Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is a beautiful essential oil, beneficial for so many different conditions.

Its extraction method is steam distillation of the flowers and stalks.

Lavender is from the Lamiaceae plant family which is the mint family. Lamiaceae essential oils help to treat headaches, muscular problems and nasal congestion.

The medicinal properties of scented plants, flowers and woods were known to many civilisations including Greece, Rome and Egypt. They were used in religious ceremonies and medicines.

The revival interest of Aromatherapy however happened in the 1930s. a famous french chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé was working in the laboratory of his family's perfume business when he burnt his hand badly during an experiment and so threw his hand into the nearest tub of liquid which happened to be lavender essential oil. He saw that his burn had healed extremely quickly and left no signs of scarring. Lavender is Cytophylactic meaning it encourages cell regeneration.

Not only does Lavender essential oil help with the healing and recovery of scars and burns, it can reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and the growth of fungi.

Beneficial to the nervous system, Lavender is analgesic, balancing, calming, helps with anxiety, headaches, nervous tension and can be used as a treatment for insomnia. It can remove nervous exhaustion and restlessness (with the help of a massage! ).

Personally, Lavender is one of my many favourite essential oils! I use it on its own in my diffuser for a calming remedy and to help me sleep at night.

When I use Lavender in any of my aromatherapy massage blends- you are guaranteed to feel serene and relaxed!