Lavandula angustifolia is a woody shrub best known for its beautiful
purple-blue flowers and sweet scent. It is native to southern Europe but now
widely cultivated around the word, particularly in dry, sunny locales. Its
crooked, ranched woody stems can reach twenty-four inches high, and the
leaves are grayish-green, narrow and three-fourths to two inches long. The
baby-blue flowers, which open from June to September, are small, highly
aromatic and produced in whorls at the end of long spikes. Each fresh flower
spike yields approximately 0.8-2% essential oil. Due to changes in
nomenclature over the years, misnaming of Lavenders continues to plague the
marketplace; Lavandula officinalis is now known as Lavandula angustifolia.
Lavender essential oil is considered an all-purpose oil with many medicinal
and folkloric properties, such as analgesic, antidepressant, antirheumatic,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrizant,
cordial, cytophylactic, emmenagogic, sedative, sudorific, tonic, vermifugal
and vulnerary.
Lavender essential oil can speed healing and is a wonderful
treatment for sunburn as well as minor kitchen burns due to its cicatrizant
properties. For the same reason, it is also useful for acne, dermatitis,
rosacea and any other inflammatory skin conditions. It is found that scars
have been treated with Lavender are much less noticeable, and even old scars
can benefit from its application.
This is a classic Lavender oil with fresh, very sweet, fruity top
notes intermingled with the herbal undertones. The scent is more
camphoraceous compared to the other Lavender oils.
The fragrance of Lavender essential oil has a calming effect that helps
minimize the effects of depression and PMS. It has a relaxing aroma that
aids meditation and decreases mood swings. Lavender essential oil
also has a smoothing effect that restores harmony and balance.
Considered one of the safest essential oils available, Lavender
oil is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritant. It is best to avoid
use, however, during pregnancy.
Do not take essential oils internally or use without the guidance of a
qualified practitioner. The information provided here is for general use
only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Avoid during pregnancy.
