Lavender Aromatherapy

The one essential oil you should not be without is 'Lavender'.

Why choose Lavender aromatherapy ? This is simply because Lavender is the most versatile of all the essential oils and very safe to use.

Lavender has an extensive range of properties - it is an antibiotic, anti depressant, anti septic, bactericidal, insect repellent, sedative and an immune booster to name but a few! This essential oil is best summed up though as being calming, soothing and above all it’s most important property is the ability to restore unbalanced states, be it of mind or body.

Lavender is a native of the Mediterranean. The best Lavenders are grown at high altitudes and there are several varieties in cultivation. However, the most important variety in terms of aromatherapy is the “common” or “true” Lavender – known as Lavandula Angustifolia, Lavendula Officinalis or Lavandula Vera.

Lavender aromatherapy is beneficial for so many different conditions. Here is just a selection…..

Lavender Aromatherapy for Colds, Coughs, Flu….

It is a valuable treatment for colds, coughs, and flu – steam inhalation being the most effective treatment for these conditions. It will soothe, decongest and attack the bacteria which cause secondary infections leading to catarrh and sinusitis. A little Lavender oil massaged on the throat helps to relieve a tickly cough. Massage one or two drops along the bony ridges of the eyebrows and on either side of the nostrils to help catarrh.

Use an oil burner with a couple of drops each of thyme and eucalyptus to help when there is flu or colds around. This will help to both strengthen and help alleviate the condition

Lavender Aromatherapy for Burns

It was Rene Maurice Gattefosse’s observation of the dramatic healing effect of Lavender oil when he burnt his hand in a laboratory accident that led him to research essential oils in greater depth and coin the word “Aromatherapie”.
A French army surgeon called Dr Jean Valnet used Lavender oil to treat serious burns and injuries during the War. It is the antiseptic and painkilling properties that make Lavender an ideal choice for burns. It also promotes rapid healing and helps to prevent scarring.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Headaches

Massaged into the temples, Lavender will help to relieve many forms of headaches. You can also place a cold compress of Lavender on the forehead or back of the neck.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Muscular pain

One of the most important uses for Lavender is for the relief of muscular pain, whatever the cause. Use it with a carrier oil to massage the affected area or add some drops to your bath. The pain of arthritis, sciatica and rheumatism is greatly reduced as the oil will lower the reaction to pain of the central nervous system, reducing inflammation and generally toning the system. This would also help with period pains.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Insomnia

We all know Lavender is the number one choice for insomnia regardless of its cause! Adding a few drops to your bath before you go to bed is probably the best way to induce sleep but you can also put a few drops of oil on a hankie or on your pillow case to help you go to sleep.

Lavender Aromatherapy for Skin Care

The soothing, antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties of Lavender make it unbeatable for many skin conditions such as eczema, acne and dermatitis. You can add it to unperfumed creams or lotions if you prefer not to use oil.

Lavender Aromatherapy – blend with other essential oils

What do you do if you dislike the smell of Lavender? It is important to remember that when using essential oils they will not be as effective if you don’t like the smell. The easy solution is to blend the Lavender with another essential oil which is more pleasing to your nose!
Lavender blends well with citrus oils (e.g. Lemon, Orange), Patchouli, Geranium and Pine.

Combining Lavender with other essential oils will help to enhance it’s own properties and that of the oil it has been combined with, thereby making a synergistic blend.

If you are not sure about using essential oils, then always consult a qualified aromatherapist.

AROMATIP from Holistic Therapies Spain. If the oil you buy does not have a Latin name on the label (usually underneath the common name) it may not be 100% essential oil. Another way to check if the oils are not just cosmetic, is the pricing. If you can buy Rose essential oil for the same price as Lavender it is NOT the real thing! Rose oil is extremely expensive whereas Lavender is one of the cheapest you can buy.

Image source: Wikipeadia

Safety Guidelines

You should not drink any essential oils without first consulting a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. You should not apply any undiluted essential oil, absolutes, CO2s or any other concentrated essences directly onto the surface of your skin.

You should only use essential oils when under the proper supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner if you have a medical condition or you are pregnant or suffering from liver failure, cancer or epilepsy.

Always use a skin patch test when using an essential oil for the first time.

Children: you must exercise extreme care if using essential oils with children. Only the gentlest essential oils and very small quantities. You are strongly advised to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner prior to using essential oils with children.

Please refer to 'Safety Guidelines'

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