Essential Oil Spotlight : Lavender

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL

 

Family Name: Lamiaceae

Common Name: True Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia; Lavandula officinalis 

Extraction method: Steam distillation from fresh flowering plant parts, from cultivated or wild harvested plants.

Odour: 'Sweet, floral-herbaceous scent'.

General Description:
Lavender is a hardy fragrant shrub, growing to a height of one metre with narrow leaves and grey-blue flowers on slender stalks. Indigenous to the mountainous areas of Mediterranean Europe, the plant is now cultivated the world over, growing best on poor, well-drained soils. The major producers of the essential oil are Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Russia, Australia and others.

History/Folk lore:
One of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy and for healing since time immemorial. For centuries, Lavender bags were placed in linen drawers to keep moths and insects at bay; its insecticidal properties being pronounced. Also revered for its antiseptic quality by the Romans who used it to bathe and cleanse their wounds and indeed the Latin `lavare' means to 'wash'.

It's wonderful skin-healing properties were discovered accidentally by the French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse early in the twentieth century. It was Rene-Maurice Gattefosse's observation of the dramatic healing effect of Lavender oil when he burnt his hand in a laboratory accident that led him to research essential oils in greater depth, and eventually to coin the word 'aromatherapie'. 

'Dr Jean Valnet used Lavender oil to treat serious burns and war injuries when he was a French army surgeon.' Patricia Davis — "Aromatherapy — An A to Z"  

Lavandins, the hybrids between Spike and True Lavender, are often sold as True Lavender, but their composition can vary widely. Lavandin 'super acetate' is the hybrid closest to the makeup of True Lavender and the same applications apply. 
 
Main Uses In Massage: 

L. angustifolia has so many uses that it is almost indispensable to an aromatherapist. It is also so mild that it can be used safely with anyone and used in high concentrations. It is best known as a sedative, and many studies confirm this property.  

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of lavender are well known and have also been thoroughly researched, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may also be a mild local anaesthetic. This makes the essential oils a good addition to a blend for any kind of pain, including headaches, arthritis, or overworked muscles. Its anti-inflammatory effect also indicates its use in soothing allergic reactions, whether respiratory or dermal.

 Therapeutic Properties or Actions: 
Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, fungicide, hypotensive, restorative, sedative.

Body Systems & Therapeutic Uses: 
 Integumentary system - Commonly associated with burns and healing of the skin. Has antiseptic, analgesic and cytophylactic properties which will ease the pain of a burn, prevent infection and promote rapid healing. Beneficial for conditions involving inflammation such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, boils and wounds.
 Nervous system - Lavender can exert a sedative or stimulant action depending on one's actual needs. Will act as a sedative in conditions of mental and emotional agitation and unrest, calming the mind.
Skin Care -  Antiseptic, antiphlogistic and cicatrisant properties of lavender make it a beneficial in many skin care preparations. Can be used for all skin types. Can be used as an insect repellent and may also be used to treat insect bites.
  Respiratory system - Lavender is recommended for the treatment of colds and 'flu, bronchitis, throat infections and catarrhal conditions.
Energetics - Lavender oil is cooling — may be used to clear heat, resolve fever, calm the spirit and relieve irritability.  

Precautions:
None at usual doses.
Can be stupefying to those with low blood pressure.
 
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 I will be posting more information about other essential oils on this blog so keep checking back.

< Related articles - clary sage , eucalyptus ,  frankincense , geranium & ginger > 

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