[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
Lavender is a calming herb, best used to treat pain, inflammation, distress, agitation, and acute symptoms of daily life.
Botanical name: Lavandula augustifolia
Folk names: Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike
Family: Labriatae or Lamiaceae (mint)
Origin: Main producers of lavender now are Bulgaria and France.
Botany: Common species are
•L. angustifolia -true lavender
• L. latifolia - spike lavender
Lavandin is a hybrid species of true lavender and spike lavender. The species is larger than true lavender and ideal for large-scale cultivation and harvesting and yields twice the amount of oil as true lavender. the three main clones of lavandin in France: Abrial, Super, and Grosso.
Lavender flourishes in temperate climates, meeting lots of moisture and full sunlight to thrive.
Energetics
Lavender oil is cooling, may be used to clear heat.
Essential oils
Stream distilled from the flower tops and stalks of L. augustifolia
Here’s where I source my lavender
Aromatherapy
The 'Mother' of essential oils, because it is the most popular and versatile oil, and like a mother, accomplishes many jobs at the same time. recommended for anxiety, tension
Soothe heartache, improve sleep, anxiety and depression.
Use during meditation to aid in entering deeper states of consciousness. Lavender helps being the higher and lower chakra centers into alignment and harmony.
Therapeutic Actions
Analgesic: relieves pain
Anti-bacterial: destroys or inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anti-convulsive: arrests and controls convulsions
Anti-depressant: elevates mood
Anti-fungal: destroys or inhibits the growth of fungus
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Anti-rheumatic: alleviates rheumatism
Anti-septic: destroys and controls bacteria
Anti-spasmodic: prevents and eases spasms, relieves cramps
Anti-viral: treats and prevents the spread of viral infections
Anti-microbial: resists and destroys pathogens
Carminative: settles the digestive system and expulsion of gas
Cholagogue: increases the production and flow of stomach bile
Cicatrisant: promotes the formation of scar tissue
Cordial: invigorating and stimulating
Cytophylactic: encourages growth of skin cells
Decongestant: relieves or reduces congestion
Deodorant: destroys or inhibits odors
Diuretic: increases the secretion and expulsion of urine
Emmenagogue: stimulates the menstrual cycle
Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
Nervine: calms, strengthens and toners the nerves
Sedative: promotes calm and induces sleep
Sudorific: induces sweating
Vulnerary: heals wounds
Uses
May be used to clear heat, resolve fever, cool an overheated liver, support and stabilize the heart, calm the spirit and relieve irritability.
Skincare
Has antiseptic, antiphlogistic and cicatrisant proppropeties of lavender make it beneficial in skin preparations. All skin types. Used as an insect repellent and used to treat bug bites. Beneficial for acne, psoriasis , eczema, boils and wounds.
Heals the skin after a burn. Antiseptic, analgesic, and cytophylactic properties that help ease the pain after a burn, prevent infection and promote healing. Useful for the treatment of sunburn and heat stroke especially when combined with peppermint oil.
Musculoskeletal System
Useful for muscular aches and pains. Used for the relief of rheumatism, sciatica and arthritis.
Nervous System
Lavender is amazing for handling stress. Gives relief to symptoms of stress such as spasms, cramps, pains, nervous tension, irritability and mental distraction. Lavender is said to inhibit sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functions, useful for those with nervous system disorders. Soothing unnecessary stress
Reproductive System
Useful is soothing premenstrual tension and menstrual pain. Apply to the lower abdomen with a gentle massage for relief. popular during childbirth to reduce maternal anxiety, pain relief, and create a joyous atmosphere to welcome a child.
Respiratory System
Recommended for the treatment of colds and flu, bronchitis, throat infections and catarrhal conditions. Especially beneficial for asthma from nervous condition. It relaxes and makes breathing easier.
Psychological and Metaphysical Uses
Gender/Essence: Masculine/Yang
Planet: Mercury
Element: Air
It is said that lavender was worn around the neck of prostitutes centuries ago to both advertise their profession and attract customers.
Love, Protection, Sleep, Longevity, Purification, Happiness, Peace
Used in love spells. Be as creative as you like, there are no rules using the power of intention. Soothes and supports the Qi of the heart. Recommended for treatment of nervous tension, insomnia, palpitations and high blood pressure. Recommended in communication blockages. To soothe fear and encourage the release of deep tension. Those who feel inauthentic to their true self but are unsure of how to come into their original power and essence. Encourages emotional honesty.
Emotions addressed: Blocked communication, fear of rejection, feeling unseen or unheard, constricted, tension, emotional dishonesty, hiding, fear of self-disclosure.
Used is recommended in communication blockages. To soothe fear and encourage the release of deep tension. Those who feel inauthentic to their true self but are unsure of how to come into their original power and essence. Encourages emotional honesty.
Wish Divination: Manifest a desire by placing lavender under your pillow, or apply a lavender oil to the head and neck before bed, think about what you would like to experience in your life. For example: a softened heart to better understand pain; the perspective to give up a bad habit; compassion for someone who hurt you; a new friend to bring love and joy into your life. It is said that the dream you have that night will hold a guided message about the manifestation and deliver peace that the work is in motion.
Chemical Compounds: (constitution of an average Lavender oil)
Linalyl acetate (46.71--53.8%)
Linalool- (29.35--41.62%)
Caryophyllene (2.64--5.05%)
Terpinen-4-ol (0.03--4.16%)
Lavendulyl acetate (0.27--4.24%)
A-pinene (0.02--0.67%)
Limonene (0.02--0.68%)
1,8-cineole (0.01--0.21%)
Cis-ocimene (1.35--2.87%)
Trans-ocimene (0.8
[More on how these work coming soon!]
Safety:
Lavender is non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitising. Lavender Kashmir is recommended for child care because it is especially gentle while effective.
For Pets: Typically safe around dogs, should not be used around cats. (it’s okay to use oil applied to the face and body and use caution not to get it in your pets fur. But never diffuse essential oils into the air around cats because their respiratory system is too sensitive, and if they can’t get away and into ‘fresh air’, they will suffer. Please be aware that each species reacts differently to chemical compounds.)
Application:
• Topical- Massage, compress, bath, douche, ointment, skincare.
• Inhalation- Direct, diffuser, oil vaporizer, steam inhalation.
• Oral ingestion. Some essential oils are safe to take internally, lavender being one of them. it is beneficial to ingest in very small doses. Lavender is gentle enough to be taken orally, but caution must always be taken because it is a concentration of potent compounds. Can be mixed with honey (not water soluble) and taken during times of stress or illness.
How do you use lavender for a healthy life? Leave a comment below!
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness