The many uses of LAVENDER essential oil – LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA

The smell of Lavender used to reminded me of my grandmother for many years. She used to love Yardley toiletries which we bought her for Christmas as kids. The name Lavendula comes from lavare in Latin which means ´to wash´ hence the common use for it in many different toiletries. I associated the aroma of Lavender with my nana and the elderly for a very long time, and was not a big fan of it for many years.

Older and wiser, I now understand that the aroma I was used to back then was probably not true lavender, but something that resembled it, as it is normal practice in the perfume and toiletries industry to use a synthetic substitute. Sadly lavender is also one of the most commonly adulterated oils. If you consider French export data showing that approximately 250 tons of fine Lavender is exported annually, but the statistics of the Lavender association growers indicate that 20 tons are distilled – go figure!!

You know you have true Lavender when the oil is colourless or pale- yellow with a sweet floral herbaceous, refreshing aroma with a pleasant woody undertone. The oil should evaporate and not feel sticky in any way and ensure the bottle is properly labelled.

Needless to say although I am still not quite in love with its aroma as there are so many more beautiful fragrances out there, I am quite partial to it and use it on a regular basis.

A little history..

It is an amazing oil also known as the ¨Swiss Knife¨ of essential oils, as it has many uses. Every home should have a bottle, when in doubt grab Lavender! Just like Réne-Maurice Gattefossé did in 1910 when during an accident in his laboratory he burnt his hand and the nearest liquid available to him was a pot of Lavender oil where he placed his hand and discovered its dramatic healing effects. This led him to study essential oils in greater depth. Lavender is both analgesic and antiseptic, which makes it perfect for treating burns and all kinds of injuries. It promotes fast healing and helps to prevent scarring.

We have known Lavender traditionally for its sleeping enhancing benefits but too much oil in a diffuser can have the opposite effect. As the saying goes, less is more and you will not be disappointed.

When used in inhalation, Lavender oil is an effective treatment for colds, coughs and flu. It can soothe, decongest and attack bacteria.

Massaged into the temples, Lavender can relieve many forms of head aches and using cold compresses at the back of the neck or on the forehead will work wonders.

Lavenders use in muscle pain is important, whatever the cause. Used in a massage oil, blended with another oil such as Rosemary or Marjoram will ease muscle tension or help after a work out. But if you do not have the possibility of having a massage, an aromatic bath with lavender will also soothe and help.

In the case of rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis, Lavender oil reduces the pain locally and lowers the reaction to pain of the central nervous system, reducing inflammation and toning the system generally.

The action of Lavender on the muscle of the heart is both a tonic and sedative, making it important for treatment of palpitations and can helps reduce high blood pressure.

Lavender has been used for many centuries as an insect repellant and insecticidal. Applied after a mosquito bite or a sting will help take the pain away and help stop the spread of irritation and infection entering the puncture point.

Great for animals too to keep them flea free and treat any infestation of lice.

On a psychological level, Lavender has a balancing nature and has great value in helping people who are in an unbalanced emotional state. Lavender can help profoundly in many situations, as well as the physical touch of the therapist will be very important in the healing process.

The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits of Lavender is fantastic for many skin conditions such as acne as it inhibits bacteria which cause the skin infection, soothes the skin and helps balance the over production of sebum, which the bacteria loves and helps with reducing the scarring.

These are only but a few ideas for you to use Lavender essential oil. The most important thing to remember is that the action of Lavender is firstly balancing and normalising, and this is the reason why it can be used in so many different situations.

Health and Happiness