Lavender

Species name: Lavender oil is extracted via steam distillation from the purple-blue blossoms of Lavandula angustifolia (also known as Lavandula. officinalis, spica and vera), of the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family.

Also known as: Lavender is also known as garden, common or English lavender.

It is the gift of a simple evergreen bush.  Some varieties even grow wild, but most lavender comes from France. The Romans used it lavender to scent bath water, and it was a preferred bath additive in England too.

In ancient times, it was often scattered on floors, and when it was stepped upon, the perfume was released into the air. 

Home Remedies using Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender essential oil is one of the most loved essential oils.  It has a wonderful aroma, and has many wonderful uses.  Just the scent of Lavender is enough to keep stress at bay.

Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender oil has one of the most beloved fragrances of any essential oil or herb.  It is clear in hue, and thin and water-like in texture. 

It can also be added to water and used to wash cuts, scrapes, burns, and abrasions.

Lavender essential oil is used and loved for so many things, both therapeutic and pleasing to the senses, that it would be impossible to list them all. 

Some of the least well known uses for lavender, in case you thought it was just another pretty perfume, is a powerful tool in stopping convulsions, pain reliever and swelling reducer. 

It kills bacteria and viruses, lowers blood pressure, and relieves sleeplessness.

It is also put to good use in preventing bad breath, excessive gas, and eases backache when used as a soak.

Lavender essential oil is quite good for the skin.  It calms the sting of sunburn, is a great toner, relieves bug bites and stings, and even repels bugs to keep them from biting again! 

Unlike most other essential oils, lavender can be safely applied undiluted to the skin, which makes it extremely useful when treating all types of burns.

Lavender oil is beneficial for so many things, it really is the one essential oil everyone should have in their homes.

• Lavender essential oil is a good tool in vapor therapy for managing insomnia, and is even gentle enough for kids.  A few drops in the bath, a few drops on a pillow, in a simmer pot or steam bath, lavender essential oil can work wonders. It can help manage nervousness and can be a good relaxant.  It can even be used, as sachets, or tied with a ribbon and hung to repel insects.  For a full listing of all the things for which lavender is useful, consult the manufacturer’s label.
• Lavender essential oil can be used neat, combined with other oils, or blended with a carrier oil, for massage purposes.  A few drops can be added to a warm bath to sooth stomach cramping or upset.  It is beneficial to stimulate the appetite, alleviate tiredness, but it can also help to relieve bad dreams, and is a great all purpose oil. Lavender oil can be added to the water used to clean wounds, bug bites and stings, and to repel bugs, even fleas and lice.  Lavender oil may be beneficial in skin disorders and to help sores and bruises heal.
• Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin, mixed with cream or lotion, or used in massage or aromatherapy.  It is a very versatile oil that works well for a wide range of complaints including promoting healing, soothing and cleansing burns, for relaxation, and reducing formation of scars.  It is very helpful in dealing with all types of skin disorders including chronic skin conditions, even sunburn.

Side Effects of Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender oil is a gentle, appealing, and versatile oil.  It is not impossible to have an allergic reaction, though, so do a skin test if in doubt. Don’t use lavender if you have a sensitivity or allergy.