Lavender

Lavender essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the plant’s flowers. It has a characteristic gentle, floral aroma. It is composed mostly of alcohols and esters (linalool and linalyl acetate).

Lavender essential oil has a wide range of applications. With topical application, it has mild analgesic effects. It is also a good anti-spasmodic due to its anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) effects. The oil is an excellent antibacterial and disinfectant. It is also a good intestinal tonic which increases peristalsis. One of its most impressive attributes is its extraordinary wound-healing ability, especially in cases of skin burns; as such, it is recommended to keep a bottle of it in your home or office first aid kit.

Lavender essential oil has noteworthy hypotensive properties: it induces vasodilation and a decrease in arterial pressure. It is important to note that Lavender has marked effects upon the nervous system: at appropriate doses it is calmative, sedative, anticonvulsive and anxiolytic. However, even though the oil is versatile and generally well tolerated, it is important to remember that at very high doses (internal use), the effects can be reversed: it becomes a stimulant, cardiotonic and potentially convulsant.

Lavender essential oil is recommended for a wide variety of afflictions: wounds, burns, infections, parasitosis, digestive problems, hypertension, cardiac problems, nervous system problems, anxiety, depression, and others.

At a more subtle level, Lavender essential oil has an effect on the solar plexus. It has the property of calming agitation related to interpersonal relationships, anxiety and anger. Lavender helps us to calm the mind and soften the emotions. It is very useful for balancing us and being more centered while confronting life’s daily troubles.