The Usage of Lavender Essential Oil
Uses: as a relaxant; for aches and pains; for skin care; to induce sleep.
It can also be good for digestive and menstrual or menopausal problems, helpful in colds and flu, blocked sinuses and sore throats, and is an insect repellent.
This is the most versatile oil, the best all-rounder and the one you cannot be without. It is safe, and has been used in the herbal tradition for thousands of years as a virtual cure-all and general comforter, although especially as a pain killer, healer of wounds, and as a balancer of the spirits. Lavender is credited with both calming and uplifting powers and so can be equally prescribed as a soothing agent in anxiety and a stimulant in depression.
As with chamomile and sandalwood, the Latin name is important for making sure you are buying the oil of the right plant. Lavendula angustifolia, also called Lavendula officinalis, is true lavender, of which there are several species with mauve, purple or blue flowers, all of which can be used to make the oil by distillation.
Lavender oil is middle note. Oils from spike lavender, or from lavendin a cross between lavender and spike lavender have wide uses similar to those of true lavender but their more medicinal, moth-ballish scent makes them less widely acceptable.
Using Lavender for relaxation
Emotions can be upset in many ways, through a continuing situation such as environment or an on-going relationship, or a more sudden cause. The result can be to send the sufferer in the direction of hysteria and panic, or towards depressive headaches, morose lack of self-belief and a defeatist attitude. Lavender is a balancing oil, one which tends to bring you back to normal from whichever direction, and so can be described as an energizer and a calming agent.
Methods for lavender as a relaxant: water; applicators; atmospherics; massage
Lavender for aches and pains
Lavenders therapeutic qualities have always been believed to include pain relief and reduction of inflammation, and so this oil obviously suggests itself for dealing with muscular strains and shock.
Stiff joints, headaches and period pains can also be susceptible to its aromatic powers.
Methods to relieve aches and pains: water; applicators; vaporizers; massage
Lavender for skin care
This oil in the herbal tradition is said to encourage cell growth and so should be used to help with mending and regeneration in all kinds of skin ailments: bites, stings, boils, burns, stretch marks, rashes, spots, cold sores. It is also recommended against athletes foot.
Methods for skin care: water; applicators; massage
Lavender to induce sleep
When grandmother puts a few drops of lavender perfume on a handkerchief and leaves it under her pillow, she is following one of the oldest remedies for insomnia in the world. She also, without knowing it perhaps, has the dose right. You just need to use a very little of the essential oil otherwise it can begin to work as a stimulant.
Methods for using lavender to induce sleep: water; vaporizers
Lavender as an aphrodisiac
Another oil whose perfume is classified as both a male and female fragrance, lavender does not number aphrodisiac among its many characteristics nor, like some, is it expected to reawaken desire.
However, it does have a very pleasant, gentle, peaceful and healing aroma. Possibly it might aid romance when its time to kiss and make up.