Lavender Essential Oil
Lavendula officinalis
Properties:
Lavender oil has a light fresh aroma with a woody undertone, is clear in colour with a tinge of green and is watery in viscosity.
Origin:
It originated in France.
Extraction Method:
Lavender oil is extracted from the flowering tops by steam distillation.
Chemical composition:
A-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, 3-octanone, camphor, linalool, linalyl acetate, caryophyllene, terpinen-4-ol and lavendulyl acetate.
Therapeutic properties:
Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, rubefacient, sedative, sudorific and vulnerary.
Uses:
- Lavender oil has a soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion and is effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia.
- It is also very 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.
- On the skin, lavender oil tones and revitalizes and it is useful for all types of skin problems such as abscesses, acne, oily skin, boils, burns, sunburn, wounds, psoriasis, lice, insect bites, stings and also acts as an insect repellent.
- Lavender oil is one of the few essentials oils that can be used neat on the skin, and this is especially useful when treating a minor burn wound.
Precautions:
- Although lavender oil is considered one of the safest essential oils, you should discontinue use is you have any allergic reactions.
- Avoid high doses during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant.
Blends well with:
Clove, Cedarwood, Clary sage, Pine, Geranium, Patchouli