Lavender Oil (Lavandula officinalis)

Introduction

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

Applications

Topically:

•   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.

In aromatherapy:

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

Lavender's Active Ingredients

•   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

Lavender E.O. delivery methods

•   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 Herb

Dried lavender is used in sachets placed under pillows