Lavender Essential Oil

Lavandula angustifolia – formerly called Lavandula Officinalis is native to Africa, Europe, and Asia

Can be used externally through a diffuser and directly on the skin.

Known Uses

Lavender is one of the most versatile herbs and essential oils in the world. There are many therapeutic uses for the pure essential oil of lavender. It has antibacterial and antiviral qualities which defend the body from various diseases. Naturally, there are 39 different species of lavender, but only one is a therapeutic grade lavender.

Lavender can be used to ease the pain of sore muscles and joints (often in combination with massage), bringing a sense of calm, and relieving minor skin irritations (including acne).

Diffusing lavender into a room at night can aid in providing a better night's sleep. It can also be rubbed on feet to bring a sense of calm before bed. It's calming effect helps to relieve anxiety, emotional stress and depression.

Lavender is known to promote blood flow, and therefore can be used to bring relief to bruised areas. For this reason, it may not be safe to use lavender while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lavender essential oil is a safe, nontoxic, effective insect repellent and can also be used for bringing relief from insect bites. It helps instantly reduce itching and burning and irritation associated with bug bites.

Lavender helps heal dry skin, from chapped hands in the wintertime to reoccuring eczema and dermatitis. It can also help reduce the effects of allergies and sinusitis, as well as headaches and migraines.

Lavender is used in vaporizers, inhalers and directly on the skin for various respiratory issues including cough, bronchitis, flu, cold, asthma, whooping cough, tonsillitus, and throat infections.

History

Lavender has been used since Ancient Egypt as well as by the Ancient Greeks and Romans for many purposes.

French scientist, René Gattefossé (1881 - 1950), the father of aromatherapy, first documented the therapeutic uses of lavender when he used it by chance to help heal a burn on his hand. He discovered that lavender essential oil is very soothing to the skin.

Warning

Lavender may not be safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. Diabetics should avoid the use of lavender. Those with extremely sensitive skin may have an allergic reaction to it. Lavender oil should not be ingested as it can cause serious health problems including blurred vision, burning eyes, trouble breathing, vomitting, nausea, and diarrhea. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.