Lavender (Lavandula agustifolia) from Young Living Essential Oils
Botanical Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae (mint)
Lavender plants in flower
Plant Origin: Utah, Idaho, France
Extraction Method: Steam distilled from flowering top.
Key Constituents:Linalyl acetate (24-45%)
Linalol (25%-38%)
Cis-beta-Ocimene (4-10%)
Trans-beta Ocimene (1.5 – 6%)
Terpinene-4-ol (2-6%
ORAC: 360 µTE/100g
Historical Data: The French scientist, Rene Gattfosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, lavender is one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopoeia.
Medical properties: Antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, vasodilating, relaxant, anti-inflammatory, reduces bold fat/cholesterol, combats excess sebum on skin.
USES: Respiratory infections, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, menstrual problems/PMS, skin conditions,(perinea repair, acne, eczema, psoriasis, scarring stretch marks), burns, hair loss, insomnia, nervous tension.
Fragrant Influence: Calming, relaxing, and balancing, both physically and emotionally. University researchers in Japan found that diffusing certain aromas in an office environment dramatically improved mental accuracy and concentration. Diffused lemon resulted in 54% fewer errors, jasmine 33% fewer errors, and lavender 20% fewer errors. When aromas were diffused during test taking, scores increased by as much as 50%. Has been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity.
University of Miami researchers found that inhalation of lavender oil increased beta waves in the brain, suggesting heightened relaxation. It also reduced depression and improved cognitive performance (Diego et al, 1998). A 2001 Osaka Kyoiku University study found that lavender reduced mental stress and increased alertness (Motomura et al., 2001).
APPLICATION: 1- Apply 2-4 drops on location, 2- chakras/VitaFlex points, 3- directly inhale, 4- diffuse, 5- take as dietary supplement. Apply to hands and then on location for all hard to reach or sensitive areas, never pour oils into ears and dilute or use with care on the face.
- Rub into scalp areas to relieve tension headaches (may layer with peppermint) Rub on feet to calm the body, smooth on pillow to help you sleep- it relaxes air passages and may reduce snoring. A bit on the bridge of the nose (pets too) may unclog tear ducts.
- Diffuse with a nebulizing diffuser to scent and clear the air- this has been shown to reduce respiratory issues, and provide a calming influence. Add a few drops to water and spritz to soothe sunburn, rashes, etc. May also add to a nice vegetable oil such as V-6 to soothe chapped or dry skin. Neat on scalp my ease dry flaking.
- Lavender in tea can be soothing to the nerves. Be sure to take time to smell it. On tense muscles, the vasodilating influence can ease the tension, again, layer with peppermint (anti-inflammatory) for greater effect.
Cautions: True lavender is often extended with hybrid lavender or synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate. Be sure to buy THERAPEUTIC QUALITY essential oils; the only company known to regularly test their oils at independent labs is Young Living… to order go to www.YoungLiving.org/tjohnson for further information on the oils, call Teena Johnson at 214 647-1112