Lavender has several varieties. Lavender is a member of the Lamiaceae plant family with as many as 39 known species. Each species has its own forte. The lavender oil used in aromatherapy is botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia (True lavender, English lavender or French lavender). The other two species used are Lavandula latifolia (Portuguese or Spike lavender) and Lavandula x intermedia (Lavandin or Dutch lavender). Together, the three variants/species of lavender comprise most of the culinary, therapeutic, medicinal and aesthetic uses and make it one of the most versatile essential oils.
Though lavenders of different varieties grow across the Canary Islands, North and East Africa, Southern Europe, Arabia, Western Iran and India, they are also found in France, England and Tasmania.
Lavender oil serves as an analgesic or pain reliever, anti-depressant, nervine (nerve tonic), sedative and a diuretic. Let us take a look at how this middle note essential oil comes to play a crucial role in Aromatherapy :
1. Lavender oil proves effective in the management of a range of skin conditions due to its inherent properties. It is successfully used to manage conditions like acne, boils, sunburns, cuts and wounds, insect bites, psoriasis, eczema and abscesses.
2. Because of its analgesic properties, it is used to manage painful conditions such as muscle soreness, rheumatism, back aches, sprains, lumbago and joint pains, etc.
3. Lavender oil’s sedative attributes lend itself well to managing stress, fatigue, tension headaches, anxiety, insomnia and depression. A massage using the oil will bring relief of symptoms. Potpourris of lavender can be kept in the bedroom or bath oil drops of lavender can be used for bath times as well. A drop or two of the oil can be put with cotton wool on the pillowcases for light sleepers.
4. Lavender oil’s traits as a nervine is said to be beneficial in bringing clarity of thought and improvement of memory.
5. Lavender oil lends itself beautifully as a diuretic thus promoting the system to flush out urine waste products. This keeps a check on the level of water retention by the body, and also reduces build-up of urea compounds that bring on gout, etc. It is said to reduce incidences of cystitis in the bladder.
6. Vapors of lavender oil are also said to be beneficial for coughs and colds. Oil drops of lavender can be applied topically (externally) for a mild massage of the throat, chest and upper back to manage conditions such as throat congestion, laryngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma.
7. Lavender oil is said to promote circulation of blood, thus good for those with hypertension. Lavender oil’s usage in culinary and aromatherapy claims to build immunity of the body.
8. The distilled extract of the flowers of lavender are excellent for the hair. It can also kill lice.
9. Lavender is a proven digestive claims to benefit peristaltic movement in the intestines. It is often used in cases of indigestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and colic pain.
10. Lastly, lavender claims to bring hormonal equilibrium back in the body.
Cautions:
Usage of lavender oil is contraindicated if:
• You are breast-feeding or nursing an infant
• You have diabetes
• You have sensitive skin
• You are a male child prior to the onset of puberty
• You have low blood pressure
• You are in the first trimester of your pregnancy
Lavender oil is a middle note oil and mixes well with Clary sage oil, patchouli oil, ylang ylang oil, eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, rose oils and most citrus oils like orange and lemon oils.
*Please note that only therapeutic grade oils should be used for treatments. All essential and carrier oils can start an allergic reaction on sensitive skin and most of the oils should not be used during pregnancy. Some oils are harmful to conditions of epilepsy, etc. Do not use any oil whose aroma you are uncomfortable with. Consult your aromatherapist or holistic health therapist before using any oil.
Benefits, side effects, prior preparations, costs, duration of procedure, recovery and resumption of daily activities as well as support issues should be discussed with your therapist for each type of treatment option before starting on your treatment.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.), the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India) and Mentor Your Mind (Publisher: Sterling Publishers). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com