LAVENDER (LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS)

Lavender is an evergreen woody shrub about 1 meter high (3 feet), with grey-green narrow linear leaves and the most beautiful purple-blue flowers perched on a long stem. A few varieties of Lavenders grow wild in the Mediterranean region, but the main producer is France.

Lavender is a scent with a long tradition in perfumes and Aromatherapy and the Romans used its antiseptic quality to bathe and clean wounds.

Lavender oil is an essential oil, derived from plants by steam distillation of the flowers.

The oil is widely used in aromatherapy to ease tension, tiredness and feelings of depression. Lavender's gentle yet powerful healing properties allow it to be used for burns and insect bites.

Oil properties

Lavender essential oil has a light fresh aroma, is clear in colour and watery in viscosity. The name Lavender is derived from the Latin word 'lavera' to wash. The Romans used Lavender frequently in their bath routine, and it is said to been have introduced by them into England, where it soon was a firm favourite. Lavender was a favourite for strewing on the floor since it released an aroma when walked upon. It is used in toilet water, as an insecticide, placed between linen and to clean wounds.

Lavender oil is extracted from the flowering tops by steam distillation.  Although lavender is considered one of the safest essential oils, you should discontinue use if you have any allergic reactions.

Therapeutic Uses

The therapeutic properties of Lavender oil include: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-toxic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, anti-toxic, carminative, deodorant, diuretic, nervine, restorative, sedative, insecticide and tonic. Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion in general. It is effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia.

Lavender oil is beneficial for problems such as bronchitis, asthma, colds, laryngitis, halitosis, throat infections and whooping cough.

It helps the digestive system deal with colic, nausea, vomiting and flatulence.

Lavender oil relieves pain when used for rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago and muscular aches and pains, especially those associated with sport. Lavender tones the skin and is useful for all types of skin problems: abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings and as an insect repellent.

Lavender is one of the few essentials oils that can be used directly on the skin and this is especially useful when treating a minor burn wound.

Applications

In a vapouriser, Lavender oil can be useful for allergies, anorexia, dizziness, sleeplessness (also in children), hay fever, headaches, depression, trauma, anxiety, hysteria, fear, nightmares, irritability, nervous tension and as an insect repellent.

Lavender oil can be used as a massage oil or diluted in the bath for: abdominal pains, allergies, anorexia, arthritis, bowel disorders, fatigue, hay fever, headaches, insomnia, moodiness, trauma, anxiety, depression, hysteria, nightmares, fear, irritability, nervous tension, stress and for relaxing.

Lavender oil can be used as a wash or on a cotton bud for acne, insect bites, carbuncles, bruises, chilblains, dandruff and lice. On a cold compress Lavender oil can be used for arthritis, eczema and sores.

Note : Middle Note