Lavender is one of the most versatile and popular herb and essential oil in the world. It's aroma instantly transports you to violet fields under a summer sky.
Of the 39 species of lavender, only one is considered to be therapeutic grade - Lavandula Augustifolia / Lavandula Officinalis. Lavenders's earliest documented uses dates back 2,500 years where it was used by Ancient Persians, Greeks and Romans in their baths to wash and purify the skin.
Lavender's therapeutic uses were first documented scientifically when a French scientist, René Gattefossé (1881 - 1950), found...by chance... that lavender helped heal his hand and promote skin regeneration from a laboratory burn. He was surprised at how quickly his burns healed with very little scarring and went on to do further testing. René Gattefossé went on to be known as the father of aromatherapy and the inventor of the word “aromatherapy”.
The following are some of the many uses of lavender essential oil:
1. Calming
A whiff of lavender oil can do wonders for your senses. Rub 2-3 drops of lavender oil in your cupped palms, then use the inhalation method to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala gland (the emotional warehouse) in your brain to calm the mind. Rub on the feet, temples, wrists or neck.
2. Sleep aid
Again, use the cupping and inhalation method. Then, rub a drop of Lavender oil on your palms and smooth on your pillow to help you sleep.
3. Stings / Insect bites
Apply a drop of Lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling.
4. Minor burns
Put 2-3 drops Lavender oil on a minor burn to relief pain and promote skin regeneration.
5. Cuts
>Drop Lavender oil on cut as an antiseptic to clean the wound and kill bacteria.
6. Eczema / Dermatitis and other skin disorders.
Mix several drops of Lavender oil with a carrier oil (e.g. jojoba, coconut, argan) and use topically on eczema and dermatitis.
7. Nausea or motion sickness
To alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness, place a drop of Lavender oil behind the ears or around the navel.
8. Dry or chapped skin or lips
Rub lavender oil on affected area.
9. Hay fever.
Rub a drop of lavender oil between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.
10. Dandruff.
Rub several drops of lavender oil into the scalp to help eliminate dandruff.
11. Cold sores.
Put a drop of lavender oil on a cold sore
14. Respiratory issues
Apply on neck, chest, back, tip of nose or use inhalation method to alleviate colds and flu, throat infections, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis.
15. Stimulates urine production.
Apply a hands width below the belly button area. Alternatively use to 2-3 drops on a pad or panty liner (use organic cotton). This helps restore hormonal balances, relieves cramps and inflammation of the urinary track/bladder.
NOTE: Due to Lavender's is emmenagogue properties which promote menstruation and blood flow to the pelvic area, this essential oil is best avoided during pregnancy and nursing.
For those interested in chemistry ...Lavender oil has a chemically complex structure with over 150 active constituents. This oil is rich in esters, which are aromatic molecules with antispasmodic (suppressing spasms and pain), calming, and stimulating properties. The chief botanical constituents of lavender oil are linalyl acetate, linalool (a non-toxic terpene alcohol that has natural germicidal properties), terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. Other constituents in lavender oil that are responsible for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory properties include cis-ocimene, lavandulyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, and geraniol.
Lavender essential oil has become an indispensable part of my beauty cupboard. I use it for my face care and on the whole family for all the reasons listed above. It's imperative to use 100% pure essential oils from a trusted supplier.
Click here to view our range of organic single origin essential oils. I'm sure you once you start using them you will be smitten too.
xo
Jo
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