Description
Lavender True (Lavandula angustifolia) – Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil exudes a light, floral, and herbaceous scent with a woody, balsamic undertone. The lavender plant boasts long stems adorned with tiny blue-purple flowers, widely cultivated as a popular English herb in France and Yugoslavia.
Extraction: Extracted through steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops, lavender essential oil is known for its purity and potency.
Effects: Renowned for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender oil is highly esteemed by aromatherapists. It is valued for its ability to promote emotional balance.
Uses:
- Digestive remedy: Massage a blend of 5 drops of lavender oil with 25ml of carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed) clockwise into the abdomen. This helps to soothe and enhance blood flow.
- Skincare: Balances sebum production, promotes healthy cell growth, and aids in wound healing with cicatrising and antiseptic properties.
- Household: Traditionally used to repel moths and insects from clothes by placing lavender pillows or sachets in drawers or between bed sheets.
History: Lavender’s therapeutic use dates back to ancient times, with Romans using lavender water for wound cleansing and believed to treat milder forms of epilepsy.
Interesting Fact: Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, cherished lavender and used it as perfume.
Chemical Constituents: Key constituents include Borneol, Geraniol, Lavandulol, Linalool (Alcohols), Aeranyl acetate, Lavandulyl acetate, Linalyl acetate (Ester), Cineole (Ketone), Caryophyllene (Sesquiterpene), Limonene, Pinene (Terpenes).
Blending: Lavender essential oil harmonises well with citrus and floral oils, notably cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, and patchouli.
Directions for Use:
- Bathe: Add 6-10 drops to bath water for a relaxing experience.
- Diffuse: Mix 5 drops with water in an oil burner to fill your space with its soothing aroma.
- Inhale: Use 6-10 drops in hot water for inhalation to promote respiratory health.
- Massage: Mix 5 drops per 10ml of carrier oil for a soothing massage that promotes skin health.
- Topical: Apply directly to problem areas of the skin (avoid overly sensitive areas).
Precautions:
- Do not ingest.
- Keep away from children and eyes.
- Avoid during early pregnancy due to its stimulating effects on blood flow to the pelvis and uterus.
- May cause drowsiness in individuals with low blood pressure.
- If in contact with eyes, flush with water and seek medical advice if necessary.
- Seek advice from a practitioner if new to essential oils.
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