What is Lavender Essential Oil?
Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most used essential oil out there. Its fresh flowery scent is easily recognized by most. It is versatile and possibly the most gentil essential oil available. There are over 30 species of this perennial evergreen plant which provides an array of different Lavender essential oil such as Spike Lavender or Spanish Lavender. It is steam distilled from the plants fragrant flowers and leaves.
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What is Lavender Essential Oils History?
Lavender was used by the ancient Egyptians in the mummification process. While in ancient Greece and Rome it was used to bathe in. The people of that time thought that lavender oil could purify the body and mind.
Where is Lavender Essential Oil Grown and Harvested?
Lavender is grown in Northern Africa and in the mountains of the Mediterranean, specifically Bulgaria, France and Spain and other countries of the world. Lavender is best harvested in early spring with an early bloom in the early morning. This draws out the essential oils giving it is flowery fragrance. Early spring cutting allows the plant to produce additional blooms for harvest in the late summer.
What is Lavender Used For?
Lavender essential oil has many benefits and uses. It may help with a good night’s sleep, thus being helpful for those with insomnia. Lavender essential oil is great for skin imperfections. It may help with acne, and eczema as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender is used in many soaps, lotions and even in food and beverages. It is used to treat a variety of ailments such as allergies, athlete’s foot, bruises, bug bites, sunburn, and sores. It is also used in digestive issues and respiratory issues such as asthma and congestion. It can help loosen mucus and is great for inhalation and chest rubs for respiratory issues. It is good for anxiety, stress, muscle cramps, bacterial infections, and itching. It is also a good disinfectant for cleaning surface germs. Lavender is helpful for soothing minor skin irritations. It may also treat nail fungus. Lavender essential oil is also known to help grow hair.
Personal Uses
I personally use lavender essential oil as an inhaler for anxiety and stress. I place several drops on a cotton wick and place it into a little device similar to a tube of lipstick. I then place it up to my nose and inhale several times. Lavender is also a main ingredient in my hair tonic to promote hair growth and healthy hair.
Keep Reading: How to Grow Your Hair Naturally With Essential Oils
Here is a link that has several awesome recipes for lavender oil. Mommy Potamus
Is Lavender Safe to Use?
Lavender is considered a safe essential oil. It is safe for all ages, pregnant and nursing mothers as well as dogs. It is not safe for cats. There is no max topical dilution, but it is recommended to still dilute with a carrier oil. As with any essential oil, do not ingest without consulting with a qualified medical practitioner.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Extraction Method: Steam Distillation
Plant Source: Flower
Key Constituents: Linalool, linalyl acetate
Maximum dilution: None, but it is still recommended to dilute
Scent: Sweet, flowery, and light, herbaceous aroma
Blends Well With: Bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, lemon, patchouli, and rose
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This information is for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any medical condition. Please consult your health professional if you have any questions.
Sources:
Planttherapy.com – Everything You Can do With Lavender Essential Oil
Verywellmind.com – The Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil
Newdirectionsaromatic.com – All About Lavender Oil
Everydayhealth.com – What are the Possible Benefits of Lavender?
Tisserand, R and Young, (2014) Essential Oil Safety, 2ed. Churchill Livingstone
Purchon, N and Cantele (2014) The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness. Robert Rose, Inc.
