The vibrational healing modality using essential oils and commonly known as “aromatherapy” is very complex. These plant oils are mosaics of hundreds or even thousands of different chemicals. To further complicate the use of these substances, approximately 300 essential oils are distilled or extracted. Lavender is considered by experts to be the most versatile of all essential oils and is known as the “universal” oil or the most indispensable.
Lavender has been used for burns, headaches, cuts, bruises, dry scalp, athlete’s foot, acne, boils, eczema, psoriasis, sunburn, insomnia, PMS, stress, and hair loss. The fragrance is calming, relaxing, and balancing....both physically and emotionally. It can lower blood pressure, stop bleeding, prevent itching and swelling of bee stings and insect bites, and minimize the formation of scar tissue. I’ve even known people to use it as an underarm deodorant. Diffuse lavender to alleviate the symptoms of allergies or rub it on the feet for a calming effect.
Most lavenders on the market have been cut with lavandin, a cheaper hybrid. Users should look for lavandula agustifolia, a true lavender from a supplier that carries only the purest quality oils available. Inferior quality or adulterated oils most likely will not produce therapeutic results and could possibly be toxic. Also, other species of lavender have a higher concentration of camphor which can cause skin irritations and other problems. If you could buy only one oil, your best choice would be therapeutic grade lavender (lavandula agustifolia).
Personally I find that wearing Young Living lavender in my Whiffer™ Aroma Pendant helps to lower my blood pressure and calms me on a stressful day.
Peggy Carey, The "Zest Lady" is an Aromatherapy Instructor, Wellness Expert, and designer of Zest Lady Aroma Pendants™. Since 1997 she has taken courses in aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy, American Institute of Holistic Theology, Young Living Essential Oils, and continues independent study as new research emerges.
Peggy acquired the name "Zest Lady" by teaching anti-aging and total wellness using essential oils through presentations, classes, and articles such as Pursuing Postmenopausal Zest. Visit her main site here: http://www.peggycarey.com/
Her unique aromatherapy diffuser pendant design which provides “aromatherapy-on-the-go” is featured on the jewelry section of About.com and can be purchased at http://www.zestladyaromapendants.com.