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Pure Essential oil
lavender
Botanical Name: Lavendula angustifolium
Method of Extraction: Steam
Lavender is a plant from which the flowers, leaves and stems are steam
distilled. This multi purpose oil's active constituents include the ethers
on linalyl and geranyl, geraniol, linalol, cineol and coumarin. Some of its
countries of origin are England, France and the Mediterranean.
Lavender's properties range from analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic,
bactericidal, decongestant, hypotensive, insect repellent, sedative and
vermifuge (helps to expel worms or other parasites). Lavender has the
wonderful ability to help restore balance to unbalanced states, within the
mind or the body. Once balance has been achieved, proper healing can then
occur. The analgesic, antiseptic and antibiotic properties of lavender make
it great when treating colds, the flu and coughs with the best way of using
it for these conditions being inhalation through steam. The steam is a great
anti-viral treatment alone, but when combined with the lavender you get
soothing, decongesting, and destruction of bacteria, which may be
responsible for further infections. It is also a wonderful sedative, making
it great for use before bedtime, as this will help aid in sleep. When
massaged into the temples, lavender may help to relieve headaches. For
muscular pain, this oil is excellent, especially blended with rosemary or
marjoram, as the properties of lavender improve when mixed with another oil
(it also improves the properties of the oil its mixed with!) During labour,
lavender will both reduce pain and strengthen contractions (best massaged
into the lower back), helping to speed labour. For skin conditions and
general care, Lavender is an excellent oil. For treating acne, lavender is
one of the most useful oils, as it inhibits the growth of bacteria, which
cause the infection while working to heal the damage that has already been
done. Some essential oils work well to help stimulate the growth of healthy
cells (lavender, neroli and tea tree), so using any of these oils in a
regular skincare regime would be conducive to great skin!
As an insect repellent, lavender is great, too. It will help protect
clothes, sheets and towels (soak a cotton ball and place in your linen
cupboard), as well as your skin when applied in a spray or body lotion. If
you should forget to use your lavender before you go outside and manage to
get bitten, lavender will help take the sting out of the bite, help to stop
it from becoming infected, and work to help it heal faster. One of the few
oils that may be used on the skin neat, no home should be without one!
Blends well with bergamot, clove, rosemary, eucalyptus, patchouli, clary
sage, rose and jasmine.
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Safety Precautions: As with
most other expressed citrus oils, lime oil is phototoxic. Avoid applying to the skin shortly before going out into the sun or into a sunbed as it may cause irritation. Lemon oil has a short shelf life and should be used within 6 months of purchase. Use in low concentrations.
Sources: The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia (Wildwood) and the Fragrant Heavens (Worwood).
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