Lavender is an aromatic plant rich in history and myth. With its roots in the past, its healing qualities grew through the centuries. It is often mentioned in the Bible, not by the name lavender, but rather by the name spikenard, which was used at that time; it was spikenard Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet (for that reason alone every home should have a bottle).
What Are The Benefits Of Lavender? That continues to be a question still today.
In the 12th century, German herbalist Hildegard von Bingen declared that lavender was good for maintaining a pure character and Queen Victoria used lavender tonic for her nerves. The ancient Greeks used lavender to fight insomnia and back aches and the Romans used lavender in public baths, which is where it derived the Latin term Lavare-meaning to wash.
With its history of healing properties, radiant blue hue and soft subtle fragrance, lavender has remained the leading herb for a variety of uses. It is cultivated all over the world. Bulgaria, England, the United States and France are historically known for producing lavender essential oil.
The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the fresh flowering tops since this method produces the best grade of essential oil. Lavender smells fresh and clean with a floral, woody undertone as its pleasant aroma permeates the air.
The flowering spikes can be dried and used internally in a tincture, though the extracted essential oil is more commonly used.
What Are The Benefits Of Lavender
Therapeutically, lavender is one of the most adaptable and safest of all essential oils. Among the numerous varieties of lavender grown, the most important are spike lavender (Lavandula spica), french lavender (Lavanduala stoechas) and true lavender (Lavanduala angustifolia). True lavender is the most important medicinally and is recommended for use in aromatherapy.
Lavender has the ability to restore balance, making it valuable when dealing with stress, anxiety and panic attacks. Like chamomile, lavender essential oil works to relieve headaches, insomnia and nervous tension.
Research shows the scent of lavender lowers heart rate and blood pressure, It is also beneficial for cleansing cuts and wounds as well as burns because it speeds healing with little or no scarring. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help reduce itching, swelling, and redness.
Lavender is one of the best oils to use as an antiseptic and antibiotic. Most oils need carrier oil; lavender can be used straight from the bottle.
What Are The Benefits Of Lavender and the Best way to use Lavender
Considered the “rescue remedy” of aromatherapy, lavender is a versatile oil that can be used in a number of ways. Inhalation from a tissue, 21 drops placed in a blank inhaler, or placed on a cotton ball and placed in the shower stall, may help with relaxation after a stressful day or to prepare for restful sleep.
A “neat” drop placed on a burn, cut, scrape, or bug bite may help to disinfect, stop the itching or burning sensation, and begin the skin healing process. Fifteen (15) drops diluted in a 50-milliliter carrier oil or lotion can be worn as a perfume or used in massage.
Although it is said that lavender may be used “neat” on the skin, I recommend it only in wound care for a short period of time. Essential oils are best diluted for long-term use as in lotions and creams.
There are a variety of lavenders and lavender hybrids (Lavandin), however, “true” lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most commonly used.
“High altitude” lavender contains more esters, which give lavender its sedative properties and may be more helpful in highly stressful situations or to aid sleep.
English lavender is commonly used in soaps for its popular aroma.
Spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), a different variety, is less relaxing and has a more medicinal scent than other varieties due to its chemical composition. It is more analgesic and antiseptic, which makes it useful for muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, and cuts and scrapes. It is also wonderful for colds and flu by helping to ease coughs and to loosen and expel mucous.
Spanish lavender (Lavandula stoechas) is another type of lavender that is more camphorous than spike lavender and also helps to suppress coughing and loosen mucous. It is stimulating to the central nervous system and can help with fatigue. It is also useful for relieving aches and pains.
Lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) is often mistaken for lavender; however, they are different plants. Lavandin is actually a hybrid plant or cultivar of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia).
There are many cultivars of lavandin, among them “abrialis,” “grosso,” and “super.” Each one is similar, yet different; they possess most of the same chemicals but in different concentrations.
Lavandin is anti-catarrhal, antiviral, antifungal, an expectorant, and is stimulating to the circulatory system, making it effective in conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, throat infections, candida, athlete’s foot, and in blends for muscular aches and pains.
Lavender Recipes:
LAVENDER ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAY
- 4 ounces water
- 24 drops lavender (Lavanduala angustifolia)
- Add ingredients in spray mister bottle.
- Shake contents vigorously. Spray hands, in the air or on surfaces when needed.
LAVENDER BODY SCRUB
- 1 cup of dried lavender flowers
- 2 cups of sea salt in a jar
- 6 drops lavender (Lavanduala angustifolia)
- 3 drops of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
- Mix together and leave in a dark place to infuse, for at least two weeks.
LAVENDER BATH FLING
- 6 drops lavender (Lavanduala angustifolia)
- 6 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)
- ½ teaspoon jojoba oil
- Add this mixture to the bath water.
Simply said, lavender enhances the healing powers of the body and is one of the most adaptable of all essential oils, therefore making it a key remedy for everyday use. It is an oil that everyone seems to know, but more importantly, need. Serene and bucolic in style, lavender essential oil offers all that soft gentle hug that we all need over and over again.
Quick Tips
For insomnia put 3 or 4 drops on your pillow, or in your home diffuser.
When diffused, lavender can relieve headaches and it can promote easier breathing by working as a decongestant. It also cleanses and deodorizes the air.
Rub 2-3 drops on the soles of the feet for a relaxing effect on the body.
Mix 6 drops with ½ cup of Epsom salt or sea salt and add to warm water, soak feet for 20 minutes.
Fun Facts about Lavender
Lavender was recommended for maintaining a pure character.
The energy of lavender most commonly symbolizes love, devotion, and purity.
It is a commonly used color for weddings.
Robert Tisserand well known aromatherapy educator and expert has truthful knowledge and data about using lavender. He has supported Aromatherapy Thymes and we support his works. Robert Tisserand, Lavender Data
References (4)
1. Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
2. Keville, K. Aromatherapy, A Complete Guide to the Healing Art, The Crossing press, USA, 1995
3. Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996
4. Tisserand R. The Art of Aromatherapy, Healing Arts Press, USA, 1977
