Lavender Oil

Lavender Oil

Lavender, the common name of the genus Lavandula, is an herb closely related to rosemary, sage, and thyme. It is a summer flowering perennial shrub with flower colors that typically range from deep purple to pale blue, and also includes some pink, green, and white varieties. Lavender has been used for edicinal, cleansing, culinary, aromatic, horticultural,decorative, and other purposes for centuries. Today, lavender is xperiencing a resurgence of popularity, with its many uses ranging from fresh and dried floral arrangements to crafts and aromatherapy. Lavender oil is a staple of the cosmetics and industrial fragrance industries.

Lavender is one of history’s most celebrated and versatile essential oils. It is steam distilled from Lavandula angustifolia, a perennial, bushy shrub with a flowery top. Historically, Greeks used lavender as a perfume. The Romans used it in their baths for washing, for its cleansing qualities, and to deter insects.

The Egyptians used lavender as an ingredient in incense and perfume. Queen Elizabeth I used it in her tea to soothe tension. The many plant constituents in lavender essential oil contribute to a vast range of usage. Today, we use lavender as a tea and to cleanse, support normal sleep, ease occasional depressed moods, soothe sun-exposed skin, and reduce stress.

Lavender oil is one of the safest essential oils and can be applied neat to the skin. The benefits of lavender essential oil are limitless, and modern research will continue to yield new and exciting uses for this amazing plant.

Benefits
1. Balances normal body functions
2. Supports normal sleep
3. Cleanses skin irritations
4. Soothes and relaxes the mind and body
5. Eases bodily tension and stress
6. Lavender has long been used to repel moths and to enhance the aroma of rooms, closets,and linens.                                                            
7. As a sedative and disinfectant, the medicinal uses of lavender are well known, and with modern trends toward herbal remedies, it is regaining popularity.
8. Those seeking a calming, relaxing influence and a break from hectic daily activities
9. Those looking for improved support for healthy skin
10. Those looking for a lift in mental acuity and concentration

Dietary: Add to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement.
Topical: Apply 2–4 drops topically to skin irritations, cuts, or as needed.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily or inhale directly for aromatherapy
Inhaling lavender essential oil soothes and relaxes the bodyand mind.

French scientist Rene Gattefosse was the first modern scientist to document lavender’s more dramatic skin applications.
In ancient Greece, Pedanius Dioscorides, a physician, pharmacologist, and botanist, extolled the many
qualities and uses of lavender.

Cautions:
Keep out of reach of children. 
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use.