all about Lavender and where to find the best Lavender essential oils

Lavender is one of my favorite essential oils. Not only because of its hundreds of uses, but because of it’s lovely fresh scent and calming properties.

There are more types of lavender than you’d guess, but no natter which you choose, they’ll never disappoint.

It is the first essential oil that almost  every aromatherapist begins their training with–even the man that coined the phrase “aromatherapy” became interested in essential oils because of lavender’s healing ability for burns. In 1928 the French chemist, Gattefosse, accidentally discovered that the use of Lavender healed a severe burn on his hand without scarring.

Check out the differences between two types, spike lavender and typical lavender👇

photos snippets courtesy of  a wonderful aromatherapy school AromaheadInstitute. 

If ever in doubt, use Lavender. It is the best ‘go to’ oil. It would be easier to list issues it can’t deal with, than try to list all the benefits and uses for lovely lavender.
 But, we can try…here’s a few:

Beneficial for skin conditions, anti-spasmodic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, acne, arthritis, rheumatism, insomnia (may be excellent), tachycardia, phlebitis, mouth abscess, indigestion, flatulence, nausea, lowering blood pressure, fluid retention. Has assisted in elimination of waste through lymphatic system, pre-menstrual and menopausal problems, thrush, hair loss, dandruff, burns, stretch marks, minimizing scarring, herpes, diaper rash, ulcers, cankers, allergies, asthma, athlete’s foot, boils, bruises, wounds, dermatitis, earache, chronic fatigue syndrome and boost immunity.

May assist with tonsillitis, eczema, fainting, cuts, headaches, hysteria, irritability, moodiness, insect bites and stings. Also lice, ringworm, sunburn, muscular aches and pains, abdominal cramps, colic, dyspepsia, flu, fears, change, insecurity, inner child, restlessness, depression, PMS, shock, vertigo, sciatica, nerves and stress (by balancing extremes of emotions, it may contribute to emotional equilibrium). May increase cell growth (apply to wound or before having an operation to area going to be operated on, may assist the skin to heal and rejuvenate).

All lavenders calm emotional extremes and aid deep trance, everyday spirituality- balance higher and lower chakras.

Aromatic influences: health, love, peace and consciousness. When angry massage the solar plexus with lavender.

 

 

Lavender Oil is the most dominant oil in perfumes. It can also be used for skin conditioners, body lotions, bath soaps, shampoos, candles, deodorizers, laundry soaps and household cleansers. A wide array of far-reaching claims about the benefits of lavender include that it reduces dandruff when used in shampoos, calms and soothes the skin and balances oil production, helps heal blemishes and stimulate the circulation to the skin, reduces acne and eczema, heals burns and sunburn, and alleviate the effects of bee stings (and insect bites). It is known to have mild antiseptic and antibiotic properties that can kill bacteria. Lavender is a natural insect repellent for fleas and flies. Some claim that Lavender can suppress sprouting in potatoes, and that the fragrance of Lavender is calming to horses (and other animals). Some equestrians spray Lavender scented water directly on their horses to obtain this calming and balancing effect. Essential oil of lavender is even used as flavoring for various foods, including beverages, ice-cream, candy, baked goods and chewing gum. Lavender honey is gathered from bees that feed on blooming Lavender.

Some of the ‘medicinal’ benefits of lavender are that it calms the nerves, balances emotions, prevents insomnia and alleviates fear and irritability and stress. It is thought that it clears the thinking and strengthens the nervous system and that it benefits those who suffer from hyperglycemia, hypertension, indigestion, arteriosclerosis, digestive complaints, kidney stones, fragile capillaries, anemia and heartburn. It is also effective in reducing caffeine-induced hyper-activity, in relieving headaches, in promoting deeper and longer sleep and in alleviating motion sickness. 

photo by Jenny Stone; www.trydoterra.com/lavender-essential-oil

LAVENDER

First on the list is one of the most widely versatile essential oils of all time, lovely lavender.

Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia

Plant Part: Flowers

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Origin: France

Description: Lavender Population is an evergreen woody shrub, up to 1 meter tall, with pale green, narrow linear leaves and violet blue flowers.

Color: Pale yellow to yellow liquid.

Common Uses: Properties of Lavender Bulgarian Essential Oil include analgesic, anti-convulsive, anti-depressant, anti-phlogistic, antirheumatic, antseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, bactericide, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, and as a diuretic. This lavender is grown at a high pristine elevation over 3,500 feet, creating a highly exotic and complex lavender oil. Mellowed by the long daylight hours in high latitude, moderate rainfall and sandy soil, this lavender rivals the best of the world’s great lavenders. Herbalist regards Lavender as the most useful and versatile essential oil for therapeutic purposes. Lavender is the essential oil most commonly associated with burns and healing of the skin. It also has antiseptic and analgesic properties that will ease the pain of a burn and prevent infection.

take a bath with essential oils…

It also has cytophylactic properties that promote rapid healing and help reduce scarring. The scent of Lavender is said to have a calming effect on the body and it can be used to reduce anxiety, stress and promote sleep.

Consistency: Thin

Note: Top

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends well with: Bay, Bergamot, Chamomile, Citronella, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine,

Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Pine, Tangerine, Thyme, Rosemary, Rosewood

and Ylang-ylang.

Aromatic Scent: Lavender Population Essential Oil has a sweet, green scent that speaks well of therapy.

History: Lavender is adapted to living in a dry climate and is native to the western half of the

Mediterranean, reaching altitudes of up to 1800 meters. It is believed that the Romans and the Benedictine monks subsequently introduced it to rest of Europe.

Cautions: Lavender Population Essential Oil is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing.

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Most people that love essential oils love lavender, and not for just the scent! Did you ever think that lavender could help you lose weight?

Lavender Lowers Stress

Both Lavender Essential Oil and Bergamot Essential Oil can be used in combination to help alleviate stress. Quite often, high amounts of stress encourages weight gain. Hence, lowering stress can directly affect weight loss. This works because the oils stimulate the endocrine system and produce a sense of calm. Quite often I place a few drops of lavender essential oil near my pillow and it helps lower my stress to the point where I can drift softly to sleep. Other essential oils known for their peaceful, calming effects include ylang ylang, patchouli, and orange oils.

Some of the best lavender essential oils on the market today come from the farmers themselves who grow, harvest, distill, and sell their own varieties. See below for some examples.

  • RivendellAromatics.com –Nestled in the protected Casitas Pass Valley near Santa Barbara, their Lavender fields grow in the bright sunshine while cooled by ocean breezes. This combination of hot sun and cool air produces a very fragrant flower on a vigorous healthy plant. Their plants are grown without chemicals and  products are made by hand here on the farm.
  • Pelindaba Lavender Farms on San Juan Island, Washington, organic farmers of lavender flowers, distillers of essential oil, and handcrafters of lavender based.

And here are even more:

YoungLiving.com – Young Living Essential Oils

The Young Living farms and distilleries is one of the only American-owned lavender farm in the country. You csn Buy Young Living Lavender oil from a good friend of mine (who happens to be a distributor; see her FB page here and message her for more info.)

Lavender Essential Oil – Central Coast Lavender

Contact us at: 1-888-233-3288 …  Central Coast Lavender’s pure organic Lavender Essential Oils are of the highest Grade.

For more information about Lavender we suggest you visit essential health —…Lavender oil, some uses

Lavender Hydrosol Wholesale Suppliers, Distillers & Growers …

Lavender hydrosol wholesale suppliers, distillers and growers, Tumalo Lavender … Our organically grown lavender essential oils, live plants and products … visit ahead of time by calling 541-419-9449 or email us at info@tumalolavender.com.

great supplier! FromNatureWithLove.com – FromNatureWithLove.com

Commercial Lavender Farming – Alpacas – the essential blog for …

Jul 24, 2008 – It is highly unlikely that most U.S. lavender producers can compete in the wholesale essential oil business with producers in some other parts of …

everything-lavender.com/lavender-farms.html

Welcome to our U.S. Lavender Farm Directory where you will find information and … We list Lavender farms and Commercial Lavender growers in the United States and International Lavender Farms (bottom.) …. Lavender essential oil diffuser …

Lavender Valley – Hood River, Oregon – Lavender Products

Lavender Farmers Hand Salve … The pure lavender essential oil distilled at our farm brings a delicate scent as well as leaving your skin soft and velvety.

 

 

RECIPES and MORE Lavender!

Makes: 2 oz. plastic spray bottle of hand cleanser and moisturizer
Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. organic aloe vera gel
  • 20 drops Lavender essential oil

Tools: 2 oz. PET plastic spray bottle

Directions: Add the aloe vera to the spray bottle then add the drops of lavender essential oil.
Shake to mix.

Notes: Spray each hand three or four times. Rub briskly until the liquid dries. Keep near your keyboard, in your car or in your bag to use frequently and eliminate germs. from: http://eartheasy.com/blog/2012/12/using-essential-oils-in-everyday-life/ thanks for the recipe!

Essential Oils For Allergy Relief and other Natural Remedies

yellowstaressentials.wordpress.com/…/essentialoils-for-allergy…

Feb 21, 2011 – Lavender is another essential oil found effective in treating eczema. …. Immune Boosting Essential Oils, Allergen Home Spray Recipe, and more

Essential Oils for Menopause « YellowstarEssentialsBlog

yellowstaressentials.wordpress.com/…/essentialoils-for-menop…

Apr 3, 2010 – Several essential oils that contain hormonelike substances related to Another option for hot flashes is to have a bottle of lavender essential oil with you ….. Immune Boosting Essential Oils, Allergen Home Spray Recipe, and more

How to Make a Natural Travel Kit with Essential Oils

Essential Oils for Chakras

Essential Oils that Benefit Organs & Organ Systems

Aromatherapy Remedy Reference Continued….