Lavender Essential Oil

Of all the essential oils out there, I would say lavender is the most versatile. Its therapeutic properties include analgesic, antidepressant, detoxifier, antiseptic, bactericidal, fungicidal, decongestant, insect repellant, sedative, and hypotensive. Every household should have a bottle of lavender essential oil. It can be found under the names of lavandula officinalis and lavandula augustifolia and is produced from a few species of lavender plants via steam distillation. It has both a herbal and floral smell.

René-Maurice Gattefossé was working as a chemist at his family's perfume company when he burned his hand in a laboratory accident. He treated it with lavender essential oil, which led him to research essential oils in greater depth. He eventually gave us the term "aromatherapy". In WWII, Dr. Jean Valnet also used lavender essential oil to treat the burns and other injuries of French soldiers.

Lavender essential oil is helpful in bringing the body and/or mind to a state of balance. When combined with other essential oils, it increases the action of those oils as well as being enhanced itself.

It is valuable in treating colds, coughs, catarrh, sinusitis, and flu. The most effective method for treating those conditions is steam inhalation. It will soothe, decongest, attack bacteria, and aid sleep. When massaged into the temples, it can help relieve headaches as well.

In a massage oil or bath, lavender helps relieve the pain of rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, and in muscles. It also aids in lowering blood pressure.

Lavender is one of three essential oils that powerfully stimulate the growth of healthy new cells, promoting rapid healing and reducing scarring. It is one of the most valuable oils for treating acne because of its inhibiting action on the bacteria that causes skin infection. It also helps in treating eczema, sunburn, and athlete's foot.

As an insect repellent, lavender essential oil has been used for centuries. It has been used on clothes and other linens to protect from moths and other small pests. It helps ward off mosquitoes when worn as a perfume and helps keep fleas off of animals.

When feeling depressed or anxious, a few drops of lavender added to a bath can be very soothing. A drop of it on a pillowcase can help with insomnia. Also, a drop on the pajamas of a cranky, tired child can help soothe them to sleep.