Lavender Essential Oil - About, Uses, and Benefits

I love incorporating essential oils into my acupuncture practice and I often get asked which oil is “must-have”.  I repeatedly give the same response: Lavender. Lavender is the most common oils and for many great reasons. 

Quick Facts:

• Lavender is a very affordable oil. 
• There are over 30 different types of lavender around the world
• The lavender plant is antispasmodic, anti-infectious, and anti-inflammatory, 
• Known for establishing emotional equilibrium or peace and assisting in sleepinh
• Aromatic influences - balancing, health, love, peace and consciousness. Soothing, calming, reassuring

A Little History....
The use of lavender has been recorded for more than 2,500 years. Egyptians, Phoenicians and the people of Arabia used lavender as a perfume and also for mummification, by wrapping the dead in lavender-dipped shrouds. In ancient Greece, lavender was used as a cure for everything from insomnia and aching backs to insanity.

By Roman times, lavender had already become a prized commodity and was used to scent the water in Roman baths. In fact, the baths served as the root of the plant's current name. "Lavender" is derived from the Latin lavare, meaning, "to wash." Romans also used lavender as a perfume, insect repellent and flavoring. 

In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, lavender was strewn over the stone floors of castles as a disinfectant and deodorant. Use of lavender was highly revered during the Great Plague of the 17th century, when individuals fastened bunches of lavender to each wrist to protect themselves from the Black Death. Thieves who made a living stealing from the graves and the homes of Plague victims developed a wash known as "Four Thieves Vinegar," which contained lavender, to cleanse and protect themselves after a night's work. 

About Lavender:

• Brings deep relaxation
• Balances emotions
• Lifts mood
• Encourages compassion and gentleness toward others.
• Reduces stress and tension, calming in small amounts.
• Good for washing minor cuts
• Relaxes tight muscles, lessens pain.
• Improves digestion.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Purifying to the body and works as a disinfectant

Common Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oils 

• Relieve painful swelling by making a cold compress with 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Yarrow.
• To relieve insomnia, diffuse 4 drops Lavender and 2 drops Orange.
• Use Lavender in rinse water when you clean hand-washable clothing.
• Rub a couple of drops into your temples to relieve a headache.
• Put a drop or two on your pillowcase to help you sleep at night.
• Soak a towel in warm water and 6-10 drops Lavender and wrap it around body to promote perspiration and help expel toxins from the body.
• Make a water spray with a few drops each of Lavender and Eucalyptus to use as a mild disinfectant for counter tops.
• There are so many lavender essential oils uses - get creative!!

Blending Lavender with Other Oils
Lavender blends well with most oils, especially citrus and floral oils. Cedarwood, Clove Bud, Clary Sage, Pine, Geranium, Vetiver, Patchouli, Coriander, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Neroli, Rose

Where to Buy 
I have no affiliation with these companies, they all put out a great products, choose one that suits you the best.   

• doterra 
  
• youngliving
  
• floracopeia
  
• rockymountainoils
  
• Snow Lotus

• Aura Cacia puts out affordable and good quality essential oils and you can usually find a good selection at Whole Foods.  While a student I often used these oils.  However they are never to be taken internally, use caution while using them topically, and are less potent then the companies listed above.