Name : Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Species : Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis
Method : Steam distillation
Note Classification : Middle
Scent : Sweet, floral, herbaceous
Colour : Pale yellow or colourless.
Family: Lamiaceae ( Labiatae )
Extracted From : Lavender essential oil is extracted from the fresh flowers of the lavender plant.
Region : France, Mediterranean,England
By-products : Floralwater (Hydrolats), pot pourri
Historical : Lavender has a long tradition as a folk remedy. It was used for stomach complaints, insect repellents and as a scent for linen. The Romans used lavender in preparation for childbirth. Floors strewn with lavender were thought to ward off the plague. In folklore, pillows were filled with lavender flowers to help the restless fall sleep. There is now scientific evidence to suggest that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improves sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Studies also suggest that massage with essential oils, particularly lavender, may result in improved sleep quality, more stable mood, increased mental capacity, and reduced anxiety.
Of Interest : Lavender is a violet-blue evergreen shrub, widely available and extremely aromatic. The Latin word for wash is lavare and hence lavender. Lavender most likely earned this name because it was frequently used in baths to help purify the body and spirit. However, this herb is also considered a natural remedy for a range of ailments from insomnia and anxiety to depression and mood disturbances. Research has confirmed that lavender produces calming, soothing, and sedative effects.
Aromatherapy Properties : Lavender is the most universal of all essential oils.
Lavender can be used undiluted on small areas of skin.
Nervous System: Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress and stress related conditions, pmt, sciatica, shock, vertigo.
It’s refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity.
Pain : Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for all types of aches and pains including sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago. Massage with lavender oil provides relief from pain in the joints.
Respiratory : Lavender oil is extensively used for various respiratory problems including throat infections, flu, cough, cold, catarrh, halitosis, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis, and tonsillitis. The oil is either used in the form of vapor or applied on the skin of neck, chest and back. It is also added in many vaporizers and inhalers used for cold and coughs.
Skin : The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergic conditions, athlete’s foot, boils, sores, spots, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, insect bites and stings, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema.
Digestion: Lavender oil is useful for digestion as it increases the mobility of the intestine. The oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile and thus aids in treating abdominal cramps, dyspepsia, nausea, indigestion, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Blends Well With : Most oils
Chemical Analysis : linalyl acetate 40% + linalol, lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpineol, cineol, limonene, ocimene, caryophyllene. Probably more than 100 constituents
Safety Data : Non-toxic. Lavender can be used undiluted on small areas of skin.
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