Essential oils - Lavender
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most versatile and widely used oils in aromatherapy. Extracted from the flowers of the lavender plant (Lavandula angustifolia), it is known for its calming, soothing, and healing properties.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Plant Part Used: Flowers
- Extraction Method: Steam distillation
- Origin: Commonly sourced from France, Bulgaria, and the Mediterranean region
Aromatic Profile
Lavender essential oil has a fresh, floral, sweet, and slightly herbaceous scent. It is often used as a base in perfumes and skincare products due to its pleasant aroma and therapeutic qualities.
Benefits and Uses
- Relaxation & Stress Relief: Calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and supports emotional balance.
- Sleep Aid: Helps improve sleep quality and combat insomnia when diffused before bedtime.
- Skin Healing: Soothes burns, cuts, insect bites, and skin irritations. Often used in natural skincare products.
- Headache Relief: Can reduce tension and migraine symptoms when applied to temples or inhaled.
- Pain Relief: Eases muscle soreness, cramps, and joint pain when used in massage oils or baths.
How to Use
- Aromatically: Add a few drops to a diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle for calming effects.
- Topically: Dilute with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and apply to the skin.
- Bath: Mix a few drops with Epsom salts for a relaxing soak.
- Massage: Combine with carrier oils to relieve tension and soothe muscles.
Safety & Precautions
- Dilution: Always dilute with a carrier oil before applying to skin to avoid irritation.
- Allergy Test: Perform a patch test on your skin before widespread use.
- Internal Use: Not recommended without professional guidance.
- Pet Caution: Use with care around pets, especially cats and small animals.
