The Simplicity of Lavender

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spp.

The lavender plant has been used for thousands of years. It’s Latin root, lavare, means to wash. In fact, lavender was passed down through the centuries as a cleansing agent and disinfectant against demons as evil as the plague.

Born on spikes of beautiful purple flowers, the fragrance of lavender is soothing yet stimulating all at once. The fragrant essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. Essential oils are a component of aromatic plants and some believe are the very essence of plants. Lavender essential oil is the most versatile and useful of all plant essences.

Helpful Properties 

Lavender’s many properties include: antidepressant, stimulant, sedative, analgesic (pain reliever), antispasmodic, antiseptic, cicatrisant (promotes healing of tissue), deodorant, nervine (promotes health of nervous system), insecticide, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), and tonic.

Simple To Use 

All of these wonderful properties can be easily obtained by using the essential oil of lavender. For skin irritation such as rashes, insect bites, cuts, sores, acne and burns - apply a drop or two of diluted lavender essential oil directly to the skin or add a 5 to 8 drops to your bath. (Use cool water for burns.) Add a few drops of the straight essential oil to lotion, massage oil, or mix the diluted oil with Epsom salt to use in bathes for muscle aches and pains, whether due to overuse, injury or illness. Excellent for headaches, stress, and insomnia - use the diluted essential oil in bath water or massage into temples. The essential oil can also be placed on your pillow before retiring, in a diffuser, or simply inhale the fragrance. One of my favorite ways to enjoy lavender is to put a few drops on my hairbrush before brushing my hair. Not only is it relaxing and rejuvenating, it is also a great hair conditioner.

About Diluting Essential Oils

Essential oils are very concentrated plant products that need to be diluted in carrier such as oil or lotion before applying to the skin. Ratios of essential oil to carrier vary depending on age, health, and use. However a standard dilution that can apply for most situations is a 2 % dilution (Green & Keville, 2009).

To make a 2 % dilution mix 10 to 12 drops of essential oil in to the carrier of your choice.

Do you use lavender?  

What is your favorite way to enjoy it's bountiful effects?

Please use caution with essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, place one small drop of diluted essential oil in an indiscriminate place, wait for 24 hours, if no rash appears use the oil as above. Essential oils should never be taken internally. Keep tightly capped and store in a dark cool place. 

References

Keville, Kathi, and Mindy Green. Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art. Crossing Press, 2009.

Previously posted on Mama Rosemary