Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil is derived from the flowers, of the Lavandula angustifolia, from the Lamiaceae family, previously known as Lavandula officinalis. It is still recognised as officinalis by some horticulturalists.

The Lavender Shrub grows to around one metre. It is an extremely popular garden shrub grown near entrances and windows for its aroma.

All Aromatherapy oils can be considered prized and popular; however, Lavender oil would have to be at the top of the list in popularity.

Lavender oil dates back to at least Ancient Roman times. The name Lavender comes from the Latin ‘lavera’ which means to wash. The ancient romans used Lavender in their bath water as well as in cleansing routines.

The Extraction process
The flowers of Lavender plants are steam distilled to extract this popular oil. The Essential Oil is watery and clear in colour and has a beautiful fresh aroma.

Uses as an Essential Oil
Lavender oil has possibly the widest range of beneficial uses. Whether used as a treatment or prevention of illness and disease or whether used for its naturally calming and refreshing smell, Lavender Essential oil has perhaps the top spot in many Aromatherapists Essential oil kits.

To list all the potential benefits and uses of Lavender oil would be beyond the scope of this article. The following is a brief summary of some of the benefits and possible uses for you in a home setting.

- In Personal care, lavender can be found in many forms. Lavender can be found in bath crystals, soaps and body wash. Organic Baby washes and shampoos often contain lavender oil.

- Lavender is commonly used in burners and vaporisers. It is good for Stress and Anxiety, hay fever, sleeplessness, fear and depression.

- Lavender is very calming and when used in a good quality organic massage oil, may help the symptoms of anxiety, nervous tension and stress.

- When used in a cream base, lavender can be useful for relieving burns, eczema, psoriasis and acne.

- Lavender oil can also be used as an Antiseptic.

Lavender has a naturally calming and familiar smell.

Precautions
Essential oils have many benefits and can aid in the prevention or healing of many complaints. Every individual is different. Some essential oils can be toxic. Some oils must never be ingested while others require limited exposure to the sun due to phototoxicity. Read the label and ask your supplier if you are in doubt of the safest use for any particular oil. Not just the one in this article.