Lavender


Botanical Name: - Lavendula augustifolia
- Lavendula officinalis
- Lavendula vera
Origins Lavender comes from the Roman word "lavare" meaning to wash. It was one of most favored aromatics used by the Romans in their daily bathing rituals. Both the Greeks and Romans burned lavender twigs as a room purifier to ward off the plague. It was brought to Europe by the Romans.
Description A shrubby plant with woody branches and long narrow leaves, it has purple-blue flowers on long spikes. After cutting, the plants are dried and steam-distilled. The essential oil is clear to pale yellow in colour with a strong aroma.
Therapeutic effects Its sedative and tonic effects make lavender a great balancer of the nervous and emotional systems. Excellent for migraine. As an antiseptic it can be used for many skin conditions and infections of the lungs, digestion and urinary tract. Extraordinarily versatile.
Uses Inhalation, baths, room spray, massage and most other uses. Use as a cold compress or place a few drops in boiling water and inhale for headaches and migraine. A warm towel wrap will soothe nervous exhaustion. A late-night lavender bath will help combat sleeplessness.
Blending note Blends well with basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, cypress, fennel, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, orange, parsley, patchouli, pine, rose, rosemary, sage, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, ylang ylang, peppermint.
Cautionary note - None. It is extremely safe to use for everyone, but in the case of woman who has a history of miscarriage should be avoided in the first three mounts of pregnancy.
* This image is 'eye candy' it does not represent the actual plant.