Essential oils have been used for centuries to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness. One of the most familiar of these oils is lavender oil. Although many different varieties of lavender oil exist, each type has a broad ranges of benefits. Some families prefer preventative and natural treatments, and turn to essential oils, which have fewer side effects and are seen as a safe alternative to traditional medicine. Lavender oil is a versatile and affordable oil that can help treat a broad spectrum of ailments.
Types
The main types of lavender oils are lavender sweet (Lavandin), a flowering plant, which is a hybrid of the true lavender and spike lavender. Lavender abrial (Lavandin), which is also as a flowering plant, has similar properties to lavender sweet with a more earthy and natural fragrance. Lavender extra has a less sweet aroma and smells more "herby." Lavender highland is the most versatile in all essential oils in relation to benefits and treatment options for health and well-being. Lavender Mailette has a sweet and deep fragrance, and is used primarily for perfumes and scenting. Lavandin Grosso is named after its cultivation master who first harvested the lavender in the 1930s, and is used mainly for muscle soreness and strains. Lavandin Reydovan is thought of as one of the finest hybrids to the lavender sweet and is similar in the chemical composition, making it just as beneficial and versatile in use. Lavender spike comes from a larger plant with an earthly and herblike scent, offering effective treatment in cold and flu relief. Lavender Stoechas has a dry and exhilarating aroma; this particular lavender is used primarily to treat sinusitis and relieve congestion.
Geography
Lavender highland, the most popular and versatile lavender oil, is harvested only in the high mountain regions of Provence, France. The altitude, air and soil quality create the ideal landscape for superior lavender for essential oils. This flowering plant, along with its many hybrids, thrive throughout southern Europe, Australia and throughout the United States in regions of Washington, Oregon and even Maui, Hawaii. Clean, cool air combined with sunny skies, and stony earth create an ideal environment to sustain the lavender plant.
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Harvesting
When the heads of the lavender turn from gray to vivid purple, it's time to harvest them. It is best to cut the heads early in the morning just after the dew has dried. After the plant is cut, it will keep itself cool through the oils within.
It takes many acres of lavender plants to produce one ton of oil. Due to the cost and high demand for this oil, the hybrid oils that are more tolerant of various climates, larger in size, and not as expensive or time consuming as the original, small Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender), allow for mass production and cultivation in areas across the globe. The original English lavender oil, although more difficult to cultivate and harvest, is the ideal species used for medicinal purposes, but not used as often for the fragrance and crafting industries.
Warning
Lavender oil is a supplement to a healthy lifestyle that might offer slight relief to superficial ailments. You should never drink or eat lavender oil. If you are looking to incorporate lavender oil into your daily health care regimen, use its versatility in stress management through aromatherapy, in a small space, such as your bedroom or bathroom. You can also use lavender oil for skin care, but only with a quality antibacterial soap and a quality moisturizer. You may be allergic to lavender oil, so do small skin test to prevent a large-scale reaction. Place a small drop of lavender oil on the inside skin of your wrist, as this is delicate skin and will immediately show an allergic reaction.
Benefits
Lavender's floral, gentle, sweet aroma offers calming and balancing properties to ease stress and aid in sleep quality. As an antiviral and antibacterial agent, it is used in many treatments for skin health when applied to burns, cuts, abrasions or blemishes. Lavender oil is gentle enough that there is no need to dilute the oil before applying it directly to the skin. When using lavender oil to treat colds or flu, diffuse and inhale the fragrance to ease these symptoms naturally. You can dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, and apply it directly to soothe muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, headaches or sunburns. Lavender oil can help increase circulation of the blood, help with urinary function, as well as intestinal functions.
References
- "Singles Therapeutic Essential Oil Guide;" Dr. Malte Hozzel; 2006
- Organic Facts: Organic Oils
- Mountain Valley Growers: Lavender Types
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