Found worldwide, lavender has a pleasant, woody fragranceand its oil has medicinal benefits - used in aromatherapy, flower remedies, and herbal medicine. It is also one of the few oils that can be directly applied to the skin without dilution.
The lavandins ( Lavandula x intermedia ) are a class of hybrids - of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia, which some consider inferior to lavender
• Antiseptic (undiluted)
• Wounds. Lavender honey (bees fed off lavender plants) found very effective
Catriona Jones (November 2011). "The efficacy of lavender oil on perineal trauma: A review of the evidence___". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 17(4):
• In massage oil lavender relaxes muscles and eases tension.
Lavender oil is used in:
• Autoimmune disease
• Depression
Lee IS, Lee GJEffects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe chi [2006, 36(1):136-143] (PMID:16520572) Link
• Amenorrhea
• Burns, Acne, Rashes, Athlete's foot, insect bites, prevent scarring
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Psoriasis
• Vaginitis
• Insomnia - Women receiving aromatherapy experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality.
Li-Wei Chien, Su LiCheng, and Chi Feng Liu, "The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Autonomic Nervous System in Midlife Women with Insomnia,"Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, Article ID 740813, 8 pages, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/740813
Lee IS, Lee GJEffects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe chi [2006, 36(1):136-143] (PMID:16520572) Link
• Pain
• Palpitations
• Anxiety and nervousness
Kasper, S; Gastpar, M; Müller, WE; Volz, HP; Möller, HJ; Dienel, A; Schläfke, S (2010). "Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of 'subsyndromal' anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial". International clinical psychopharmacology 25(5): 277-87. doi:10.1097/YIC.0b013e32833b3242. PMID20512042.
• Skin cancer
• Osteomalacia
• Facial ulcers
• Natural alcohol linalool. Providesantiseptic/ antimicrobial properties; helps burns, wounds, acne, sores
• Ketones. Reduce pain/ inflammation and help induce sleep
• Esters (incl. Acetate ester of linalool / linalyl acetate). Reduce soreness and swelling, prevent muscle spasms, anti-fungal, prevent scarring; also relieve tension, depression, hysteria and help regulate moods
• Aldehydes. Responsible for its aroma and soothing properties
• Diffuse
• Direct application to skin. On sores, cuts
• Massage oil. Dilute 10 drops lavender e.o. to 30ml carrier oil (E.g. grapeseed, almond oil)
• Add to permumes, soaps, bath oils/salts
• Add to shampoos (prevents dandruff)and hair sheen final rinse(with lemon oil and water, allow 30 mins to combine)
• Add to herbal salves
Dried lavender is used in sachets placed under pillows
