Common name: Lavender

Scientific name: There are roughly 30 different species within the botanical family Labiatae. Several varieties are used medicinally, but the most common is "true" lavender, or Lavendula angustifolia.

Description of odor: Sweet, fresh, herbaceous, slightly floral

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Where it grows: "True" lavender grows wildly in France, Italy, and parts of Spain. It also thrives in certain climates in the U.S., specifically those with rocky soil and cool weather (although many other varieties tolerate heat very well).

Who should use lavender: Lavender essential oil is suitable for everyone, ranging from children (ages 2 and up) to seniors.

Safety: As with many essential oils, lavender is very safe to use as long as it is not overused or abused. If used in high concentrations, lavender can be stimulating. Follow aromatherapy recipes exactly, and do not exceed recommended dosages. If any allergic reactions occur, discontinue use immediately; if symptoms persist, consult your physician.

 

Lavender is an herb that has been used for many generations, by people in many cultures. It is valued for its beauty and fragrance, as well as for its many medicinal uses. Consequently, lavender is the one essential oil that should be a staple in every home's medicine cabinet. It is also the best oil with which to become acquainted with the practice of aromatherapy.

French perfumer Rene-Maurice Gattefosse (1881-1950) is credited with the modern-day interest in the medicinal value of lavender essential oil. After suffering severe burns on his hand while working in his laboratory one day, he desperately sought something to cool the wounds. By chance, he applied pure essential oil of lavender directly to the burns. He discovered not only that his wounds cooled off, but moreover that his hand healed quickly, and without scarring.

Gattefosse published a paper about his discovery in 1932, and later wrote two books regarding the use of essential oils in medicine (Aromatherapie and Antiseptiques Essentiales) that had a tremendous impact on the scientific world. It is, in fact, Gattefosse to whom the term 'Aromatherapy' is credited.

10 Ways to Use Lavender
Lavender is one of two essential oils that are considered safe when applied directly, or neat, to the skin (tea tree is the other).

Essential oils typically come in 1/3 or ½ ounce bottles with built in dropper tops. To get a perfect drop, simply tip the bottle over and gently tap the bottom of the bottle.

1. First Aid
   For minor cuts and scrapes, apply one drop of pure lavender essential oil directly to the wound (after the wound has been cleaned), then dress with an appropriate bandage. For deep cuts or wounds, consult your doctor or a licensed clinical aromatherapist before applying essential oil. Lavender helps to regenerate tissue and can cause healing from the outside in if used too quickly - again, make sure to consult your physician or a licensed clinical aromatherapist for advice.
2. Burns
   For mild burns, place a few drops of lavender essential oil onto the dressing that will be placed over the wound. Also be sure to use any appropriate salve as directed by your physician.
3. Insomnia
   To help reduce problems with insomnia, simply apply one drop of lavender essential oil to the edge of a pillowcase. Take deep breaths, and relax from your toes all the way to your head, focusing on all the major body parts along the way. Eventually, your body will become "trained" to the effects of the essential oil - usually within a week or two -- and you will notice a significantly faster reaction with continued use.
4. Stress
   Place 20 drops of lavender in a warm bath and relax. 5-10 drops may also be used in a vaporizer for inhalation. If a bathtub or vaporizer isn't available, simply apply 3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale as needed. If you face a stressful daily commute, car diffusers work wonders: place 5 drops of lavender essential oil onto the pad and plug the unit into your cigarette lighter.
5. Sunburn
   Lavender's analgesic properties help to reduce sunburn pain, and lavender is also useful in the sunburn healing process. For large, lightly burned areas, use about 15 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 tbsp of distilled water and dab gently over the entire affected area. For smaller, more severe sunburns, apply lavender essential oil neat (directly) to the area - but make sure that you only use a drop or two, since essential oil is extremely potent.
6. Household disinfectant
   Lavender has superb antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it a great household disinfectant. For cleaning sinks, tubs, or toilets, sprinkle baking soda and 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil onto a sponge and scrub away. After you're finished scrubbing, rinse the area well. For washing floors, countertops, etc., simply add 60 drops of essential oil to a bucket of warm water, and wipe or mop as needed.
7. Bruises
   Lavender helps to reduce inflammation, regenerate skin tissue, and promote healing of bruises. To ease inflammation, place 5 drops of lavender essential oil into a bowl of cold water, wet a washcloth in the lavender solution, and apply as a compress to the affected area. After using the initial compress, apply a drop or two directly upon the bruised area once a day until the area has healed.
8. Colic or tummy aches in infants
   Place 1-3 drops of lavender essential oil into 1 tsp of carrier oil (such as jojoba or sesame). Rub the oil mixture gently onto your baby's tummy and lower back in a clockwise direction. Repeat this procedure every few hours until the symptoms subside.
9. Fatigue
   After a long day, place 10 drops of lavender essential oil into a hot footbath and soak for 30 minutes. Lavender has a well-earned reputation as a restorative - you'll be surprised how much better you'll feel!
10. Insect bites/bee stings
    Place one drop of lavender essential oil directly onto insect bites or bee stings. Lavender's anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling, its analgesic properties reduce pain and itch, and its healing properties encourage tissue repair. Frequently, you'll hardly notice the bite at all if you apply the oil immediately after being bit or stung.

There are endless uses for this wonderful, healing oil. For more information and additional recipes, check out The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils by Julia Lawless, or The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.

Lavender Recipes
Anxiety:
Anxiety creates tension in the body and can trigger other stress-related symptoms. Ease your anxiety by using these calming and uplifting oils.

to calm the nerves: lavender 10 drops, geranium 5 drops, sandalwood 10 drops. Blend into 2 oz of base/carrier oil such as jojoba. Massage into chest, back, and neck.

for anxiety and fear: lavender 6 drops, frankincense 8 drops, sandalwood 6 drops. Blend into 2 oz of base/carrier oil such as jojoba. Massage into chest, back, and neck.

Insomnia:
To help battle insomnia try 6 drops of lavender and 4 drops of cedarwood in a vaporizer. Or place a bowl of dried rosebuds in your room and sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil to help promote sleep. Remember, if you are having trouble sleeping, create a haven in your room with relaxing colors, fabrics and no TV to promote a relaxing environment.

For more essential oil recipes click here.