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

• eucalyptus
• geranium
• jasmine
• lemon
• orange
• rose
• ylang ylang

General uses

• digestive disorders
• diarrhea
• fever
• circulatory problems
• cystitis
• premenstrual tension and other menstrual problems
• childbirth
• migraine
• headache
• colds and flu
• pains
• arthritis
• colic
• colitis
• earache
• motion sickness
• allergy
• anorexia
• boils and carbuncles
• bruises
• burns
• dermatitis
• inflammation
• enuresis
• fibrositis
• anal fistula
• sunburn
• fluid retention
• tonsillitis
• throat infection
• ulcers
• thrush
• flatulence
• catarrh
• coughs
• fainting and vertigo
• athlete's foot
• whooping cough
• chilblains
• bronchitis
• exhaustion
• depression
• hysteria and panic
• insomnia
• irritability
• aging / mature skin
• high blood pressure
• hair loss
• glandular fever
• immune system
• urination (difficulty of)
• shortness of breath
• fast breath
• liver
• cold sores
• menopause
• stomach pains
• stiffness
• rheumatism
• psoriasis
• palpitations
• mood swings
• oversensitivity
• myalgic encephalomyelitis
• rejuvenation
• oily and open pores
• rhinitis
• scabies
• sprains and strains
• nausea and vomiting
• sinusitis

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.

Comments