Lavender (Lavendula Agustifolia)

Ok - I have to say that before I started learning about herbs, lavender was not my favorite smell. Give me a lilac bush in full bloom and I will immerse myself in its fragrance!  And there's nothing like fresh roses from the garden -- not the bought-at-the-store kind that have been in a fridge for who knows how long.  Peppermint and spearmint and catnip made fun and therapeutic additions to teas and sachets and for the cat to play in.  Lavender.... grew on me. And then I learned some of its history.

Although scented oils, distilled waters, perfumes and the like have been around for centuries, it wasn't until Dr. Rene Maurice Gattefosse, a French chemist, rediscovered the therapeutic value of essential oils in his family’s perfumery business laboratory.  When he burned his arm quite severely and stuck his arm in a vat of lavender essential oil, he thought he was sticking it in water. Gattefosse reported that he applied the essential oil of lavender frequently to his “gangrenous burn” causing the pain to cease, and the burn healed without leaving any scar.

This experience led him into a lifetime of research into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.   And out of this, Gattefosse coined the term “Aromatherapie” in the 1920’s.  Then in 1937 he published his 2 main works on the therapeutic value of Aromatherapy. Gattefosse’s Aromatherapie, 1937, was translated into English in 1992 and cites more than 200 relevant scientific works completed between 1680 and 1933.

I wouldn't be without it. In essential oil circles, it is the Universal Oil - or - the Divine Mother. As with any essential oil, make sure you have the correct botanical name. There's too many varieties - and they don't have the therapeutic benefits that have been researched. The perfume industry has even synthesized a chemical construct. So - be aware. Be careful. That's why I use Vitruvian brand essential oils. Lavender is grown around the world. Not every batch of high quality comes from or out of France. Gas chromatograph testing and other barometers are used by the better companies to test for the right chemistry. I'll be posting more on that another time.


Lavender Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia 

 

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation 

 

Origin: Hungary 

 

Description: GRAS- This variety of Lavender grows to about 1 meter in height and produces long thin purple- blue flowers. The entire plant is covered with oil glands, which are in the star shaped hairs that cover the plant.

Common Uses: Lavender is beneficial for skin conditions, anti-spasmodic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, acne, arthritis, rheumatism, insomnia (may be excellent), tachycardia, phlebitis, mouth abscess, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, lowering blood pressure, fluid retention. Has assisted in elimination of waste through lymphatic system, pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, thrush, hair loss, dandruff, burns, stretch marks, minimizing scarring, herpes, diaper rash, ulcers, cankers, allergies, asthma, athlete''s foot, boils, bruises, wounds, dermatitis, earache, chronic fatigue syndrome and boost immunity. May assist with tonsillitis, eczema, fainting, cuts, headaches, hysteria, irritability, moodiness, insect bites and stings. Also lice, ringworm, sunburn, muscular aches and pains, abdominal cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flu, fears, change, insecurity, inner child, restlessness, depression, PMS, shock, vertigo, sciatica, nerves and stress (by balancing extremes of emotions, it may contribute to emotional equilibrium). May increase cell growth (apply to wound or before having an operation to area going to be operated on, may assist the skin to heal and rejuvenate). Its antiseptic and analgesic properties will ease the pain of a burn, prevent infection and promotes rapid healing. It can be used with massages oils to effectively relieve joint and muscle pain. When in doubt use this oil. 

 Consistency: Thin

 Blends well with: Lavender is known to blend well with most oils. Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Tangerine, Thyme, Rosemary, Rosewood and Ylang-ylang.

 Aromatic Scent: Lavender has a fresh sweet, floral-herbaceous odor.

 History: The use of Lavender has been recorded for more than 2500 years. Records have shown that it was used by the Egyptians as a perfume and also in the mummification process. In the Roman Times, Lavender was so popular that only the wealthy could afford it. Use of lavender was highly revered during the Great Plague of London in the 17th century, when individuals fastened bunch of lavenders to each wrist to protect themselves from the Black Death.

 Responsible Cautions: Lavender is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.