Lavender

Botanical name:

Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis

Origin:

Albania, Bulgaria, England, Kashmir, South Africa, France, Spain, Greece

Method of extraction:

Steam or hydro distillation

Color:

Pale yellow to clear

Viscosity:

Thin

Extracted from:

Leaves or flowers or buds

Note clarification:

Top and middle

Aroma:

Floral but sometimes has a hint of camphor. Earthy and fresh

Blends well with:

Bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, pine needle, geranium, helichrysum patchouli, lemon, neroli, rose absolute, sandalwood vetiver, all citrus, and floral oils

Therapeutic uses:

It’s often used in deodorants and adds an astringent healing quality to topical treatments. It is calming which is great as an anti-anxiety treatment. In household cleaners, it adds anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic properties. It can be used in topical ointments to treat bruises, insect bites, burns, minor cuts and scrapes, and sunburn. It adds an anti-inflammatory element to skincare products.

Safety:

It is not recommended for pre-pubescent boys. Recent studies indicate that essential oils such as lavender and tea tree may disrupt normal hormonal functions in pre-pubescent boys which could result in a condition called male gynecomastia.

Not recommended for at least 2 weeks prior to any surgery or anesthesia. It may act as a blood thinner which will impair wound healing. It may also interact with medication given before and after surgery.

Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you overuse lavender, it can act as a stimulant

Approximate shelf life:

(Undiluted)

5 - 6 years (refrigerated)

Disclaimer:

Do not use any essential oils or essential oil blends if you have any underlying health conditions. Some oils are not safe for children, pregnant women, or pets. Always check with your doctor or certified aromatherapist, if you are unsure about the benefits or contra-indicators of a recipe or its ingredients. ‘A Scented Story’ is solely my platform to share my experiences with essential oils and other natural products. I do not prescribe any treatments.