Lavender essential oil : properties, benefits, where to buy it and how to use it for skin, hair care or for internal use.
Lavandula angustifolia or latifolia
It is generally extracted from true lavender, botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis (officinal lavender), although that extracted from the Lavandula latifolia species is widespread.
The differences? The essential oil produced by Lavandula latifolia is appreciated for its high concentration of eucalyptol and linalool. On the other hand, the essential oil of true lavender (lavandula angustifolia) is appreciated for its high content of linalyl acetate which is nothing but an ester of linalool. Linalyl acetate is often used to make essential oils more valuable. True lavender essential oil is richer in terpene but lower in camphor.
Lavender essential oil
The essential oil of lavender is one of the essential oils most common and also the most delicate, but even so, it is always necessary to dilute any essential oil in a carrier oil or carrier oil (any vegetable oil is fine, even the extra virgin olive oil olive oil or sweet almond oil). The reason? Essential oils, including lavender, are highly concentrated, rich in active ingredients which, if not diluted, can cause side effects.
Furthermore, we always advise you to use a few drops diluted in vegetable oil on the inner crease of the elbow (very delicate area) in order to observe any skin reactions before applying it on the skin of the face, hair or body.
Lavender essential oil, benefits
In aromatherapy, lavender essential oil is considered a real cure-all: it relaxes the muscles, relaxes, calms the spirit, facilitates sleep and also has antibacterial properties to aid digestion.
To aid digestion, lavender essential oil is used for internal use. It is mainly used for stomach pain related to difficult digestion, how to use it? By diluting 3 drops in a tablespoon of olive oil. For children, this remedy is used for external use, in case of abdominal pain and stomach pain. How to use it? With your fingers lubricate with this lotion and massage the baby’s tummy. This is just one of the many uses of lavender essential oil!
Lavender essential oil, properties
The essential oil of lavender can boast multiple properties : for internal use is a soothing, useful for insomnia, anxiety, stress and headaches. Among its applications, we see that it is used as a healing agent for sores, burns and to speed up the healing process from an insect bite. In natural cosmetics, this essential oil is appreciated for its purifying effect on the skin, it acts effectively against acne and dermatosis.
When used on the skin, this essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil that can increase its absorption capacity. Which? Sweet almond oil! Sweet almond oil acts as an excellent carrier oil: it increases the absorption of the active ingredients of lavender and, at the same time, moisturizes and softens the skin (natural emollient).
How to use lavender essential oil
Those who are wondering about the uses of lavender essential oil can count on a multitude of preparations. You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the detergent mixture so as to obtain a naturally fragrant laundry. Other uses of lavender essential oil are listed below.
Lavender essential oil for skin care
To eliminate pimples, boils, relieve insect bites and burns, we advise you to put 3 drops of this essential oil on a cotton ball already impregnated with vegetable oil (e.g. almond oil or olive oil …) to apply directly to the area interested. Leave for 5 – 10 minutes.
Lavender essential oil for headache
A natural remedy to prevent migraines is to add 2 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil to a small glass (50 ml) of water.
By increasing the quantities, the same natural remedy can become for external use. This time you need 6 drops of one of lavender and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil, to be diluted in 50ml of carrier oil. Rub your temples with a circular massage using this compound. Chronic headache sufferers can do this 2 or 3 times a day.
Lavender essential oil as a calming agent:
natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia
The essential oil of lavender is considered a calming mild natural. Add 2 drops of essential oil to your pillow to help you relax and prepare for sleep. Against anxiety, place a few drops of essential oil on a handkerchief to inhale during the day.
For internal use, lavender oil performs a rebalancing function of the central nervous system, being at the same time tonic and sedative. Calm anxiety, agitation and nervousness. It also calms the headache but not if it is caused by postural problems.
Lavender essential oil , natural remedy for otitis
Add to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil and 2 drops of tea tree. Rub and massage gently around the ears.
Lavender essential oil, remedy for colds
In this context it is necessary to use the one of Lavanula latifolia. Thanks to the active ingredient 1,8-cineole it is very useful for fighting colds: it has a strong decongestant and mucolytic action. This essence is perfect for the treatment of oily cough (for dry cough it is recommended to use it in combination with thyme essential oil), sinusitis and colds.
Lavender essential oil, where to buy it
Where to buy lavender essential oil for internal or external use?
In herbal medicine or taking advantage of online shopping. The only condition: focus on quality especially if it is a food grade essential oil (for oral use).
The active ingredients of essential oils are preserved only if the production process is followed with extreme care so as to respect the characteristics of each plant. For these reasons, we invite you to buy (online or in trusted shops) only essential oils of proven quality.
