Lavender Essential Oil
There’s no essential oil more famous than lavender oil- and for good reason. With its classic aroma , this oil is considered by many to be 'the “mother of aromatherapy” for its multitude of exceptional benefits. Read on to discover the history of lavender, and how it may benefit you.
Background
Lavendula angustifolia is believed to have originated from the Mediterranean, India and the Middle East over 2,000 years ago. It grows on dry, warm, and rocky slopes and mainly blooms from May to September. . It is a shrub with green/grey leaves that can grow up to 60cm in height, and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Lavender is thought to have been originally introduced to the UK several thousands of years ago by the Romans.
The health benefits
Since ancient times, lavender has been used to reduce symptoms and provide support for many conditions. Lavender can help with:
Colds & Flu
Anxiety
Stress
Sunburn
Sleep
Using lavender oil for sleep is one of the most common uses of this versatile oil. It is so effective that many brands have produced products such as pillow mists and linen fragrances containing lavender. If you’re a troubled sleeper, a lavender oil diffuser placed near your bed could help you unwind and relax, preparing your body and mind for sleep.
Top tip: try to avoid looking at any devices, such as smartphones and TVs, at least an hour before bed as this supresses the sleep hormone melatonin.
Skin Concerns
Lavender oil is considered one of the safest essential oils (when diluted with a carrier oil!) and can be used on most skin types. It contains antiseptic and anti-microbial properties, ideal for skin concerns such as acne, eczema, burns, wounds and cellulite. Lavender oil can also be used in a steam facial. Just be careful not to burn the face.
Anxiety
Many people use lavender oil to calm fraught emotions and bring a sense of calm to themselves especially after a stressful day. Studies have shown that lavender can affect the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the bodily processes associated with anxiety such as heart rate.
Please note that All SOiL essential oils are intended for external use only. Unless otherwise advised by a medical practitioner. Do not use undiluted on skin. Do not apply to broken or irritated skin. If sensitivity occurs discontinue use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or under medical supervision seek professional advice before use. Please keep out of reach of children.
SOiL advocates the responsible use of essential oils. We grow and source the finest quality essential oils from around the world to supply you with pure, potent plant extracts for aromatic and therapeutic applications. Essential oils are many times stronger than the plants they are derived from and are far more concentrated than the herbal tincture extracted from the same plant.
Accordingly, we recommend that you avoid oral use/ingesting pure essential oils without seeking professional advice beforehand. The issue is not the quality of the essential oils you take orally – there is no such thing as a ‘therapeutic grade’ of essential oil nor is one brand of essential oils safe to ingest over another brand. The issue is safety and even though essential oils are 100% natural, plant-derived extracts, they are botanical medicines which have the potential to cause harmful side effects when taken orally. Essential oils should only be prescribed for oral use in a clinical setting, by a suitably qualified practitioner.
There are many methods of obtaining the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of essential oils, namely; inhalation, massage, skincare preparations, bath and compress. If you require individual advice on oral use/ingestion or in relation to a specific medical condition, we recommend you consult a qualified practitioner, as described above.