Aromatherapy
Lavender
Lavandula officinalis
If you could buy only one oil, this would be the one! Lavender essential oil is
a multi-purpose oil and is one of the most used
essential oils in aromatherapy
because of its diverse nature. The essential oil is distilled from the leaves, flowers,
and stems of the plant.
Lavender has a long history. The Pharaohs of Egypt used the pure oil as a
fragrance, and the Romans bathed in lavender water. In England it was commonly
used to scent linen boxes, as an aid to controlling insects. It has always been used
in perfume and cosmetics since it blends so well with other essential oils.
Lavender is the oil most associated with healing skin irritations because it
stimulates the cells of injured skin to heal quickly and smoothly. It is wonderful
to use on sunburn and is excellent for skin care in general because it suits all skin
types. It can be useful for eczema, psoriasis,
burns, cuts and wounds,
abscesses
and ulcers.
Lavender has many traditional therapeutic uses. It can be helpful for colds and
bronchitis, for rheumatic pain, muscle spasms, balancing
blood pressure, and not
least, as a sedative to the central nervous system, for headaches, relieving tension
and anxiety, mild
depression and insomnia.
It's a lovely oil for baths, for air
fresheners, or simply for putting on a tissue and breathing in its lovely aroma. A
major plus for this oil is that it can be used "neat," or undiluted directly on the
skin. It is one of the few oils that can be used in this manner.
Lavender's classic floral/herbal scent has been
treasured for centuries as a washing herb, and has freshened many
a bed linen. Its name evolved from the Latin lavare, which
means "to wash."
Lavender pure essential oil comes from a number of types
of lavender. Its quality and scent may vary.
General properties
- stimulant
- tonic
- stomachic
- carminative
- antispasmodic
- antiseptic
- diuretic
- vulnerary
- circulatory
- anti-inflammatory
- balancing
- detoxifying
- uplifting
- relaxing
Blends well with
General uses
Caution
If serious risk of miscarriage, not to be used during first
four months of pregnancy. Not to be used with chemotherapeutic treatment
of cancer.
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