Lavender
known for its aromatic scent and calming effects, Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and has a long history of use in medicine, fragrance and as an insect repellent.
Key actions:
Balancing and calming.
Benefits:
Digestion
Excellent for treating digestive conditions with a nervous origin, including indigestion, nausea and diarrhoea. It can also be used to treat colic and wind.
Circulation
Lavender has a restorative and calming effect on the heart, helping to calm high blood pressure and reduce palpitations.
Emotions
Lavender is most well known for its treatment of irritability, depression, hysteria, insomnia, nervous tension and shock.
Skin
Very useful in the treatment for wounds, ulcers and sores of all kinds. It can be used neat on wounds, insect bites and stings, dermatitis, eczema, acne, acne rosacea and psoriasis.
Environment
Makes a deodorising and antiseptic room spray for every day use and for those convalescing.
Pain
Lavender has mild analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties making it perfect when used in a massage or compress to combat headaches, shingles, muscular pains and menstrual cramps.
Urinary
When lavender is used in a bath or sitz bath the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help to treat cystitis, thrush and other genital infections.
Respiratory
The antispasmodic properties can help to ease a spasmodic cough when used as a chest rub or via steam inhalation.
Usage:
See 'Safe Use of Essential Oils' article
Bath, Massage, Diffusion, inhalation, room spray, compress or steam.
Blends well with: Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Geranium, Marjoram, Pine and Citrus oils.
Safety:
No known adverse effects, suitable for children.