Plant Information
Plant History
The colour purple is known for being a rich colour that exudes royalty; therefore, it is no surprise that Lavender and lavender essential oil was a favourite among royal families. The Lavender plant has Egyptian and Mediterranean origins. Egyptian royals and high priests used Lavender all throughout life by adding it to their cosmetics, medicines and tombs. While lavender was used cosmetically and for it’s alluring aroma, it wasn’t until 77 AD when a Greek philosopher had the first record of Lavender being used for its healing qualities. At that time it was noted that when taken internally, Lavender helped with indigestion, headaches and sore throats, while externally, it helped clean wounds, alleviate burns or other skin irritations. As time passed, the Romans used Lavender in their washing to scent both their baths and clothes as well as for its healing and antiseptic properties. Roman soldiers took Lavender in their first aid kit when heading off to war to dress wounds. WhileLavender originated in Egypt & the Mediterranean, the English played a large role in its history by cultivating some of the most fragrant Lavender in Europe and by bringing Lavender into mass markets. In the 17th century, an English herbalist deemed Lavender oil as a “cure-all” and during the plague of 1665, Lavender oil sale prices skyrocketed because it was believed to protect people from the infectious disease. During the Victorian era, Mitcham, a suburb of London, was the hub for Lavender oil production and during that time, England's Lavender products became well known world wide. Lavender production continued to grow and is being used today as a remedy for stress, insomnia, tension and congested sinuses.
Botanical Information
Lavender is one of 47 species of flowering plants that are part of the mint family. It is a perennial shrub and its flowers are a favourite amongst bees. While purple or mauve-blue lavender flowers are most commonly known, this plant can also bloom white or pink flowers. There are 3 main types of Lavender used in essential oils: Lavandula angustifolia, which is the main type that’s used in aromatherapy because of it’s potency and its sweeter scent. The second strain is Lavandin,which is a cross between Lavendula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia, this strain offers more oil production and is used to give products a Lavender scent, like laundry detergents and perfumes, but isn’t as potent as the former, and therefore shouldn’t be used for therapeutic grade essential oils. Lastly, Spike lavender, which is more herbaceous and therapeutic,therefore it is used in medicinal settings with the guidance of a certified aromatherapist.
Growing Information
Lavender is a great addition to any garden as it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. This plant can survive in a dry environment with a high ph soil. Lavender thrives best when watered occasionally, has adequate drainage and space and lots of sunlight. It is easy to maintain as it only needs to be pruned once or twice a year and once it’s established, it doesn’t need to be re-fertilized.
Parts Used To Make Lavender Essential Oil
The flowers, buds and leaves of the lavender plant can be used for various purposes. Typically, the buds are dried and used to enhance culinary dishes, teas or in a healing compress. The fresh flowers are used for decoration or to garnish dishes and the dried flowers are popular in potpourris and perfumes. The flowers can also be dried or distilled for oil extraction. The leaves are great when dried to mix into spices, such as Herb de Provence and other various seasonings or to add to a compress to relieve headaches or muscle tension.
Lavender Essential Oil Information
Extraction Method: How To Make Lavender Oil
Therapeutic essential oils are extracted either through steam distillation or cold expression. Lavender oil is extracted through straight steam distillation using a Still. The plant is hung inside an apparatus above boiling water. As the steam rises, it pulls the oil out of the plant. The steam then carries the oil along the tubing of the apparatus and into the condenser where the steam is then cooled. This causes it to re-liquify, forcing the essential oil to float on top of the water vapour, which is then siphoned off. The floral water is then used as a fragrant water in cosmetics and the oil is used for therapeutic purposes in aromatherapy.
Active Ingredients Found in Lavender Oil
The Lavender flower is the main source of Lavender oil extraction. The active ingredients found in Lavender are: 51% Linalool, and 35% Linalyl Acetate. Linalool is a terpene alcohol and it’s what gives Lavender it’s floral scent.
Lavender Oil Applications & Benefits
Calming Benefits
Lavender is widely known to create a calm, stress free environment and is linked to anxiety support. Some ways you canincorporate Lavender essential oil in your routine to create a soothing, euphoric environment is to:
- Add 1-4 drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath and mix in with water
- Add 10-12 drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser
- Mix 1 drop of lavender essential oil with 1 drop carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba oil) and rub on your temples, wrists or upper lip to inhale
- Put 1-2 drops on a handkerchief and inhale during meditation or slow breathing
- Carry a rollerball of lavender oil and inhale with slow breaths when feelings of stress or anxiety arrive
Deodorant
Lavender oil can make for a great natural deodorant because it’s anti-bacterial. Therefore, it can prevent the growth of bacteria, leaving fewer bacteria to mingle with sweat that causes unpleasant body odor. While a natural deodorant won’t stop you from sweating like commercial antiperspirants, they are safe to reapply as needed and by making your own, you can alter the proportions to your personal preference/needs (see below for recipe).
Headache Relief
Lavender oil relieves stress and tension and can be a natural remedy for headache relief. In fact, Queen Elizabeth 1 used Lavender to treat her migraines. Below are some Queen approved ways you can try it out for yourself:
- Add 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil in 3 cups of boiling water, place face 14 inches from bowl, close eyes and slowly inhale the steam.
- Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil into a cup of cold or warm water, depending on your preference, dip a facecloth in the water, wring it out and lie down, placing the wet cloth on the forehead or base of the neck.
- Add 1 drop of lavender oil per 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil (grape seed, jojoba) and apply it to your temples, hairline or the base of your neck.
Pest Banisher
Lavender has been used in repellants for a long time. It can help fight off pesky mosquitos, moths, flies and even fleas on your pets. To keep your backyard pest free you can:
- Plant lavender flowers
- Burn a lavender infused candle
- Rub lavender oil (mix 1 drop of lavender oil with 1 drop of your favourite carrier oil) on exposed areas, i.e. neck, underarms, behind ears, ankles etc.
- Diffuse lavender oil outside.
- To keep flies out of your home, simply diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil in your diffuser, or place lavender bouquets inside your house.
Insomnia Support
As previously mentioned, lavender oil can help induce feelings of calmness and can help promote deep, slow wave, sleep. The findings of an EEG scan in one study showed participants were in a more drowsy state after undergoing a lavender aromatherapy session. Ways to help insomnia with lavender oil is to:
- In a small spray bottle, add 1 ounce of witch hazel, 10 drops of lavender essential oil and mix with 3 ounces of water. Just before bed, spray on your bed linens or pajamas for a restful nights sleep.
- Diffuse 10-12 drops of lavender oil 30 minutes before bed and let it run into the night
- Apply 2-3 drops of lavender oil per ounce of carrier oil and apply to the body, especially the feet
Shopping Tips For Quality Lavender Oil
Lavender oil should be steam distilled if you want an oil that's pure and free of solvents. At National Nutrition, we carry a variety of high quality lavender oils.
