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Lavender Oil
Although now cultivated primarily in Provence, in the south of France, lavender is native to the Mediterranean. It grows in open fields and on mountain slopes, giving off an intense, spicy aroma when it blooms. The most potent medicinal form of lavender is the oil, which contains a high concentration of active ingredients. The finest oil is distilled from Lavandula officinalis, a variety of lavender that grows only at altitudes above 3,000 feet and is particularly resistant to heat and cold.
The herb's flower buds are harvested by hand at midday, when the oil content is highest; the essential oil is then extracted using stem distillation.
Lavender oil has many uses: It is a powerful antiseptic containing more than 200 compounds that are active against fungi, viruses and other microbes. The oil is also valued for its ability to balance the emotions. It restores vitality in people suffering from nervous exhaustion and also has a calming effect on people who are agitated or who have trouble sleeping.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT: Lavender oil is used to relieve nervousness, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep, stomachaches, middle ear infections, burns, eczema, insect bites and other skin inflammations. The best-known active components in Lavender oil are geraniol, cineole and coumarin. These ingredients have a strong cleansing and germicidal effect and are believed to be particularly valuable for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and pain. Lavender also brings swift relief from digestive problems and various skin irritations.
FOR THE BREASTS
Lavender oil can be rubbed onto the breasts to help tone and tighten the skin.2 drops of Lavender essential oil
3 tablespoons of a base oil, such as Sweet Almond
Add oil to base oil and apply to the breasts daily.
Lavender water promotes good circulation in the skin and prevents infections of the sebaceous glands.3 drops Lavender essential oil
1 quart distilled water
To make a facial lotion, add oil to water and dab on daily.
Lavender oil has a calming effect and can be used to induce sleep when you are feeling stressed or anxious.
Put a few drops of Lavender oil on an aromatherapy stone and place it in your bedroom. Its soothing effects will help you sleep soundly through the night.
Lavender oil helps to relieve pain and inflammation due to neuralgia.10 drops Lavender essential oil
2 tablespoons St. John's Wort oil
Mix oils and gently rub it into the affected areas for pain relief.
10 drops Lavender essential oil
4 ounces Water
Add oil to water and store liquid in a plastic spray bottle and take it with you to the beach to spritz on sunburned skin, as needed.
To make an EXTERNAL USE oil solution to help relieve the pain and inhibit the inflammation that often accompanies ear infection:5 drops Lavender essential oil
Olive oil
Cotton Balls
Saturate a cotton ball in olive oil, drip Lavender oil onto it and place it on the outer part of the affected ear.
Lavender essential oil can also be used externally to alleviate stomach aches, cramping and colic.30 drops Lavender oil
10 drops Chamomile oil
3-1/2 ounces cold-pressed Olive oil
Combine oils in a bottle and shake vigorously. Massage this essential oil mixture gently onto the abdomen for 10 minutes, using broad circular movements. Rest for a brief period and then apply a hot-water bottle to the affected area for 30 minutes.
This mixture of essential oils can be used in a simmer pot to help freshen the air. The oils have a powerful cleansing action. The fresh scent also exerts an uplifting effect on the mind, body and spirit. Lavender combines particularly well with Citrus oils.4 drops Lavender oil
2 drops Bergamot oil
2 drops Lemon oil
Combine oils in a simmering pot of water.
Add several drops of Lavender oil to the washer's final rinse cycle, or scent a cloth with a few drops of Lavender oil and throw it in the dryer to freshen a load of newly laundered clothes.
Place a handful of Lavender flower buds in an old sock, knot it and store it in a drawer with your linens.
Lavender oil is one of the few essential oils that is safe to use "neat" or undiluted, on the skin. Keep a small bottle in your kitchen cabinet to treat first-degree burns. One to two drops directly on the burn will relieve pain and reduce the risk of blisters.
RESOURCE: The Complete Guide To Natural Healing.
Every effort is made to provide medically accurate and up-to-date information that is intended to complement, not replace, the advice of your health care provider or midwife. Before undertaking the advice contained on this website, you should consult with your health care provider or midwife, who can best assess your individual needs, symptoms and treatment.
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