Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is not only known for it's pretty purple colour and it's alluring fragrance but also for it's therapeutic uses. Lavender's scientific name is Lavandula angustifolia. The origin of Lavender is said to be from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Russia. Lavender is a flowering plant of the mint family. It is known to symbolise peace, serenity, calmness, purity and grace. Dried lavender has been used as potpourri.

 

Traditionally, lavender essential oil has been used in making perfumes. The Romans used lavender for scenting their clothes, linens and even hair. Lavender oil played a vital role in the process of mummification in ancient Egypt.

Lavender oil is extracted mostly from the flowers of lavender plant, primarily through steam distillation. The oil is very useful in aromatherapy.

The smell of lavender oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges and moths. Lavender essential oil has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduces the irriation and pain associated with bug bites. It induces sleep as it has a relaxing and calming effect and thus can be used to treat insomnia as well as anxity issues. The refreshing aroma of lavender oil is helpful in treating migranies, headache, depression, nervous tension, emotional stress and is rejuvenating.

When used in vaporizer lavender essential oil can be used to treat cough, cold, congestion and other respiratory problems.

Lavender essential oil is good for improving the circulation of blood in body. It lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension.

Lavender oil is useful for hair care because it has been shown to be very effective on lice, lice eggs and nits. It is sometimes used as a preventive measure for baldness. 

Add lavender oil to your favorite carrier oil to sooth you skin. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditiones. It is commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns and sunburns.

Lavender plant isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) therefore it should not be taken in place of approved and prescribed medicines. As with many other essential oils,pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using lavender essential oil. It is also recommended that patients with diabetes stay away from lavender essential oil. It can cause allergic reaction to people with extreme sensitive skin. Nausea,vomiting and headaches may also be witnessed due to either common or excessive use of lavender oil. Most importantly, lavender oil should also never be ingested. It should only be topically applied or inhaled through means of aromatherapy or similar activities.

Lavender essential oil blends well with Bergamot, Cedarwood , Geranium , Lemon , Neroli , Patchouli , Rose , Sandalwood and Vetiver