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Lavender

Botanical Name: Lavandula vera

Anatomical areas: Skin, circulation, respiratory system, digestive system, genito-urinary system, immune system, nervous system.

Allopathic uses: Analgesic, anti-convulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, carminative, cholagogue, cholertic, cicatrizant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary.

Indications: Abcesses, acne, allergies, athlete’s foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellent, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sunburn, burns, wounds, lumbago, rheumatism, spasms, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, halitosis, laryngitis, throat infections, whooping coughs, abdominal cramps, colic, dypepsia, flatulence, nausea, cystitis, dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, flu, headache, hypertension, migraine, PMS, shock, fatigue, depression, insomnia., balancing for the entire body.

Holistic uses: In Chinese Medicine, cool/dry energy, cool, dispersing and relaxing benefits heat and inflammation, regulates and cools overheated liver, soothes and supports Heart Qi, releases blocked energy within Wood element to smooth flow of Qi. Received in the throat area of the body. Relates to the 5th chakra, which is aligned with healing. Encourages full expression of self, calms anxiety that results in shyness and embarrassment.

Contraindications: Non-toxic; non-irritant, non-sensitizing.

Blending: Blends well with most oils, especially citrus and florals, cedarwood, clove, clary sage, pine, geranium, labdanum, oakmoss, vetiver, patchouli.

Chemical Components: Linalyl acetate (up to 40%), linalol (40%), lavandulol, lavandulyl acetate, terpineol, cineol, limonene, ocimene, caryophyllene. Components vary according to source. High altitudes tend to produce higher ester content.

Characteristics: Colorless to pale yellow color. Fresh, herbaceous, soft, floral, bittersweet.

Extraction: Steam distillation from fresh flowering tops. Absolute and concrete also produced from solvent extraction.