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 Sumptuous,
subtle, enveloping, soothing and stimulating at the same time, the scent of
lavender was highly valued by our ancestors, and we love it, and buy this scent,
captured in every possible product, including detergents. It goes without
saying that modern scent is far from its natural counterpart as the
manufacturers are merely using our need for peace and harmony, associated with
lavender scent. However, there is always a solution and we always can let this
divine fragrance into our life by opening a bottle of lavender essential oil.
Throughout
history, lavender has been known for its impress healing powers. Its use
throughout the ages as a natural antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-depressant,
sedative and de-toxifier is still relevant today to promote healing and prevent
or diminish unsightly scar from forming. Ancient Greeks used lavender oil to
treat throat infections, constipation and chest conditions. Lavender was commonly
used in Roman baths to scent the water, and it was thought to restore the skin.
Its Latin name was lavandarius, from lavanda (things to be washed), from the
verb lavare (to wash). The Greeks discovered early on that lavender if crushed
and treated correctly would release a relaxing fume when burned, this is the
basis for the lavendine, drug used for medical purposes today.
Many
medieval European herbalists used lavender water to help prevent and treat head
lice. Small bundles of dried lavender were also placed in the laundry, to make
clothes smell fresh and keep moths away. They also treated insomnia and other
sleep disorders, by placing small dried bundles inside their pillows. The aroma
was also believed to drive away bed bugs. During the height of the Plague,
glove makers at Grasse would scent their leathers with lavender oil, and this
was claimed to ward off the Plague. Lavender essential oil has great antibacterial
properties which are used to this day.
Unlike most
essential oils, lavender does not need to be diluted before using it. A few
drops on a pillow can aid the healing process, protect the skin from infection
and improve sleep. Sniffing its light, floral aroma through a cotton wool pad
helps calm frazzled nerves, decreases anxiety and calms the mind and body.
Massaging with lavender oils or adding it to a warm bath (possibly, with other
herbal oils like vegetable, olive and almond oil) helps to decrease muscle
pains caused by tension, exercise or rheumatism. Menstrual pain can be also
alleviated by gently massaging lavender over the lower abdomen, in a circular
motion. Being so gentle, it is ideal to use on children and babies, to help
prevent childhood infections and to soothe temper tantrums and upsets. Ability
to improve the overall condition of the respiratory tract is another important benefit
of lavender essential oil. Therefore, it is indispensable in inhalation
formulas to alleviate the symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, and strong
cough. It is established that in indoor environments with lavender-scented
airing people rarely catch flue, which is particularly important during flu
pandemic.
An infusion
of lavender is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. If applied to the
temples, lavender oil is said to soothe headaches. If added to a cup of boiling
water is recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink. Lavender essential
oil is also said to prevent stress, relieve anxiety and contribute to overall
improvement of central and autonomic nervous system functions. Cardiovascular diseases
can also be treated lavender essential oil. Moreover, it is established that the use of lavender
oil helps to normalize heart rate in case of arrhythmia and tachycardia, and normalize
blood pressure in people suffering from high blood pressure.
An «inhale
cocktail» containing lavender, valerian and sage essential oils is claimed to
help protect the nervous system from stress and calm the nerves, especially
during menopause. Finally, some common day uses for lavender oil in present day
society are: for scalds, minor burns (including after-sun), cuts, grazes,
inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, fainting, headaches, insomnia, migraines,
nausea, bacterial infections, acne, boils, rheumatism and arthritis.
However,
lavender essential oil can be a powerful allergen. Ingesting lavender should be
avoided during pregnancy (especially during the first trimester) and
breastfeeding. Lavender essential oil also contains active components that can
interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications and trigger side
effects.
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