Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the woody, evergreen Lavender shrub. This oil is probably the most versatile & extensively used of all the essential oils, by therapists & enthusiasts alike. It is one of only two essential oils which can be applied to the skin straight from the bottle. Tea Tree is the other oil.
For anyone new to aromatherapy or considering trying an essential oil, Lavender is the best oil to choose. It uses are so wide ranging it could be thought of as ‘First Aid in a Bottle’.
The properties of Lavender include: analgesic, antidepressant, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, decongestant, deodorant, diuretic, nervine, sedative & many others.
Uses of Lavender Oil.
Headaches - massage 1 drop into the temples, using slow, gentle, circular movements.
Burns – Apply 1 or 2 drops onto minor burns.
Lavender can prevent or reduce blistering, pain, infection, remove the ‘heat’ & encourage healthy new skin tissue re-growth.
Insomnia – apply 1 drop to each side of the pillow.
Do not be tempted to use more drops, this can have the opposite effect by becoming stimulating instead of sedative.
Cuts & Grazes – After cleansing, apply 1 drop to the affected area.
To reduce/prevent infection, pain & encourage healing.
Insect Bites & Stings – Dab onto bites & stings.
Reduce/relieve pain, itching & reduce/prevent infection.
Pain Relief – add to a massage blend for muscular or joint pain.
Skin conditions, eczema, dermatitis, hives, sunburnt skin can benefit from the addition of a few drops of lavender oil being blended into a moisturising cream/lotion or bath water.
Some people can be sceptical about the wide range of uses of Lavender oil, we are so used to using conventional medicines which we use, one drug for one purpose. There is room for the use of both of these ways to improve & look after our health.
