Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is the most treasured aromatic used in aromatherapy nowadays. ^[1] The every aromatherapy kit should include lavender oil; as it is the one of the few essential oils that can be applied efficiently. ^[1] Lavenders (Lavnedula angustifolia or Lavendula officinalis) are the most commonly used aromatic fragrance appreciated by many people. ^[2] Basically Lavender is a flowering plant that belongs to mint family Lamiaceae, indigenous to Mediterranean region and India. ^[3] The name lavender is basically derived from Latin word lavare which stands for “to wash”, ^[2] and also the color of lavender plant has come to be called lavender. ^[1]

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Role of Lavender Oil in Aromatherapy

Lavender plant is commercially grown for extraction of lavender oil from flowers. ^[3] Lavender oil is the mainstay of aromatherapy and successfully used as lavender soaps, lavender shampoos, lavender aromatherapy oil, lavender massage oils, lavender body oils, lavender pure essential oils and lavender body oils for its lightly floral and soothing scent. ^{[1, 2]} The extract of lavender is also used in fragrances for bath products. ^[3] Most people also find lavender appealing in bath because it helps to purify the body and spirit. ^[2]

Lavender oil is also extensively used in herbal filler sachets which are used to freshen and scenting clothes. ^{[2, 3]} The essential oil of Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) can be used in perfumes, cosmetics, balms, salves, and also in tropical applications. ^[3] Essential oil of lavender has property to kill germs and reduces redness and soreness. ^{[2, 3]}

Fun Fact about Lavender Oil

“In the 21st century, German herbalist Hildegarde von Bingen affirmed that lavender was good for maintaining a pure character”. ^[1]

Natural Health Benefits of Lavender Oil

Lavender has a long history of use in many different civilizations, but is most likely associated with the English for its use in many of their perfumes. ^[1] Besides its versatility in aromatherapy, certain other health promoting properties of lavender have been also revealed. Lavender is a versatile and handy herb and provides natural health benefits like it is helpful in anxiety, insomnia, depression, mood disturbances, stress, nightmare, nervous tension and migraine, headaches. ^{[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8]}
Researchers have revealed that lavender has potential to provide calming and relaxing effect to the body and beneficial for anxiety. ^{[2, 6, 7]}

A study suggests that lavender essential oil has ability to reduce pain. ^[5]

Jeanne Rose, California herbalist and author of several good books, suggests essential oils, particularly lavender oil for vaginal problems. ^[5]

Lavender oil is also useful for various other health problems like, acne & some other skin problems, respiratory problems, upper abdominal problems, lack of appetite, hay fever, insect repellent, bee and wasp sting, flu symptoms, menstrual regulation, rashes, baldness, minor cuts & burns, and sunburn. ^{[1, 4, 5, 8]}

References:

1. PJ Pierson and Mary Shipley. (2004) Aromatherapy for Everyone. Page No. 66, 67. Ridgefield, CT: Vital Health Publishing.
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavender
4. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 102. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.
5. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 21, 43, 105, 125, 296 349, 376, 443.  Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19382124
7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18957173
8. Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.) (1994) Max Wichtl Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceutical. Page No. 293. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.