Lavender
   "Lavandula Officinalis"

There are many varieties of the genus lavendula, cultivated all over the world. Lavandula officinalis is the general term to describe the genus. The most known varieties, Lavandula angustifolia or Lavendula vera, and Lavandul latifolia, by bee pollination create the hybrid lavander know as lavandin.

All of these lavenders are different "chemotypes," meaning that their natural chemistries vary in composition and, therefore, they also vary slightly in therapeutic properties. However, all have a sedating effect on the central nervous system and can be used for antiseptic and deodorant actions.

Botanical Family:

Labiatae.

Principle components:

Linalol, lavandulyl acetate, linalyl acetate, lavandulol, cineol, limonene, terpineol.

Climate of origin:

Temperate, dry. Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region.

Oil extracted from:

Herb; flowering tops.

Produced in:

A variety of climates, temperate to cold. France, Spain, Italy, England, Australia, Greece, and Russia. The best oil comes from the French alps.

Blending class:

Top note.

Characteristics:

Clear liquid by steam distillation with a powerful herbal/floral odor with mild bitter taste. An absolute is also produced by solvent extraction, which produces a thicker deep green oil with a sweeter odor. Lavender blends well with most floral, citrus, and herbal oils. Widely used in the perfume industry.

History and lore:

Lavender was first established in the Western world by the Romans, who used lavender extensively in their bathing rituals. The word lavender is derived from the Latin word lavare, meaning "to wash."

Lavender has a long standing tradition in the preparation of sachets, scenting linens, and in floral waters. In birthing and convalescent rooms, lavender flowers were burned to create an aura of cleanliness and to please deities.

Lavender is ruled by the planet Mercury and the element air.

Therapeutic properties:

Lavender is nicknamed "the universal oil" because it lends itself to so many different uses. It is wonderful as an anti-stress agent in a bath to relax body, mind, and emotion. It is a remedy for migraines, insomnia, and nervous depression.

Lavender is a strong, non-toxic antiseptic that can be applied neat on cuts and burns to prevent infection and helps to promote fast formation of scar tissue to close a wound and can be used to treat anal fistula. A mild sedative, lavender soothes skin suffering from overexposure to the sun, mosquito and spider bite relief and repellent. In childbirth, lavender is very helpful to relax mother during contractions. It is a mild sedative in an infant's massage oil to relax the neuromuscular system after birth.

Actions:

Analgesic, antiseptic, antitoxic, cicatrisant, and sedative.