Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is now cultivated all over the world, including France, Russia, Bulgaria, the Himalayas and Croatia. Lavender is the most popular and widely used essential oil and for good reason: not only is it remarkably gentle and effective, but it has an almost universally beloved aroma--floral, soft, and herbaceous. This is one of the essential oils that everyone should have on hand.

Lavender has a long history of use; the name coming from the latin word 'lavere', which means 'to wash', because the Romans added Lavender to their bath water. It is the essential oil made famous by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who, upon burning his hand in a laboratory accident, plunged it into a container of lavender oil and immediately experienced relief from the pain. He was also intrigued to find that the burn healed without the usual blistering or scarring, and became interested in the healing power of essential oils. His studies led to the publication of the book Aromatherapie, and also popularized the term aromatherapy for the study of essential oils.

So, what makes Lavender essential oil so useful? For starters, here are just a few of its properties: Analgesic, anticonvulsive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitussive, antivenomus, carminative, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, sedative, stimulant, tonic.

Some Common Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil can help relieve headaches, PMS, cramps and muscular aches and pains. It can help relieve sinus and nasal stuffiness and relieve chest congestion. Probably most well known for its ability to reduce stress, relieve anxiety and insomnia, Lavender oil is the number one choice for many when they need calming, grounding and rest. In fact, aromatherapy researchers found, when testing several different oils, that lavender oil was the most effective at relaxing brainwaves and decreasing stress. Lavender Essential Oil is also extremely useful in the treatment of burns, including sunburn, insect bites, and inflammatory skin conditions. Many use it to ward off insects, and as an ingredient in cleaning and getting rid of odors in their home. It is one of the few essential oils that can be applied neat (for instance, in case of a minor burn), although care still needs to be taken.

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Recipes Using Lavender Essential Oil

There are SO many ways to use Lavender essential oil, but here are just a few recipes to get you started (and of course it's wonderful all on its own!):

Soothing Lavender Bath Oil:

Mix 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers and one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers. Add 2 drops of essential oil of lavender and 2 drops of essential oil of clary sage to the mixture and fold into a square of cheese cloth that you tie at the top. Drop it into the bath as you draw the water, and . . . enjoy.

Fatigue-Buster Essential Oil Blend:
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
5 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil

Dilute with three tablespoons of Carrier Oil, and use for an invigorating massage. Or, use in a diffuser without the carrier oil.

Stress-Relief Essential Oil Blend:

Combine 10 drops Lavender and 10 drops Mandarin Essential Oils, add to water in a candle diffuser.

Lavender Oil Hair Conditioner:
Mix 20 drops Lavender Essential Oil with 1/4 cup Olive oil. Combine well. Apply to clean, dry hair, making sure to coat thoroughly. Cover with a shower cap or plastic wrap and cover again with a warm, damp towel. Keep on for one hour, and then rinse thoroughly and shampoo. This is a wonderful conditioner for dry or damaged hair, helping to restore and nourish.

To access our shopping cart and order Lavender, click on Therapeutic Essential Oils.