Immersed in the Headiness of The ‘Aromatic Lavender’ Plant

April 19, 2017

As we head towards days of warmth and feel good, what better way to stay in flow than by growing your favourite aromatic plants.

This week’s Guest Blogger; Ursula O’Regan – Aromatherapist & Reflexologist.

With her immense knowledge of my favourite plant and oil, Ursula shares the many uses and health benefits of:

The ‘Aromatic Lavender’ Plant – reminds me of gentle warm summer days.

by Ursula O’Regan

The name Lavender is derived from the word ”Lavare” which means to wash. In the ancient world it was used in personal bathing, washing wounds and to perfume linen (the word laundry also comes from here).

It is mainly produced in France, Italy, Spain, England, Tasmania and Turkey. The essential oil is extracted by steam distillation of the fresh flowering tops.

Lavender blends with most oils but especially citrus and floral oils. One of my favourite blends is Lavender, Bergamot and Geranium creating an extremely uplifting aroma.

Known for its sedative properties, it is useful for treating insomnia, depression, headaches/migraines, reducing anxiety and emotional stress. A couple of drops on a pillow or the wrists will certainly support a goods nights sleep.

If I were to choose a single essential oil to keep in the first aid cabinet Lavender undoubtedly would be my first choice. Of all essential oils, it is the most versatile. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal to use for treating colds, coughs, sinus, flu as well as the treatment of wounds. It is one of the few essential oils we can apply neat (but with caution) when treating minor cuts and grazes insect bites and burns.

It is excellent for tired, overworked muscles, pain and spasm. As an Aromatherapist, it is the one essential oil I use in treatments for any of these conditions blended with Marjoram, Rosemary, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Chamomile.

Any of these combinations will help to treat rheumatism, arthritis and sciatica.

Ensure it is part of your holiday first aid pack. Used alone or blended with Lemongrass, it is an effective insect repellent applied to the skin. Also in a burner to discourage mosquitos. It can relieve the pain of sunburn as well as healing the skin.

Because of its low toxicity, it is considered along with German and Roman Chamomile, one of the safest oils to use with children. Always dilute the oil at 1% and dilute in a teaspoonful of carrier oil before adding to the bath.

Just one drop on their nightie or pyjamas will help fretful babies and children sleep.

Lavender is used in massage, hot/cold compresses, inhalations, baths, diffusers and burners, perfumes and cosmetics, and soaps.

It is even incorporated into the food industry (think delicious ice-cream or cakes infused with honey and lavender!)

Growing a Lavender plant perhaps near the front/back door or on a patio, allow the fragrant aroma to waft both inside and outside the house with calming and relaxing results.

The whole body can benefit from Lavender. It is an all-rounder, useful for treating many conditions as well as relaxing and balancing the body.

However, you decide to use Lavender, enjoy a truly fragrant uplifting Summer.

Ursula O’Regan