Lavender oil

Technical Data Sheets :

Botanical Name: Lavender angustifolia/lavender officianalis

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distilled

Parts Used: Leaves and flowers/buds

Note Classification: Top/Middle

Aroma: floral, fresh, sweet, herbaceous, fruity. It can be slightly camphorous.

Largest Producing Countries: The world 3/4th production of lavender oil is done by France and Bulgaria together. But France lost a major percentage of production due to deadly bacteria between the years 2005 to 2010.

Traditional Use: Lavender oil has been used as a perfume to a antimicrobial agent from time immemorial. It was always considered as an authoritative and potent herb and people still use it as a household component.  Greek environmentalists had found out the medicinal quality of this oil in the first century AD. Greeks and Romans used it as a major ingredient in their herbal bath. It was considered as herb of love and was used as an aphrodisiac.  It has insecticidal properties and people used to sprinkle lavender mixed with water on the floors of castle and sickrooms to prevent infection from being spread to other people. Roman believed that a deadly viper called asp stayed in the lavender bushes which increased the price of lavender.

Properties: Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy and is also used as a major ingredient in the manufacture of perfumes. The effect of the lavender oil has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind of the people. It is also an ideal medicine for headaches related to stress and also relieves you of respiratory infection when used as a vaporizer.  It is a good antiseptic and pain reliever. It is used for the treatment of sunstroke and sunburn. It provides relief for joint and muscular pains. It is also an antidepressant, analgesic, cicatrizant, expectorant, nervine and vulnerary. It is considered as the best essence for the relief of anxiety and stress.

Blends Well With: Lavender oil blends well with black pepper, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, clove, geranium, eucalyptus, juniper, grapefruit, lemongrass, lemon, marjoram, mandarin, oakmoss, patchouli, palmarosa, pine, peppermint, rose, rosemary, ravensara, tea tree, vetiver and thyme.

Of Interest: Greeks and Romans believed that the aroma of lavender is soothing enough to tame even lions and tigers. The name lavender came from the Latin word ‘Lavare’ which means “to wash”. It is one of the seven polyvalents which are capable of treating many diseases. Greeks and Romans in order to please their Gods added lavender oil to their bath water and burnt lavender incense.

Safety Data: Avoid using lavender oil during pregnancy. People having fever and who are epileptic are advised not to use lavender oil. Young boys who have not reached puberty are advised not to use this oil. This oil has hormone effects that could upset the standard hormones in a boy’s body. Breast feeding mothers are not allowed to use this oil. Do not use lavender or lavender oil two weeks before a surgery.  The combination of anaesthesia and lavender can create some problems like slowing down the central nervous system.