Essential Oil – Lavender

Lavender Essential Oil

Plant/Part      -         Flower Head

Botanical  Name  -  Lavendula Angustifolia

Note           -            Top

Extraction       -       Steam Distillation

Aroma

The aroma is floral and light with balsamic undertones.

Features

There are wide varieties of the Lavender plant, however, this one is said to have the most therapeutic qualities. Grown in the south of France at 1500 meters above sea level, it is perched on long stems and has tiny purple-blue flowers and narrow grey/green leaves.

History

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in Aromatherapy and has long been used for healing. For centuries Lavender bags were placed in linen drawers to keep moths and insects at bay. The Romans used it to bathe in and cleanse their wounds. It has wonderful skin-healing properties that were discovered accidentally by French chemist Reme' Gattefosse' in 1910 after severely burning his hands in a laboratory explosion.

Mind

Lavender can help to calm and soothe the mind relieving stress, anger, and exhaustion, resulting in a calmer approach to life.

Body

Lavender can have a sedative action on the heart and can help to bring high blood pressure down and calm palpitations. It can help with insomnia and its pain-relieving qualities work effectively with muscular sprains, strains, and rheumatic pain. It is beneficial to the respiratory system, helping with bronchitis, asthma, catarrh, colds, laryngitis, throat infections, TB, and its anti-viral properties help to keep infections at bay. It is useful for menstrual problems and helpful in relieving pain during childbirth. It is also helpful for nausea, vomiting, colic, and flatulence.

Effects On Skin

Lavender is valuable for most skin conditions as it promotes the growth of new skin cells. It can help with the healing effects of burns and sunburn and is also helpful in cases of acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also help to heal abscesses, boils, fungal growths, swellings, and scarring, and is an effective hair tonic.

Blends With

Lavender blends well with Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Marjoram, Myrrh, Niaouli, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Scots Pine, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.

Oils to Avoid

Diabetes – Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lemon

Epilepsy – Eucalyptus, Fennel, Rosemary, Sage

High Blood Pressure – Rosemary

Pregnancy – Basil, Birch, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Peppermint, Rosemary, Turmeric

Avoid all essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy.

Avoid Frankincense and Turmeric if taking blood-thinning medication.

Skin Sensitivity – Black pepper, Citronella, Clove, Ginger, Lemon, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint, Turmeric

Photosensitizing Oils – Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Mandarin, and Tangerine. They react to ultraviolet light making the skin more sensitive.

This oil is considered safe for pets if used correctly.