Lavender essential oil use

Lavender essential oil is one of the most beautiful of all the essential oils and fragrance oils available on the market today. The oil is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the lavender plant by cold pressing and then bottled for use as an important medicinal herb. The small bottles (30 ml) are economic and can be bought for as little as $6 or $7. Many scented oils are not natural oils and use a carrier oil to bulk them up so be careful when buying essential oils that you buy pure essential oil. Lavender oil is clear or sometimes yellowish in color with a thin consistency and distinctive aroma. The botanical name for lavender is ‘Lavandula officinalis’.

Some of the benefits of using Lavender essential oil

Lavender has the feeling of cleanliness and when sprinkled around the home gives a refreshing smell to furniture and work surfaces. From a health perspective lavender is credited with the ability to relieve pain and reduce tension. Another benefit is improved blood circulation and easing of breathing difficulties. Lavender can help you sleep right through the night as it is often recommended for insomnia relief. Lavender has been used successfully for many years to treat insomnia and is the best recognised herbal sleep remedy in the marketplace today.

How to use essential oils like lavender

The oil is sometimes used in vapor form for use in inhalers for the treatment of coughs and sore throats. It can be applied (with your doctor’s approval) onto the skin in the chest, neck, and back regions to improve breathing. The health benefits derived from lavender oil use on the skin and hair are because lavender is a natural antiseptic. Lavender was used in wartime and applied as a compress to disinfect wounds and keep the soldier comfortable. Despite its acknowledged benefits lavender use is not meant to replace modern medicines (or medical treatments) without informing your qualified health professional (doctor or a qualified aromatherapy practitioner). Essential oil patches are available too, which can be applied directly onto the skin.

Carrier oils

A carrier oil is used to dilute an essential oil in order for the essential oil to be applied topically to the skin. The carrier oil is made from the nuts or seeds of a plant whereas essential oils are made from the leaves and roots and are more aromatic.

Other uses for lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil has been commonly used in the making of perfume and cologne. Lavender oil is oil that blends nicely with other essential oils so it is often used in aromatherapy to compliment other oils and aromas. Lavender soap is lovely and smooth to use and lavender is often used in the manufacture of gels and lotions as well as soaps. Scented oils like lavender can be heated in small dishes to accentuate the calming aroma. Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy to give relief from pain (in the joints) or from rheumatism. Because of its soothing nature, lavender is very effective against wasp or bee stings as well as deterrent to insect bites. Many mosquito repellents contain a percentage of lavender oil in their ingredients.

Concerns and dangers

Ladies who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use essential oils at all except under a doctor’s recommendation. Lavender essential oil use might cause an allergic reaction to a person who has sensitive skin or may even cause headaches and nausea, especially if one suffers from diabetes.

Lavender oil can be added to your teapot (in small amounts) to produce a refreshing tea drink. Bergamot oil is added to Earl Grey tea so it is not an unusual practice to add oil to flavor beverages. Lavender is edible too as the leaves and buds can be eaten but you should inform your medical advisor if you intend to ingest lavender.

Basic rules for any Essential Oil use

• Essential oils should not be used directly on your skin
• Essential oils should not be used internally (consumed)
• Never let kids use essential oils
• Essential oils are flammable

These rules are general ones for a beginner to essential oil use but exceptions do apply when you consult a doctor or aromatherapist.

Your immune system and general health can be improved by the regular use of lavender essential oil but your doctor must be advised of any remedies you use.