Lavender
If any of my clients ask me which one essential oil I would not be without I always reply without hesitation “Lavender”.
Why? Simply because it is the most versatile of all the essential oils and very safe to use. It has a wide range of properties - it is an antibiotic, anti depressant, anti septic, bactericidal, insect repellent, sedative and an immune booster to name but a few! For me this essential oil is best summed up though as being calming, soothing and above all BALANCING….
Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean and there are several varieties in cultivation. However, the most important variety in terms of aromatherapy is the “common” or “true” Lavender – known as Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavendula Officinalis or Lavandula Vera.
Lavender is beneficial for so many different conditions. Here is just a selection…..
Burns
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 coin the word “Aromatherapie”.
A French army surgeon called Dr Jean Valnet used Lavender oil to treat serious burns and injuries during the War. It is the antiseptic and painkilling properties that make Lavender an ideal choice for burns. It also promotes rapid healing and helps to prevent scarring.
Colds, coughs, Flu….
It is a valuable treatment for colds, coughs, and flu – steam inhalation being the most effective treatment for these conditions. It will soothe, decongest and attack the bacteria which cause secondary infections leading to catarrh and sinusitis. A little Lavender oil massaged on the throat helps to relieve a tickly cough. Massage one or two drops along the bony ridges of the eyebrows and on either side of the nostrils to help catarrh.
Headaches
Massaged into the temples, Lavender will help to relieve many forms of headaches. You can also place a cold compress of Lavender on the forehead or back of the neck.
Insomnia
Everyone knows Lavender is the number one choice for insomnia regardless of the cause! Adding a few drops to the bath before you go to bed is probably the most best way to get to sleep but you can put a few drops of oil on a hankie or on the pillow case to help you doze off…zzzzzzz
Muscular pain
One of the most important uses for Lavender is for the relief of muscular pain, whatever the cause. Use it with a carrier oil to massage the affected area or add some drops to your bath. The pain of arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism is greatly reduced as the oil will lower the reaction to pain of the central nervous system, reducing inflammation and generally toning the system. This would also help with period pains.
Skin Care
The soothing, antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties of Lavender make it unbeatable for many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis. You can add it to unperfumed creams or lotions if you prefer not to use oil.
What do you do if you can’t stand the smell of Lavender? It is important to remember that when using essential oils they will not be as effective if you don’t like the smell. The easy solution is to blend the Lavender with another oil which is more pleasing to your nose!
Lavender blends well with citrus oils (e.g. Lemon, Orange), Patchouli, Geranium and Pine; it is also worth mentioning that when using Lavender with other oils it enhances the effects of the other oils!
