I have updated this top ten uses blog for Lavender that I did last year, as I feel that True Lavender is one of the most accessible oils that many of us have available at home, coupled with its incredible properties, and we can make the best use of it right now in this crisis, to help support ourselves.
True lavender (lavandula angustifolia) – I use it in my clinical aromatherapy practice and in my family for its antiseptic, anti viral, bactericide properties as well as for its better known properties as an anti-depressant, restoring, sedating and soothing, relaxing the nerves and mood.
Lavender can often be tolerated well on the skin too, and with the extra pressures on skin from being in an inside environment and on hands from rigorous hand washing, it can be helpful indeed. For use in the bath or in the body it is always best to blend the pure essential oil with a carrier oil a 1-2 per cent dilution is a good approximation. The lowest end of the scale for elderly, young (not below 3 years without specific advice) or frail.
Remember there are a lot of varieties of lavender, which have different properties and scents. I have found after much experimenting with other varieties from various countries, to use a French lavender, which I personally like best for therapeutic use and in my products for what I need from its properties, and with its soft, but powerful fragrance.
Lavender is an aromatic evergreen shrub and the oil is made by steam distillation of the flowering tops. It is colourless or pale yellow in colour.
I use true lavender in many of my products, such as my Gardener’s Hand Balm, Restful Evening Bath & Body Oil and Pulse Point Roller Ball , Lavender and Lavender flower Soap as well as being one of the ingredients in my Meditation Essential Oil Blend. It blends so well with many oils. I have used it recently in therapy blended with cypress, rose geranium, and mandarin.
There are many different uses for true lavender oil, it has been used for a long time for numerous things, but I include what I view as my top 10 uses.
1. Can reduce stress and increase relaxation levels.
2. For insomnia and disturbed sleep.
3. Relief from muscular aches and pains.
4. Can calm anxiety & eases fears.
5. Easing headaches (rub one drop on temples) .
6. Very helpful for minor burns.
7. Relief from colds and flu.
8. A good insect repellant.
9. Helpful for pmt and menstrual cramps.
10. Can be used as an antiseptic on the body and in the home.
If you feel that true lavender would be a useful oil for you, you can buy it here. There is also available a full range of other aromatherapy essential oils, with information on their uses available in the essential oil category on the website. If you require further information on any oils, feel free to contact us by email or phone.
For using essential oils for specific or complex medical problems always contact a qualified aromatherapist or your GP.
