Lavender could be perhaps one of the most versatile herbs and essential oils in the world, and the therapeutic uses for it’s pure essential oil are seemingly endless. The amazing, organic Lavender plant comes in 39 different species, though only 1 is considered to be the official Lavender use for therapeutic-grade Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia – formerly called Lavandula Officinalis). The origins of the name are somewhat debated, but many sources report the word “lavender” coming from the Latin root “lavare”, meaning “to wash.” And though all of its uses are not new to mankind, we continue to discover new ways in which it is both beneficial to human health and therapeutic.
From cooking, to easing tensions, to soothing skin irritations and acne, essential, therapeutic-grade Lavender oil is the first essential oil that should be stocked in every household. Lavender oil should be therapeutic / pharmaceutical grade in order to safely use on the body or for ingesting. Most oils sold in the marketplace are labeled this way, but are actually not intended for internal use. 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade essential oils are the most effective and of the highest quality, therapeutic-grade essential organic oils and many can be safely ingested for added benefits. Also, where ever you see the word “neat” next to essential oil use, this means undiluted (not mixed with water or other dilutions).
NOTE: Lavender is also an emmenagogue (promotes menstruation) and blood flow to the pelvic area so professional care should be consulted before being used by pregnant women (and nursing women).
1- Skin irritations: Therapeutic-grade Lavender oil has been excellent in soothing and healing minor skin irritations. As long as the skin is not broken or raw, Lavender can be used to bring healing and soothing comfort to minor skin irritations.
2- Cure for Ringworm: Our 2 year old got a ringworm infection on her belly. We had lavender oil and rubbed a few drops on the infected area. Within a few days, the ringworm was completely gone. It was a great, natural therapy for a minor ringworm infection, without the fear of any man-made chemicals touching out baby’s young skin.
3- Acne treatments: because acne is often caused by skin oils and bacteria, the antiseptic properties of Lavender can be very effective at managing acne. However, it should be tested on small areas and even diluted for some skin types as it can be a little irritating for very sensitive skin types.
4- Tension / massage: Lavender oil can also be used to help relieve tension in sore and bruised muscles. It can be used effectively to bring relief and relaxation for a muscle massage.
5- Other skin blemishes: Minor rashes, dryness and other skin irritations can be effectively treated with therapeutic-grade Lavender oil.
6- Calming for acute anxiety (anxiolytic – anti-anxiety) – Anxiety can often come from unresolved fears or familiar circumstances (triggers) that cause a learned anxiety response. Over time, a person can learn to re-program the anxiety response when triggered by anxiety causing agents. Though this is not recommended for major anxiety disorders that require a medical professional, acute anxiety or panic attacks can eventually be re-programmed. By utilizing essential Lavender oil into the post-anxiety relief process and re-programming, one can create stronger, calming memories of the aromas of Lavender while learning to get out of the triggering circumstance and taking control of the situation.
7- Helping little ones prepare for bed: Many children can benefit from a calm, predictable routine at a consistent time each night. When Lavender oil is added to the regimen, it can be even more effective. Rub a few drops of oil on the soles of the little one’s feet. We have even put a few drops on our fingers and touched the under-side of their noses so they would smell it and develop a calming routine with a familiar smell. And, since the smell center of the brain is very close to the memory center, this kind of pattern can produce strong, peaceful memories for little ones as they grow older.
8- Winding down before bed as an adult or assisting with sleep disorders – Many adults suffer from sleep disturbances and sleep disorders that range from mild to severe. At many levels, lavender oils and diffusing lavender into the room can help promote calm, restful nights and actually help a person regain some life energy by gaining more restful sleep. Some have used this inside of their CPAP mask and have reported increased sleep effectiveness of up to 35% more sleep per night.
9- Soothing and cleansing common cuts – In World War I, René Gattefossé experimented on soldiers in military hospitals by using Lavender and other antiseptic essential oils with quite positive results. This same oil can be used to help heal minor cuts by safely killing germs that prevent normal healing.
10- Bringing relief to bruised areas – try gently rubbing a few drops of Lavender oil around and on sore, bruised areas to promote blood flow, healing and relief for the tenderness and pain.
11- Soothing minor burns – just as René Gattefossé accidentally discovered the anti-scarring and healing effects of Lavender on a laboratory burn, you can use a few drops on minor burns that are caused from things such as small cooking burns or burns caused by a craft iron or glue gun.
12 – Relief for insect bites – rub a few drops on bee sting areas and other insect bites to speed up the healing and bring instant relief to the burning, itching and irritations of insect bites such as mosquitoes.
13 – Insect repellant that is safe without side effects- Perhaps you have heard of all the dangers of using man-made insect repellents and the toxicity / build up of these kinds of chemicals in the world. Also, there are all kinds of home-remedy type insect repellents or oils that just don’t seem to do the trick. Lavender oil is a unique insect repellant that is safe, effective and has no side effects (except positively balancing the mood and stabilizing mental states). Before reaching for the next can of over-the-counter bug spray, try essential Lavender oil.
14 – Safely moisturizing chapped lips – Only pure therapeutic-grade Lavender oilshould be considered safe for ingesting or use on skin areas. Be sure your bottle does not say “for external use only” as it is not pure therapeutic-grade and is not worth the money spent on it. Apply as needed to areas of chapped lips in the dry winter season to relieve dry, burning, chapped lips and to promote healing and moisturizing effects.
15 – Winter chapped hands – Lavender oil can triple as a bactericide, moisturizer and reliever of pain, itching and dryness caused by dry, cold winter conditions. Try a few drops as needed and rub into the chapped ares of the fingers and hands.
16 – Eczema relief and dermatitis – Using Lavender oils alone or with other essential oils that are good for the skin can help bring relief to the dryness or the inflammation caused by eczema and dermatitis. Many children have eczema patches as well and eventually grow out of them. Using Lavender oil is safe and effective.
17 – Repelling insects and moths – place a few drops on a cotton ball for closets and linen drawers to ward off insects and moths.
18 – Fabric freshener and deodorizer – Place a few drops on cloth or laundry drier sheet to freshen laundry scent and naturally deodorize
19 – Child’s resting place – Place a few drops on your child’s stuffed animal or pillow to help comfort them at night and to build comforting memories.
20 – Romance and relaxed social settings – Diffuse the lavender oil to set the mood for a nice romantic evening or for a relaxed social event.
21- Can be used in a day spa for diffusing – Lavender is a nice oil for diffusing, cleaning the air, and bringing balance to any atmosphere. Diffusing it in a certain area of your day-spa can really bring a sense of balance and tranquility.
Jennifer schulman has loads more lavender tips here
Source: jenniferschulman.com
Love Love Lavender oil!!