I have an interesting relationship with Lavender. It’s not my favorite essential oil.
But when I’m feeling run down, like after the holidays, then it becomes my go-to essential oil. Then Lavender essential oil starts to smell really good to me.
Lavender (Latin name Lavandula angustifolia) is an aromatic “sub-shrub” that is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe. The best quality Lavender is grown and distilled at higher altitudes, with the main suppliers being France and Bulgaria. Lavender, like Rosemary, is a herb that has been around since ancient times. The early Greeks and Romans liked to use it to scent their bath water. Thru the ages, Lavender has been used for all sorts of things, like scenting bath water, lice, and flea repellent and for healing wounds.
Lavender is by far the most popular essential oil in aromatherapy. It may also be useful for:
Soothing minor burns. (A lot of people use Lavender neat or straight from the bottle. I wouldn't recommend this as your skin can become sensitized to the essential oil. Diluting is always best)
aches and pains.
sleeplessness
Feelings of stress or anxiety.
tension symtoms (like headaches)
I think that the best property of Lavender is its versatility; it has the ability to be relaxing so you can sleep or be gently stimulating so you can get on with your day.
Contraindications:
Lavender is good for most people to use as it is non-toxic and non-irritating.
I would always dilute it before topical use. Diffuse 2-3 drops of Lavender essential oil during pregnancy if you are liking the scent. (A lot of women are sensitive to smells during pregnancy so use small amounts of Lemon or Grapefruit if Lavender isn't appealing to you.)
Use caution when using Lavender essential oil topically in the 1st trimester of Pregnancy.
My Blog is for general information only & is not meant to diagnose or replace medical advice.
Essential Oils are for external use only & should always be diluted before topical use. My blog doesn't include all of the precautions or possible essential oil interactions that may occur.
References:
Battaglia Salvatore. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Davis Patricia. Aromatherapy an A-Z. New revised edition, Vermilion, an imprint of Edbury Publishing, a Random House Company, 2005
Lawless. Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, Thorsons, 2002
Tisserand, Robert, & Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone, 2014
http://roberttisserand.com/2011/07/lavender-oil-and-pregnancy/ http://www.westcoastaromatherapy.com/free-information/articles-archive/using-essential-oils-during-pregnancy/