Lavender oil is the most known scent throughout the aromatic world, and regarded as the most versatile essence in aromatherapy. Although its applications are numerous, its most beneficial use is in the treatment of burns where it has been shown to be highly and immediately effective. It has also been secondarily employed to reduce the discomfort from tension headaches, although it is generally not effective for migraines.
Some experts say that lavender oil is a necessity because our ancestors used it for almost everything thousands of years ago. Lavender is part of our genetic makeup, which is not a far-fetched statement when the chemical compounds in lavender are examined. Lavender contains essential esters, ketones, aldehydes, sesquiterpene alcohols, monoterpene alcohols, phenols, and terpenes hydrocarbons that have a number of influential properties.
Those properties give lavender antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties along with antibacterial and therapeutic properties. So a spa treatment is more than just a muscle relaxing exercise when lavender is used; it is a total mind-body healing experience. The aroma has an impact on the emotions, and the chemicals in the oil can help relieve symptoms of several health issues like acne, anxiety, stress, and mild depression.
Is Lavender Oil a New Age Wonder?
The history of lavender oil is quite a tale… In order to achieve new age wonder status in this 21st century world certain criteria must be achieved. The first achievement is withstanding the test of time. We base our future on our past, and if the past reeks of failures then wonder status is not warranted. Lavender oil does qualify because it meets the history requirement since it has been used for well over 5,000 years, and positive results have been documented for over 2,500 years.
Lavender comes from a class of flowering plants in the mint family. Lavender has been cultivated around the world for decades. That’s why lavender is often called French, Bulgarian, Tasmania Kashmir and Province lavender as well as other names that identify its origin.
The next prerequisite for becoming a new age wonder oil is the content or chemical make up. The chemical compounds of lavender oil certainly qualify since they contain terpene hydrocarbons, along with ketones, aldehydes, esters, sesquiterpene alcohols, monoterpene alcohols, and phenols, which produce a number of amazing properties that include sedative, anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and other therapeutic properties.
The uses for new age wonder oils must also be verified in order for any oil to be crowned a natural wonder. Lavender oil certainly has mastered most tasks in terms of alleviating symptoms, especially in clinical aromatherapy treatments. Lavender oil massages, and vapor inhalation session produce incredible results. Muscle aches, depression, anxiety, acne, allergies, colic and an assortment of other maladies are relieved when lavender oil is combined with other oils in clinical aromatherapy sessions.
The genesis of any great essential oil can be traced back to those ancient years when spas ruled. Spas were considered essential houses that could relax the body and the mind and refresh the senses. Lavender was one of the primary oils used by spas in those early years and the positive results of a daily lavender oil regime have been written about in every ancient language.
Lavender spa treatments in this new age are always highly preferred, and most of them would not produce the great benefits without the precious oil. In terms of essential oils, history does repeat itself.
Let’s not forget folklore… Folk medicine also plays a role in naming an essential oil a new age wonder. We live by the myths we create. At times, these half truths, half fiction tales become real, and then become whole truths so our folklore plays a very important role in our belief system. Lavender oil has a lot of folklore attached to it. Almost every century has a tale about how lavender helped relieve some human dis-ease. Even stories about the Great Plague during the 17th century are filled with lavender accolades. The 20th century is filled with lavender oil folk medicine as well and these stories are fresh in our new age mentality.
Lavender is worthy of the title new age wonder oil. It has the ingredients to help us move forward in this new millennium, and it may even show us that it has what it takes to treat many of our biggest health fears.
Lavender Oil In Clinical Aromatherapy
Since lavender oil has such a long track record of relieving an assortment of health issues it plays a very important role in clinical aromatherapy. A lavender oil massage can relieve anxiety, and a few drops in a hot bath are certainly a catalyst for relaxation. When the vapor of lavender oil is inhaled, a number of ingredients are dispersed into the bloodstream and they interact with the cells in the body.
When lavender oil molecules enter the lungs, they immediately cause a chemical reaction although that cellular marriage may take a little time to manifest. Asthma, allergies, acne, itching, and flatulence seem to gradually abate as the body makes the chemical fix. Hormone secretion as well as the metabolism rate changes when lavender oil is present in the bloodstream.
But the clinical effects of lavender oil don’t stop there. Burns, bruises, chicken pox, and colic as well as cuts heal quicker, and if depression is disrupting daily life lavender oil can uplift the spirits and sooth the mind. A lavender oil facial can make a radical difference in the body and mind when the face needs some tender looking care.
Lavender does need to be diluted with sweet almond, grape seed, or apricot kernel oil so it can be applied and absorbed into the skin. The almost fruity as well as floral scent of the oil are undeniable, which makes lavender a superstar in clinical aromatherapy.
Lavender Oil Information
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an evergreen shrub with pale green leaves and violet flowers. The oil is steam distilled from fresh flowering tops and contains over 100 constituents that vary according to its geographical origins. It is indigenous to the Mediterranean but has been cultivated all over the world with a majority of the production coming from France. Throughout history it has been a favorite for use in bathing where it derives its name from the Latin lavare meaning “to wash.”
Where to Buy Lavender Oil?
Lavender essential oil should always be purchased from a trusted and well-known supplier of high quality therapeutic-grade oils that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Quality lavender oil prices can vary greatly, however prices usually start at $12 to $16 per 15 ml or so and if you find it for a lot less, then chances are you are not getting the real or pure oil.
If you want a pure, undiluted, true, therapeutic-grade lavender oil, we recommend trying this Lavender Essential Oil.
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Note: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to assess, diagnose, or prescribe for any medical condition. Always seek the counsel of a qualified holistic health care practitioner for concerns.