Imagine endless fields of lavender… Take a deep breath… Now relax…
This aroma is probably the most recognized relaxation scent in the western world and there are a few different types of lavender available.
Here are a few general facts about the essential oil from this flower:
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Botanical Name
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Lavandula officinalis, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula angustifolia |
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Family
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Lamiaceae |
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Extraction Method
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Steam distillation of the flower head |
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Essential Oil Color
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Clear with a tinge of yellow or pale yellow with a hint of green |
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Consistency
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Thin |
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Description
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Medium to top note, and medium to strong initial strength. It has a sweet, herbaceous, floral note with a balsamic woody undertone. |
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Important Constituents
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Linalyl Acetate, Linalool, Beta-Caryophyllene, Terpanen-4-ol |
How Can You Use This Herb?
- Cooking. If you have the chance of having these flowers growing in your backyard, you should know that premium honey can be made from them. Also, the flowers can be candied and used to decorate cakes. You can also use lavender as a herb or use it to flavor sugar.
- Tea. If you feel like you might need a little help falling asleep tonight, try an infusion of three flowerheads in a cup of boiled water. If you need a bit more help on a regular basis, try putting some dry flowers on your pillow.
- Essential Oil.
This essential oil has various uses and a wonderful balancing effect on the nervous system. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or suffer from insomnia, it should provide you with the calm and serenity you need. If you have high blood pressure, some say that its sedative action on the heart will reduce heart palpitations and the incidence of other cardiac disorders. If you have a headache, try massaging your temples with it.
Some also believe that it helps heal acne when diluted (1 part oil with 10 parts water or rosewater). It is a traditional treatment for skin burns and inflammatory conditions in Iran. Its properties can also help decrease the pain associated with burns, reduce scarring and promote rapid healing.
All varieties of lavender show similar qualities, but at different levels. This scented oil has been used as an immune booster, analgesic, anti-depressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, decongestant, diuretic, deodorant, hypotensive, insecticide, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, and it has several other qualities.
In first aid situations such as cuts or burns, this oil may be applied directly to the skin without dilution. A few drops (about 3) can be added to bathwater or vaporized to help you relax.
Where Can You Find This Essential Oil?
This essential oil normally comes in various-sized bottles and can be found in major drugstores and specialized stores.
You can also find this oil from your local aromatherapy retail store. Many internet-based aromatherapy companies carry this essential oil.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Use this essential oil with caution since it can be a powerful allergen. Pregnant women, epileptic people, or people with cancer or liver problems should not take this essential oil. Most undiluted oils should never be applied to the skin. Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified professional aromatherapy practitioner. Consult a professional aromatherapy practitioner prior to using this oil to treat children.