Lavender Oil

Lavandula Angustifolia

 

Called the first aid kit in a bottle, it truly is an ESSENTIAL oil for everyone.

It has been used for perfume and healing for thousands of years.

Only a few essential oils are safe to use in small doses NEAT on the skin, the most useful and versatile being Lavender.  Lavender oil contains very complex natural constituents, which primarily balance or normalise the body and mind, hence its use on a wide variety of conditions.

 Its beneficial healing properties can be used for the following:

• All types of skin conditions

• Stress

• Nervous tension

• Nausea

• Shock

• Hysteria

• Exhaustion

• Insomnia

• Asthma

• Headaches

• Period pain

• Depression

• Rheumatic and arthritic pain

HOW TO USE

Apply it neat to minor injuries, bites, stings, scratches, rashes, itches, sprains, strains, acne. 

Lavender is particularly effective (after cold water treatment) on burns and scalds.  It promotes rapid healing, encouraging the growth of new skin cells, prevents infection and helps to prevent scarring.

•       Bathing

Run a bath, add 2 to 8 drops (1 or 2 drops for young children) of lavender oil and gently agitate the water to disperse the oil.  Keep the door closed to capture the aroma and relax in the bath for at least 10 minutes.  To maximise the therapeutic benefit, do not add any bubble bath or baby oil to the water.  A lavender bath at night will soothe away the day's stress, encouraging a peaceful nights sleep – or put one drop of neat lavender on your pillow.

 

•       Foot Bath

One of the simplest and most enjoyable forms of therapy is to add 2 to 6 drops to a bowl of warm water and soak the feet for at least 10 minutes.

 

•       Inhalation

For all respiratory conditions, add 2 to 4 drops to a bowl of very hot water, cover the head with a towel, lean over the bowl and breathe in the aromatic vapour for a few minutes.  Alternatively, add 1 drop to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale as required.  If using a burner or vaporiser, follow manufacturers instructions.

•       Massage

Massage a few drops neat into the temples to alleviate headaches, or use a cold compress by soaking a small towel in cold water to which you have first added 2 to 4 drops of lavender oil.  Place the towel on the forehead or back of neck.  For a massage blend, add no more than 1 to 5 drops of lavender in a small dish to 5mls (1 teaspoon) of cold pressed vegetable oil, blend with your finger and apply to the body with firm, smooth strokes.

 

•       Around the House

To create a relaxing mood around the house whilst removing air borne pollutants, simply add a few drops of lavender to the water in an atomiser spray gun and spray into the atmosphere.

 

•       Insect Repellent

Lavender is a skin-kind repellent for biting insects such as mosquitoes & midges.  When on holiday in warmer climates or out in the garden, apply a few drops of neat lavender to your legs, arms and neck.  Or carry a refreshing spritz spray with you (in spray bottle add 10 drops of Lavender to 50 mls of water – shake & spray) and apply regularly – this makes an excellent cooling treatment for sunburn.  Do not use in carrier oil as this attracts insects.

 

•        In the Garden 

Keep greenfly & whitefly at bay by regularly spraying roses, house plants or any other plants except those in the lavender family. 

 

 

PRECAUTIONS

 

Essential oils are for external use only.

Always carry out a skin patch test.

Do not use during the first five months of pregnancy (due to its balancing action on menstruation).

Do not use near the eyes or mucus membranes.

Do not place on polished, painted or plastic surfaces.

Keep cap tightly closed when not in use.

Keep out of the reach of children.

If swallowed do not induce vomiting.  Seek urgent medical attention.

If oils come into contact with the eyes, bathe eyes in clean warm water and consult GP if stinging persists.