Wednesday 24 August 2016

Lavender Essential Oil

Extracted by steam distillation from the fragrant flowers of the lavender plant, and used for in a wide variety of applications for centuries. The Latin name of lavender is Lavare, which means “to wash”, because it is seen as having a particularly 'clean' aroma.
This was the first later named 'essential oil' discovered by Tisserand in the branch of alternative medicine that has come to be known as aromatherapy.

Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory 

Bug Repellent*: The smell of lavender essential oil is potent for many types of bugs like mosquitoes, midges, and moths. Apply some of the lavender oil on the exposed skin when outside to prevent these irritating bites. Furthermore, if you do happen to be bitten by one of those bugs, the lavender essential oil has qualities that will reduce the irritation and the pain associated with bug bites
It induces sleep, frequent studies on (elderly) patients have shown it has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.
Soporific* (induces sleep). Frequent studies on (elderly) patients have shown it has such a relaxing impact on people that it can often replace modern medicine for sleep issues.
Nervous system*: an excellent tonic for nerves and anxiety, helpful for migraines, headaches, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. It removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness while increasing mental activity. Used frequently to regulate heart-rate variability.
Acne* is a bacterial infection near the sebum gland, which creates a vicious cycle of irritation, infection and visible sores that can result in serious scarring. This oil inhibits the bacteria that cause infection, regulates over-excretion of sebum, heals the infection and can reduce signs of scarring.
Pain relief*: Excellent for sore, tense muscles, rheumatism, sprains, backache, lumbago, muscular aches,. Regular massage provides relief from joint pain. A study on postoperative pain relief showed that adding the vapour to the oxygen significantly reduced the amount of pain experienced, after a major surgery.
Urinary system: Stimulates urine production, helps restore hormonal balance, reduces cystitis, inflammation of the urinary tract and bladder. Reduces cramps from these and other disorders.
Respiratory systems*: For throat infections, flu, cough, cold, asthma, sinus congestion, bronchitis, whooping cough, laryngitis and tonsillitis. As a vapour, or diluted and applied to the neck, chest and/or back, it loosens and helps naturally eliminate phlegm, relieves congestion, speeds recovery process. The vapour is antibacterial which battles respiratory infections.
Hair*: Very effective on lice, live lice eggs and nits. Very helpful with hair loss. A Sottish study reported more than 40% of alopecia patients had an increase in hair growth from regularly rubbing lavender into their scalp*. Recommended as a preventative measure for male pattern baldness.
Cancer: Though more research is needed, there is a significant amount on the effects of lavender, in combination with other essential oils, in preventing breast cancer in mice and strong indications of lavender battling carcinogenic effects and the presence of cancer.
Blood circulation: Improves blood circulation. Research shows lavender has beneficial effects on coronary circulation. The brain and organs increase their levels of oxygenation, promoting muscle strength and health giving a noticeable boost, skin is bright and flushed with blood, the body is protected from the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis often associated with poor circulation. It lowers blood pressure and is often used for hypertension.

Digestion: increases the mobility of food within the intestine, also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, aiding in the treatment of indigestion, stomach pain, colic, flatulence, vomiting and diarrhoea. 

Immunity: Regular use is indicated as providing resistance to a variety of diseases like TB, typhoid, and diphtheria.

Skin*: Used to treat acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, with chamomile it treats eczema, and all inflammatory skin conditions. It speeds the healing of wounds, cuts, burns, sunburns and reduces the formation of scar tissue. 

Wimin iused to treat leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge).

Blends well with most oils particularly cedar wood, pine, clary sage, geranium and nutmeg.

Word of Caution
It is recommended that diabetics avoid this oil. It can cause allergic reactions in people with unusually sensitive skin. Excessive use may create nausea, vomiting and/or headaches. Only apply topically or inhale. Lavender eo should never be ingested, ingestion can cause serious complications, including blurred vision, difficulty breathing, burning eyes, vomiting, and diarrhoea!\

* coming very soon to recipes blog

For a small list of some of the research done on lavender and other oils see the references on

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