Lavender

Lavender

(Lavendula officinalis/angustifolia)
Article by Eileen Doody

Lavender is the most known and popular of all the essential oils. While its fresh herby floral scent is found throughout all parts of the plant, the essential oil is distilled from the beautiful purple flowers of the shrub. There are many varieties of lavender plants and the soil, climate and altitude in which the plant is grown affects its chemical properties. It is possible to procure English, French, Bulgarian, Croatian and Mediterranean lavender essential oil and each of these will smell different yet similar.

Having an inordinate range of properties means that lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils you can have in your aromatherapy collection. It is a balancing essential oil that is antiseptic, analgesic, insect repellent, bactericidal, antiviral, promotes cellular renewal, antidepressant, decongestant, sedative, lowers blood pressure, amongst other things! It has also been popularly used for keeping moths at bay and for perfuming laundry.

Hence, its name comes from the Latin word “Lavare” which means “to wash” and yes, it does have that unmistakable ‘clean’ and fresh scent.

It was the discovery of lavender’s amazing healing properties in 1910 by the French chemist Gattefosse that led to the understanding of essential oils and, in fact, to the word ‘Aromatherapy’. The story goes that there was an explosion in his laboratory and, on badly burning his hand, he unconsciously plunged it into a vat of lavender essential oil. He found that his skin healed very fast without blistering or pain and was so intrigued by this he researched the properties of essential oils and wrote a research paper where he used the word ‘Aromatherapie’ for the first time. He also effectively demonstrated the therapeutic aspects of essential oils in the hospital environment.

Lavender essential oil is balancing on all levels – body, mind and spirit. It has multitudes of chemical properties that strengthen the properties of any other essential oil(s) you may blend it with.

Physical Healing

It is excellent for coughs, colds, sore throats, infections, sinusitis, ‘flu and congestion. This oil is well known for alleviating headaches and insomnia and often the first “go to” in such cases. It relieves muscular aches and pains, sprains, strains, arthritic and rheumatic pain and helps to reduce inflammation. Lavender is an emmenagogue which means that it can bring on menstruation so is best avoided until the last trimester of pregnancy. In fact, I would not use it until very close to labour as it can be very useful to help strengthen contractions. There are many other essential oils that can be safely used throughout pregnancy instead. Lavender can help to regulate menstruation and alleviate painful periods. As it is antispasmodic, it is also a helpful oil to use in cases of irritable bowel syndrome.

Lavender is sedative and helps to lower blood pressure. Its excellent anti-inflammatory properties means that it is soothing for all types of skin problems including acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It encourages new cell growth and can be used to help heal scars and for ageing skin. It is anti-fungal so can be used for athlete’s foot and impetigo. It is so safe that it can be used for babies and children. As already mentioned, lavender is excellent for burns and sunburn and I use it neat if I have an accident with the cooker or get a little over baked in the sun. I always bring it with me whenever I go away (even for a weekend) as I feel it is a first aid kit in a bottle.

As with any essential oil, if you do not like its scent it is best not to use it. This is your body’s way of telling you it is not for you. Those who suffer with allergies or have low blood pressure generally dislike the scent of lavender and I would avoid using it with them.

Emotional Healing

On an emotional level, lavender is balancing, calming and soothing and so would be a good oil to use in a blend to address stress. It is very helpful in cases of mood swings, feelings of agitation or overwhelm, depression, anxiety, palpitations, nervous tension, panic and lack of confidence. It can also be successfully used when there are feelings of frustration or irritability. We can often feel frustrated when we are in fact feeling stuck and lavender helps to soothe and dispel these strong feelings. Feelings of despair, bitterness, hopelessness or jealousy can be lifted away by lavender’s fresh floral scent. 

Spiritual Healing

Lavender balances and clears all the chakra energy centres of the body. It has a special affinity with the heart chakra and I also feel it to have an affinity with the crown. It soothes the psyche and brings a feeling of calm serenity, gentleness, compassion and acceptance. I feel it brings us right into the Now and it is clarifying and centering. Lavender is a great oil to use for meditation either on its own or in a blend. You can use it in your diffuser or neat as a perfume.

Some blend suggestions:

Aging Skin

Blend together in 10ml* of base cream and massage into the skin twice daily.

For Headaches

Massage 1 drop of neat lavender essential oil into the temples of the skull or place 2-3 drops of the neat oil onto a cold compress and place across the forehead or the base of the skull.

For Insomnia

Place 1-2 drops of neat lavender essential oil onto a cotton wool ball and put underneath your pillowcase. Alternatively, put 1 drop on the collar of your nightwear. Having an Epsom salts bath with 2-3 drops of lavender in it will help you to relax into a luscious sleep. If you cannot have a full body bath, try a footbath instead…similar effect!

Aches and Pains

Blend together in 10ml* of pure unrefined and preferably organic vegetable oil or a lotion and massage into the affected area 2-3 times daily.

Menstrual Pain

Blend together in 10ml* of pure unrefined and preferably organic vegetable oil or a lotion and massage into the lower abdomen and back twice daily. Alternatively, put on a warm or hot compress and place across the abdomen.

Important Notes

• Essential oils may be toxic to some pets so keep your diffuser and essential oils away from them.
• Some essential oils have contra-indications so please consult a good aromatherapy book (written by a qualified aromatherapist) before use.
•  Essential oils are toxic to aquatic life so please do not flush them down the toilet or the sink. Instead, wipe away any surplus essential oils in cream or diffuser with some kitchen paper and put in the bin.
• The above blend dilutions are suitable for teenagers and adults.

*5ml = 1 teaspoon.

Holistic Wellbeing has a wide range of essential oils you can view when visiting the Centre. I will shortly be offering a one day Aromatherapy workshop covering the best ways to use essential oils at home for your health and wellbeing. I am always happy to answer any questions so do feel free to get in touch.

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Eileen is passionate about holding space for others in their healing and spiritual journeys. Her website is www.eileendoody.com. Her Facebook page is Eileen Doody Therapies.

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