Whether you have used Lavender essential oil before or not, there is a very strong chance you know the pleasures of the fragrance. Just about everyone knows this fragrance.
It may have been through your home as you grew up. Youre grandmother probably had dried Lavender in little silk pillows through the linen cupboard.
If you or a neighbour has a typical ‘country garden’ the plant is probably in a garden near you right now.
It is soothing to your heart and has a relaxing and balancing power that will help remove some of your most devastating stress emotions.
The essence of the oil encourages your soul and mind to relax.
Relaxation from within is critical if you are going to enjoy anything else in your life.
Throughout history, this plant, and its oils, has been known for its healing and relaxing powers. It is still used today to promote healing; it is known to diminish unsightly scarring.
As a natural antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-depressant this oil has the power to stand alone.
Ancient Greeks and Romans used Lavender oil to treat throat infections, constipation and chest conditions. Flower heads were used in communal baths, probably for its antiseptic properties, as well as its sweet fragrance.
Many medieval European herbalists used the essence of the oil to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders, by placing small dried bundles inside their patients pillows.
It is usually the common lavenders Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula officinalis or Lavendula vera that are cultivated for use in the production of the essential oil used in aromatherapy today.
The south of France is still the main producer of the oil. Originally, the wild flowers were gathered from the hillsides by local people who then sold the flower stems to local perfumeries.
Today the demand for the oil still grows and so does the distribution of the plant.
The plant is now being cultivated in China, Tasmania and England. Although associated with hot climates, it is obvious the plant can also be grown very profitably in cooler areas.
The essence of the flower is captured by grinding the flower stems and steaming them to release the vapour. The released vapour is then stored in tanks and left to cool. Upon cooling the vapour condenses and forms the precious essential oil.
Unlike most essential oils lavender does not need to be diluted before use.
A few drops on a pillow can improve sleep and aid the healing process of a stressed soul.
Inhaling its light, floral aroma by vaporising the oils in your home with an oil burner helps to calm frazzled nerves, decreases anxiety and calms the mind and body.
Massaging with the essential oil when it is blended into good organic base oil or adding it to a warm bath helps decrease muscle pains caused by tension or anxiety.
Menstrual pain can also be alleviated by gently massaging, in a circular motion, a blend of the Lavender essential oil with a light massage oil over the lower abdomen.
Aroma therapists use it for its relaxing and calming properties.
Soap and Candle makers love the essence of this oil because it smells so good.
There are several varieties of lavender and each variety of the plant produces an essential oil with specific qualities;
Lavandula officinalis is usually the most inexpensive of the essential oil varieties and will often be blended with other lesser varieties and you never really know exactly which varieties are in the blend.
It is the most common essential oil used by soap and candle makers and is the scent that most people associate with lavender.
Lavandin is a hybrid between ‘officianalis’ and ‘Spike’. It is a more hardy plant, and has a stronger, more solid scent. Spike also called Spanish has more camphor in it, so it is more herbal than floral.
Lavender English, French or Bulgarian oils are often called “pure” lavender, and are usually known to be a bit “sweeter” and floral than Officinalis. Aroma therapists usually recommend this form of the oil for its purity.
Because of the different growing regions and conditions, each one of these oils has a slightly different fragrance.