiqra.
Dosage:
5 to 7 g
Corrigent:
Lemon juice, sour and acidic articles.
Tenedium:
Acorus calamus L., Lavandula officinalis Schain, Cuscuta
reflexa Roxb. (Aftimun)
Side Effects:
Two types of medicinally valuable Lavandula are reported: L.
stoechas and L. officinale. Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is
cultivated for perfumery purpose.
Prescription:
1-For Brain Tonic:
Lavandula Stoechas (Ustukhddos) 20g
Coriander (Dhania) 10g
Fennel (Saunf) 20g
Black Peper (Filfil Siyah) 5g
Almond (Badam) 50g
Honey 150g
Grind all ingredients and mix a powder in honey.
Usage:
Give 1 teaspoon of Majun with milk at night.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lavandula stoechas, or French lavender, is a versatile and attractive plant that enhances gardens with its unique “rabbit ear” flowers and aromatic foliage. Its adaptability to hot, dry climates and its resistance to pests make it a low-maintenance option for gardeners. Beyond its ornamental value, it offers culinary, aromatic, and medicinal uses. With proper care, including well-drained soil, full sunlight, and regular pruning, Lavandula stoechas can thrive and provide beauty and fragrance to outdoor spaces.