Lavender Oil (L x angustifolia)

Lavender Angustifolia - Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

L x Angustifolia is the purest and most potent of the different types of lavender oils.  The lavender oil on sale here was grown and distilled at Takamatua Valley Lavender Farms, Akaroa, New Zealand whilst it was still a working lavender farm. 

Lavender oil has a calming affect on humans and animals.  Particularly good for use in travelling animals, during thunder storms, or during periods of shifting homes.  Several ways Lavender Oil can be used with animals is to put one drop on the bridge of their nose, put a couple of drops on a bandana and tie it around the animal's neck.  Or if transporting in a crate, apply a few drops to a blanket put in the crate.  For very hyper animals, use up to 10 drops.  A word of caution, it is strong and will last a good long while, so do not apply too many drops.  Some have found this particular lavender oil to be more affective than D.A.P. for calming and transporting animals -and a LOT less expensive !!

Lavender Facts

One of the most popular essential oils and shown to be used in healing since records dating back to 4,500 BC.  Over the centuries it has been utilized as medicine and a means of controlling emotions.  In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates was aware of its anti-bacterial properties, although it was not until 1887 that the first recorded laboratory tests were able to prove this.  The Romans revered it for its antiseptic qualities, using it for bathing and for cleansing wounds, and the name "lavender" is thought to be derived from the Latin "lavare" meaning "to wash".

In mediaeval times, Avicenna recognized the link between mental and emotional stress, and low immunity and vitality and recommended aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and improve health.

SOOTHING    CALMING    BALANCING    HEALING

Benefits

Essential oil of lavender has so many applications that, if you only ever buy one variety of oil, this should be the one!  It is also one of, if not the safest and, unlike most other oils, can be used neat on the skin.

Apart from its physical soothing properties, it also calms and balances the mind.  It is particularly useful for burns (apply neat), including sunburn and for insomnia.  The evidence for both these applications is well documented.  It is excellent for the respiratory tract - It was thought by the French to prevent TB - and for headaches and neuralgia.  Because of its healing properties, many skin problems including eczema and dermatitis are alleviated.

Applications

Baths:  5 - 8 drops in the bath, 2 drops for children.  A lavender bath is deeply relaxing, mildly antiseptic and helps when you a cold.

Inhalation:  5 - 10 drops of lavender oil added to a bowl of hot water.  Place a towel over the head and bowl and inhale.  For colds, headaches, sinus, catarrh and mental fatigue.  To help clear skin blemishes and acne.

Massage Oil:  5 drops of lavender oil to 10 mls of carrier oil such as almond, grape seed or apricot kernel oil.  Promotes circulation, aids the release of toxins and provides a sense of warmth and well-being.

Compresses:  3 - 6 drops of lavender oil added to a bowl of water. l Soak a cloth in this, lightly squeeze out and apply to the area.  Press and hold in place.  Repeat 2 or 3 times.  Hot or cold water can be used.  For inflammation or heat, use a cold compress; for dull aches, a warm one.  For specific complaints such as bruising, swelling, sprains, stomach or menstrual pains, varicose veins or headaches.

Footbaths:  Add 6 drops of lavender oil to a basin of warm water just before immersing the feet.  Soak for 10 minutes.  An especially beneficial method for headaches, migraines, colds and flu, and for poor circulation.

Burner:  Fill the top of a burner with warm water; add 6 - 8 drops of lavender oil.  Light the candle at the base to heat the water and release the healing vapors.  Lavender blends well with other oils.  As well as scenting the air, vaporisation can lift a depressed Spirit, relax and motivate you, help enhance memory and concentration.  Also excellent for keeping infections at bay, owing to its powerful antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities.

Direction Application:  Dab lavender oil directly onto the affected area.  Lavender essential oil is one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin.  For superficial burns, or scalds, for migraine and headaches, insect bites and acne.

Lavender Facts was written by Liz Thearle, previous owner of the Lavender Farm at Takamatua Valley.  Use by permiision.

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