Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender Oil)
I had to add it to my list - it's the bee's knees of essential oils! Lavender essential oil is one of my favourites - not just for the colour, but for the many therapeutic properties it holds, and the beautiful aroma. It is an essential component for your essential oil collection (unless, of course you dislike the smell of lavender). It's also one of the most researched essential oils and brings a whole host of goodness to the body, mind and spirit.
Lavender essential oil is made by steam distillation. It's not to be confused with lavandin (a hybrid plant, created by crossing true lavender with spike lavender). When buying your lavender essential oil look for a high altitude variety, which yields a beautiful delicate aroma and a higher content of linalyl acetate (an ester with properties such as: sedative, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal and relaxing). My favoured choice is Lavender Fine (High Altitude) Organic essential oil from Base Formula (yes, only the best for my lucky clients :-)
There are so many beneficial properties to lavender - a few are listed below:
Soothing and nurturing
Toning and revitalising for the skin
Soothing and nurturing
Helps treat acne, eczema, oily skin, wounds, burns, stings & insect bites
Allergies, athletes foot
Headaches, migraines
Muscular aches and pains
Arthritis, rheumatism
Colds and flu
Stress, anxiety, depression
Insomnia
Digestive tonic
Fun fact - a useful insect repellent. Used in pharmaceutical antiseptic ointments. A flavouring agent in food, alcohol and soft drinks. Lavender contains over 100 chemical constituents.
Blends Well With
Most oils, especially citrus and florals
Cedarwood
Clove
Clary Sage
Geranium
Orange (sweet)
Patchouli
Pine
Rose
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Recipe Suggestion
Breathe Easy Bath Blend:
5 drops Lavender
4 drops Eucalyptus
3 drops Peppermint
Add to either 15ml of base oil (eg almond, grapeseed, coconut, sunflower, olive) or mix with 15ml unscented bubble bath. Add to the warm bath water, mix well, enter, soak, relax, breathe, enjoy. This blend will help to clear your head and sinuses if you are suffering from a cold or congested sinuses.
Be safe, always dilute your essential oils with either a base oil or an unscented bubble bath/shower gel/shampoo - don't add the essential oils directly to the bath water - essential oils and water don't mix - it's best never to apply neat essential oils to the skin and using this method will prevent your skin from potentially having a direct contact reaction. If unsure about suitable ways to dilute your bath blend please get in touch.
Essential Oil Safety:
Always read the EO safety guidance which should accompany your purchased bottle
Always dilute before use (seek advice for recommended quantities)
Avoid contact with the eyes/mucous membranes
Do not use if pregnant without seeking advice
Do not use on children younger than 5 without seeking advice
Use lower dilutions for children/elderly
Ensure pets can leave the room if diffusing essential oils (they might not like the aroma as much as you do)
If you have any medical conditions seek advice
Never ingest
Stop use immediately if you experience a reaction - inform your therapist and seek medical advice
If you are asthmatic or have any other lung condition, test your body response by smelling the caps of each oil before using to ensure the oils do not cause any sensitivity.
And now (drumroll), the obligatory reward for getting this far down the blog post (well done, I'm impressed!) A photo of my favourite animal :-) (supplied by my Dad, Mike Foreman - Zimbabwe, 2021)
References:
"Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand - E-book published by Elsevier Health Sciences
"The Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils" by Julia Lawless - Updated Edition (2014) published by Harper Thorsons
"The Essential Oils Hormone Solution" by Dr Mariza Snyder - published by Rodale Press
Base Formula - Lavender Oil
Get in touch if you'd like to smell any of the oils in my collection, get help with creating your own blend, or have an Aromatherapy massage, hot stone treatment or holistic facial.
Medical Disclaimer - The above information is intended for educational purposes only, and not to be taken as an endorsement or replacement for any particular medical health treatment. Please check with your health provider before embarking on any type of herbal treatment.
Contact:
camaromatherapy@gmail.com
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