The Secrets of Lavender

Lavender is one of the most well known and popular herbs and essential oils.  That's because it is easy to come by, it is relatively inexpensive, and it is safe for all ages.  And as with all essential oils, it probably should be used only after the first trimester.

Lavender's botanical name is Lavendula officinalis or Lavendula angustifolia.  Its aroma is floral with a slightly herbal undertone, and it is considered a middle note in the aromatherapy range of scents.  It has a beautiful purple  color and sometimes even on the bluish side.  Hence the color lavender.

Lavender is best know as a stress reliever, a relaxant, and a sleep inducer.  Using a few lavender drops in an aromatherapy diffuser or in a tart melter, can send a subtle aroma throughout your home that will induce a sense of calm.  Herbal pillows that can be used inside your pillowcase are always filled with a mixture that includes a majority of dried lavender blossoms because it can induce sleep.  Because of this relaxing, sleep inducing effect, real lavender essential oil or herbs should not be used as a car fragrance.

But, besides the most popular use for lavender, it also has many properties which can be utilized for many other conditions.  It can be used for many conditions of the skin.  I have a customer that buys my lavender soap religiously because it heals a certain rash which she gets on her hands.  She had been to her physician many times about the rash, and nothing he gave her ever alleviated the condition.

Lavender can be used successfully for hypertension.  The relaxation response which it evokes can bring about a lower blood pressure, and can lessen heart palpitations. This effect can be achieved successfully by using as a room scent through an aromatherapy diffuser.   Lavender can also limit muscle spasms and alleviate pain due to arthritis, sprains, and strains. To relieve these types of pain, a few drops of  lavender essential oil could be added to a  tablespoon of massage oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil  and then rubbed on the painful area.

As with every medicinal product, too much of a good thing does not make it better.  Essential oils are very concentrated and only a small amount is needed to be effective.   Always dilute any essential oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil before applying to your skin.  Always dilute the oil with a tablespoon of water or oil before it is heated in a aromatherapy diffuser or a tart burner.

Lavender is always a beautiful and useful oil to use for a linen spray.  Its scent lingers in your linen closet and in your bedroom.  Every time you make your bed, spray a little lavender linen spray on the sheets and pillowcases for a welcome scent when you crawl into bed at night.

My own lavender soap and linen spray is available for order by leaving a comment on this blog with your email address.  Other lavender soaps and linen sprays are widely available in health food stores and gift stores.  Make sure they are made with true essential oils and not a fragrance oil.. Fragrance oils do nothing but smell good.  They do not have the medicinal properties or the physical benefits of essential oils.

Thanks for reading today.  Other essential oils and they're properties and benefits will be discussed on future blogs.  Stick with me and learn the benefits!