Lavender

Lavender is the most popular essential oil in the world. The Egyptians used it for mummification and as a perfume. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used it to treat ailments such as insect bites, headaches, dizziness, kidney disorders, jaundice and dropsy. Roman soldiers used it as for its antiseptic qualities on war wounds. By the 19th century lavender was promoted as a virtual ‘cure-all’.

The lavender plant – lavendula Angustifolia commonly known as English Lavender, Garden Lavender, Common Lavender, True Lavender, and Narrow-Leaved Lavender  - is a perennial that produces flowers from its second year on. The oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation. The flowers of about 2.5 square metres of lavender plants are needed for a 15 ml bottle of essential lavender oil. A lot of study has been done on the benefits of Lavender Essential oil.

• Gives a feeling of well being
• helps sleep, is said to help against snoring
• Restores skin complexion and reduces acne
• Powerful antioxidants
• Improves eczema and psoriasis
• Alleviates headaches and migraine
• Balances blood sugar
• Helps the respiratory system (coughs, hay fever and asthma)

I use it for relaxation, hay fever, asthma, rashes, insect bites,  sunburn, skin blemishes. It works great in a diffuser (I so prefer this over an aroma lamp), 3 to 4 drops. Make a disinfecting room spray by adding abt 20 drops of  the essential oil in up to 100ml water and putting it in an empty spray bottle. Add the essential oil in about one tbsp of vodka to  mix it in with water. This can also be used as a linen or pillow spray. I add 10 drops to a small jar of Aloe Vera gel to help with rashes and sun burn. When I have a bad cold and my nose is blocked I put a drop on a Q-tip, or my finger and apply it inside my nose. A drop under my pillow.  I add a few drops in fractionated coconut oil to rub on achy muscles and joints or to use it for a relaxing massage.  I prefer dōTERRA to any over the counter essential oil.

Only Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade(CPTG) Lavender can be ingested, but be very careful, it is highly concentrated(never for children). Take only 1 drop in a glass of water, use it as a mouth wash, or just drink it for all of its benefits. It can also be used in cooking. Just use 1 drop to give a twist to marinades  and dressings, add a drop to cakes and cookies, and again LESS IS MORE.

In my dōTERRA web shop you can find CPTG Lavender oil, fractionated coconut oil  and a super diffuser: the Petal diffuser.

It is one of the few essential oils that can generally be applied directly to the skin undiluted by adults. For children only use it diluted (2 drops on 10ml). Pregnant women should always be extremely careful with essential oils, especially in the first trimester! Be very careful when nursing! Always test the oil on the inside of your arm to make sure you are not allergic. Avoid eyes! In case of irritation wash with fractionated coconut oil.