Effects: Calming and healing.
Aroma: Middle note.
This flowering shrub is native to the Mediterranean regions and is now cultivated worldwide. Its lovely violet-blue flowers are a familiar sight in many English gardens. The highest quality lavender is found growing at high altitudes. Lavender was very popular with the Romans who used it in connection with bathing. Lavender is one of the mildest yet most effective of all the essential oils and probably the most widely used. It is a must for any first aid kit.
Properties:
- Analgesic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antiseptic.
- Diuretic.
- Sedative.
- Calming.
- Insecticide.
Contra-indications: Avoid use during the early stages of pregnancy. Lavender should be used with caution in cases of low blood pressure.
Extraction:
Steam distillation of the flowering tops.
Uses:
- Rheumatism.
- Skin conditions.
- Headaches.
- Colds and flu.
- Sinusitis.
- Bronchitis.
- Insomnia.
- Burns.
- Dandruff.
- Wounds and sores, such as leg ulcers and acne.
Lavender is also very useful for treating insect and snake bites. Undiluted lavender oil can be added to burns and is a very effective treatment.
Due to its sedative properties, lavender is very helpful for relieving insomnia and can be used for this purpose diluted in a massage oil, added to a bath or a few drops put on a pillow.
It can be used in a massage blend to ease aches and pains and also added to a bath for this purpose.
It is very helpful in easing headaches by massaging the oil on the temples and the feet.
As an inhalant it relieves respiratory problems such as bronchitis, catarrh and throat infections.
It is helpful for circulatory conditions such as chilblains.
It has a beneficial effect on tension and anxiety.
As already stated, lavender is very helpful in dealing with minor burns and sunburn, and may also be useful in treating psoriasis and eczema.
Massaging the lower back and abdomen with lavender oil eases period pains. Hot compresses also help.
Scent: Floral, woody, sweet, herbaceous.
Combines with:
- Clary Sage.
- Marjoram.
- Geranium.
- Juniper.
- Frankincense.
