Latin Name
Family

Lavendula Officinalis
Labiatae (Lamiaceae)

Origin

Distilled from lavandula vera which is native to alpine slopes of the Mediterranean. Nowadays it is obtained from wild plants in France and cultivated in England and Tasmania. Flowers, leaves and stems of lavender are covered with tiny star-shaped hairs and the oil glands are inside these.

Middle Note

Middle

Contra-Indications

Avoid in early stages of pregnancy. May have dull and drowsy effect when blood pressure is low

Physiological Uses

• Skin - these are based on lavender's ability to regenerate the cells of the skin quickly. Burns, bruises, stretch marks, sunburn, psoriasis, eczema, insect bites, boils and inflammation
• Head - headaches (cerebrohypo tenser).
• General tonic
• Anti-spasmodic and analgesic
• Antiseptic
• Anti-inflammatory
• De-congestant

Emotional Uses

Gentle sedative. Helps all symptoms arising from nervous disposition.
Helps insomnia. Harmonises emotions.

Points of Interest

Often acts best in conjuction with other oils e.g. lavender and eucalyptus (sore throats)
Most versatile and softest of all oils. Can be used neat in small doses.
Research recently reported in several newspapers noted its success with insomnia in the elderly

Blends well with

Bergamot, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lemon, Mandarin, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli Pine, Rosemary.